Thanks heaps mate, I will give this a shot this morning and let you know how I go
no go mate, totally bricked now, not sure if something has gone a stray when I programmed it or not but it is totally dead, I havent even been able to reprogram it with the previous bios file I had so something has gone a stray with it somewhere
Yes, something in your programming method if you can’t even program back your original backup. Try again with another version of the software maybe, make sure you are getting a verify main memory/buffer and chip after writing.
Keep at it, you’ll figure out the issue, then try the BIOS I posted again once you know what’s causing the current programming problem. I always do it this way, edit “Auto” Function, uncheck first two at top (erase/blank check)
Then do those manually, erase, then blank check, then I open BIOS file and hit auto so it auto writes then verifies.
Here’s many versions of the software including latest free one 1.31/1.40
https://www.sendspace.com/file/gtcmvd
Was the original backup verified against the chip, the one you sent me?
when I say I cant reprogram it now it is simply because I can get a good connection to the chip, I was programming it on the board as there was just enough solder out the sides of it to connect to but I havent been able to do it again as some of that solder has worn away. I am going to have to try and remove the chip and put it in the programmer directly and see if that works but I dont have small enough heat gun to get it on and off
Ahh, bad connection, that may be why it bricked too w/ BIOS I sent, lost connection during the initial write. There is metal legs on the sides of the chips, you should be connection to that more than any solder anyway.
It’s almost certainly put on with lead free solder, so if using any heat gun type for initial remove you may need some “Low Melt” Solder, expensive stuff is called “Chip Quick” but you can get generic much cheaper general low melt solder on ebay
Put clip on carefully on one side, then slowly release the other side, that should help you get it on there easier.
Once you get it back, try my BIOS again but make sure you verify after write. Try to have no movement around you, and don’ touch anything while it’s writing and verifying, that way cable does not move at all.
I will join the post and ask my colleagues: how can I do a downgrade BIOS in Surface Pro 4?
Flash version you want, or use flash programmer. Are you getting error trying to flash back to older version? If yes, please upload or link the exact .exe/update package you used so I can check it all out.
I have a * .msi firmware but after installation, the BIOS is the latest version.
I currently have: Surface UEFI - Firmware 108.2318.769.0
and I’d like to have: Surface - Firmware - 108.1926.769.0
which tool/program can I do?
Please link me to the .msi package. What happens when you try to install it?
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download…s.aspx?id=49498
I tried:
SurfacePro4_Win10_15063_1802801_0.msi
Thanks, what does it tell you, error can’t flash back or already newer, something like that?
* Edit, wow 200+ MB? This is OS or something right, not BIOS/FW? I will download tonight and look can’t download now it’s too huge.
Does not display any error. Shows the installation completed successfully.
But unfortunately, nothing changes in the BIOS.
Maybe because that is OS, not BIOS FW? I will check it tonight and see. BIOS file should be much smaller, like 4-16MB (Yes, checked BIOS on page one and in post #24, it’s 16MB BIOS)
So the file you linked is not BIOS at all, maybe there is BIOS in there, I’ll have to check, but BIOS download specifically should be 4-16MB (Likely 3-5MB in a zip file)
In this * .msi file there is the file SurfaceUEFI_108.1926.769.bin, but there is no tool to upload.
I’ll check it out now! @Zenk77 Yes, I see the SurfaceUEFI_108.2219.769.bin file, that is all you needed to upload for me.
Try this, download Intel System Tools package V11 in section C2 - Intel Management Engine: Drivers, Firmware & System Tools
Then go inside Flash Programming Tool, and then put copy of the .bin file inside the win32 folder, then back out and select Win32 folder, hold shift and press right click, then choose run command prompt here.
Then run this command at the prompt
fptw.exe -bios -f SurfaceUEFI_108.2219.769.bin
If you get an error, stop, do not make further attempts, and show me image of the error where I can see command ran and error all at once
C:\Intel CSME System Tools v11 r14 (2)\Intel CSME System Tools v11 r14\Flash Programming Tool\WIN32>fptw.exe -bios -f SurfaceUEFI_108.1926.769.bin
Intel (R) Flash Programming Tool. Version: 11.8.55.3510
Copyright (c) 2007 - 2017, Intel Corporation. All rights reserved.
Reading HSFSTS register… Flash Descriptor: Valid
— Flash Devices Found —
W25Q128FV ID:0xEF4018 Size: 16384KB (131072Kb)
Error 368: Failed to disable write protection for the BIOS space.
FPT Operation Failed.
Thanks, I expected that, but didn’t expect your BIOS in the huge file to be partial BIOS only. This is not complete BIOS, I need complete BIOS for your system to be able to give you the correct variable to unlock this.
Is all “Surface Pro 4” the same? I ask because if yes I can use other BIOS from this thread to tell you the variable you need, but if there is many models under same generic name, then we cannot do anything until you find me link for your full BIOS (8-16MB most likely)
If they’re is many models under same name, please give me your full exact model name so I can try to find the full BIOS download by itself.
Do you have flash programmer? If not, you maybe should go ahead and order one now, they only cost $3 (CH341A Flash programmer) and you also need SOIC8 test clip cable ($2.50)
Why is it important for you to go back to the older BIOS?
Please run this, and send me file, thanks
fptw.exe -bios -d backup.bin
C:\Intel CSME System Tools v11 r14 (2)\Intel CSME System Tools v11 r14\Flash Programming Tool\WIN32>fptw.exe -bios -d backup.bin
Intel (R) Flash Programming Tool. Version: 11.8.55.3510
Copyright (c) 2007 - 2017, Intel Corporation. All rights reserved.
Reading HSFSTS register… Flash Descriptor: Valid
— Flash Devices Found —
W25Q128FV ID:0xEF4018 Size: 16384KB (131072Kb)
Error 316: Protected Range Registers are currently set by BIOS, preventing flash access.
Please contact the target system BIOS vendor for an option to disable Protected Range Registers.
FPT Operation Failed.
C:\Intel CSME System Tools v11 r14 (2)\Intel CSME System Tools v11 r14\Flash Programming Tool\WIN32>
I think all Surface 4 Pro devices are the same because the firmware is one for everyone.
The difference is only in the configuration: processor, ram, SSD.
I found this page, using powershell to update all/any part of the unzipped package, and the BIOS has it’s own .inf in there so I think this will work
https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/depl…to-surface-pro/
Run the power shell from the UEFI_RS5RS4RS3RS2_ folder by itself, or copy that folder out away from all the other folders and run it from there, that way it’s only finding and installing the firmware.
No FPT backup either! Can you get a backup dumped with AFU? If not, and the above powershell does not help, you’re going to have to get a programmer and cable, or remain on the BIOS you are using now.
Well, unfortunately, it failed.
Thank you very much for your help