Possible Prescott Cpu temporary workaround

From: Greg R (webworm12_at_yes.hotmail.com)
Date: 08/27/04


Date: Thu, 26 Aug 2004 21:46:31 -0500

The problem of SP2 not installing on Prescott (Celerons) and Extreme
Edition CPUs has been identified. The problem appears to be due to the
machine's BIOS not installing a production level microcode update.

To check whether the BlOS is at the correct level, download the Intel
Processor Frequency ID utility from this page:
http://support.intel.com/support/processors/tools/frequencyid/

The microcode version is identified by this utility as "CPU Revision".
So for this CPU:

    * CPU Family = 15

    * CPU Model = 3

    * CPU Stepping = 4

The microcode revision should be at least 8 (if it is zero, then no
microcode update was installed at all):

    * CPU Revision = 8

If the microcode revision is not 8, then boot into Safe Mode. Rename
the file %windir%\system32\drivers\update.sys so that it does not
load. Apply the SP2 upgrade file and the machine should boot properly.

Frequently check the website of your motherboard manufacturer for BIOS
updates as the above is a temporary workaround and may cause
instability.

CQuirke have you tried this?

Greg R
http://www.angelfire.com/in4/computertips/



Relevant Pages

  • Re: xp sp2 download, computer wont boot up now
    ... > It hard-hangs if Prescott is insufficiently rev'd (by BIOS). ... Both might do microcode updates. ... Now can anyone report that update.sys ever changes the 'CPU revision ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.perform_maintain)
  • Re: System Error ?
    ... RAID in the BIOS setup. ... This seemed to point to drivers, ... that I tried installing PC Wizard ver. ... would do, a couple of days ago, and it apparently uninstalled the CPU ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: xp sp2 download, computer wont boot up now
    ... >> tests to see if the required microcode revision level is present. ... It hard-hangs if Prescott is insufficiently rev'd (by BIOS). ... really "needs newer CPU bugfixes". ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.perform_maintain)
  • Re: Bad CPU??
    ... the statement "Intel CPU micro loading error - Press F1 to continue" I ... is a file containing microcode patches ... A microcode patch on the older processors, ... by the BIOS, to patch design errors in the processor. ...
    (alt.comp.periphs.mainboard.asus)
  • Changing CPU
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    (rec.games.computer.ultima.dragons)