Flash BIOS update - bootable diskette version
for IBM Aptivs 6864 systems
version P17-0040
README

This package updates the basic input/output system (BIOS) on
IBM Aptiva(R) 6864-1GZ systems.

BIOS is programming that controls low-level hardware operations,
including interactions with diskette drives, hard disk drives,
and the keyboard. The BIOS is stored on a chip. Your computer
uses flash BIOS, which can be updated through a program on a 
flash diskette so that you do not have to replace the BIOS
chip to update the BIOS. This update will take 2MB of space on
your hard disk drive (C:).

Note: Make note of any settings you have changed in the BIOS
Configuration Utility. These settings may have to be re-entered
after updating the BIOS.

Print this file so that you can refer to it during the
installation.


Downloading the update
----------------------
1. Click the file link to download the file from the Web page.
2. When prompted, select a drive and directory in which to save the
   downloaded file.


Extracting the update
---------------------
Installing this update involves creating a BIOS flash diskette and
running the flash program from the diskette. Before you begin,
have a blank 1.44 MB diskette ready.

1. Insert a blank 1.44MB floppy diskette into the diskette drive.
2. Click Start, highlight Find, then click Files and folders.
3. Type vcbios17.exe in the search box, then click Find Now. This will
   locate the vcbios17.exe file you just downloaded.
4. Double-click the icon for vcbios17.exe. The necessary files will be
   extracted to the diskette.
5. Close all open applications.


Installing the update
---------------------
1. Close all open applications.
2. Leaving the diskette inserted in the diskette drive, Shutdown and
   restart your computer. During system boot, the AUTOEXEC.BAT file
   provided among the update files will run the update sequence
   automatically. You will see two launch events. After the boot block
   has been updated, you will see the message Operation completed
   successfully. This will be followed by the operation which updates
   the BIOS core.
3. Once the BIOS core has been updated the system will automatically
   reboot, remove the bootable diskette.
4. Press the F2 key to enter the BIOS Setup program. If you see a
   Checksum Bad message, follow the directions to press the F1 key to
   enter the BIOS Setup program.
5. Once you have entered the BIOS Setup program, press the F9 key to
   reset the BIOS to its default settings.
6. If you have any custom BIOS Setup parameters, set them now.
7. Press the F10 key to save your settings and exit the BIOS Setup
   program. The system will reboot and will be ready to run your
   applications.


Flash Changes
-------------
VCBIOSxx is the flash diskette level.
NOTE: All changes carry forward. That is, if a change is added in 01,
      it is also in 02, 03 etc.

CHANGES for VCBIOSxx:
----------------------------
VCBIOS17
- Update patch file for processor 0683

- This BIOS update addresses Intel Errata G85 and E76.  This Errata 
  effects 933 MHZ / 1GHZ 'B' Stepping Level Pentium III processors, only. 
  (i.e. A and C Stepping Levels are okay, as well as B levels at speeds 
  lower than 933MHZ.)

- This BIOS includes a patch from Intel which Intel believes prevents a
  potential data error problem.  Although Intel states that the problem
  can only occur under certain limited temperature and voltage conditions, 
  IBM strongly recommends updating your BIOS immediately.


TRADEMARKS
----------
IBM and Aptiva are trademarks of the IBM Corporation in the United
States, other countries, or both.

Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the
United States, other countries, or both.

Other company, product, and service names may be trademarks or service
marks of others.

THIS DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND.
IBM DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND MERCHANTABILITY WITH RESPECT TO THE
INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT.  BY FURNISHING THIS DOCUMENT, IBM
GRANTS NO LICENSES TO ANY PATENTS OR COPYRIGHTS.

(C) Copyright IBM Corporation 2001.  All rights reserved.