Old computer, generally working OK, but can't recognise the 40GB hard drive that I'm trying to add. Current BIOS ID-string is 09/04/1998-i440BX-W977-2A69KG09C-00. Gigabyte i440BX-W977 motherboard, Intel chipset (but I expect you knew all that). Very nervous about choosing a BIOS upgrade from a long list, so please could you point me in the direction of one that you think you should work.

Thanks

Support Information:
Device Type: BIOS / Motherboard
Manufacturer: Award
Model: BIOS v4.51PG
Interface: Other
Operating System: Windows XP Professional
Age of Device: Not specified
FCCID:

Find it on DriverGuide (http://members.driverguide.com/index.php?action=srch&sm=b&aax=&qa6=147&qa5=1&qa7=1500&dp=3&qm0=BIOS+v4.51PG&jmd=and&fzz=d) | Find it with Google (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=Award+BIOS+%2F+Motherboard++BIOS+v4.51PG+Windows +XP+Professional+) | Research manufacturer Award (http://members.driverguide.com/index.php?action=getinfo&companyid=147)

Your motherboard is a Gigabyte GA-686BX (info that should have been included with your original request). To verify, please either look at the board or use the following software to id your motherboard:

To find make and model of pc hardware, EVEREST Home Edition is a free system diagnostics, system information program that will id most hardware onboard a mb.

http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/System-Info/Everest-Home-Edition.shtml

Alternate Everest download link: (offers 2 sites to dl program from)
http://www.softpedia.com/progDownload/EVEREST-Home-Edition-Download-16369.html

Run the program and then:

Click on Computer
Click on Summary
Right hand window (hardware) if the text is blue this is a link to the web site for that particular hardware.

If you need additional help, please post a SUMMARY report from Everest.

If you have verified your mb is a GA-686BX, then proceed with the following:

To download a new Bios (if necessary) and any other bits and pieces, go to http://www.giga-byte.com/gigabyte-web/newindex.htm

Below is the info from the site about the last two bios updates.

http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Support/Motherboard/BIOS_Model.aspx?ProductID=1453 (GA-686BX MB support page)

GA-686BX

Ver F1 bios - supports 75 GB upper HDD

and with version F2a - update cpu micro code