ReloadMan: Please could you tell me more about this BIOS String DMI Changer.

"Get your self a "BIOS String DMI Changer"

Is this necessary to be able to flash the bios of a time pc with a bios downloaded from Mitac?

I am having problems with a laptop with a new hard drive installed in a Time 8375 laptop. I do not have a Time reload CD. The first problem I encountered was trying to run the Windows XP Pro boot cd to install XP on the new hard drive. The cd could not continue into the setup phase and instead the screen regurgitated some strange symbols and the setup hung.

Then I tried installing the OS using another laptop, and replacing the HDD back into the Time laptop (8375). On startup, the computer proceeded to crash (Blue Screen of Death) upon getting to the Windows XP bootup progress screen. The computer then reboots and the cycle repeats forever.

I managed to capture the stop code and it goes as follows:

"A problem has been detected and windows has been shut down to prevent damage
to your computer .

If this is the first time you've seen this stop error screen,
restart your computer. If this screen appears again, follow
these stops:

Check for viruses on your computer. Remove any newly installed
hard drives or hard drive controllers. Check your hard drive
to make sure it is properly configured and terminated.
Run CHKDSK /F to check for hard drive corruption, and then
restart your computer.

Technical Information:
*** STOP: 0x0000007B (0xF7C36528, 0xC0000034, 0x00000000, 0x00000000)"


...and looking up the stop code online gives me this advice:

"The Stop 0x7B message indicates that Windows XP has lost access to the system partition or boot volume during the startup process. Installing incorrect device drivers when installing or upgrading storage adapter hardware typically causes stop 0x7B errors. Stop 0x7B errors could also indicate possible virus infection.

The second parameter is very important because it can indicate whether the 0x7B Stop message was caused by file system issues or problems with storage hardware and drivers. Values of 0xC000034 or 0xC000000E typically indicate:

* Disks or storage controllers that are failing, defective, or improperly configured.
* Storage-related drivers or programs (tape management software, for example) that are not fully compatible with Windows XP Professional."


Now I know for sure the hard drive works. Do I need to flash the bios to ensure it will accept a genuine windows xp cd and/or run windows xp without any problems?

The endless re boot on Tiny machines. I've had that on both my PC and Laptop. Yes I bought both! The PC I cured the 1st time with a Norton Ghost re-install but I think it was caused by a bad MF of Malware cos it happened again within a few months. My restore discs didn't work, Ive changed a few things and I bit the bullet and purchased 2 XP Pro OEMs. Its actually cheaper than buying a second licence from Bill G would you believe! Also with XP Pro surf with a non Administrator account and this together with a good firewall and Spycatcher (runs in background) and regular checks with Spybot and Adware keeps it clean. Don't forget your virus checker. I use Ashampoo as FSecure went tits up and I couldn't un-install the B****r.

I have a Time 8375 notebook with no back up disks, re-load CD's etc but have completely rebuilt it with Windows XP Home. The computer is actually a MITAC 8375 but branded as a Time computer. I went to the MITAC service website -
http://mtc.mitacservice.com/visitor/v_FileDown2004C.asp selected Notebook - 8375 etc and downloaded all the drivers, Chipset, Card Bus, VGA, Infrared, Modem, Sound and Synaptec Touchpad. There are other drivers (keyboard, BIOS etc also there and service manuals but as I didn't need these I didn't download them. Everything worked perfectly including the Modem which now connects to any ISP. I now have a fully functioning laptop again. Hope this helps someone.
Ken
:-)