There was a black plastic cover that sat in the place of where the cpu chip goes. I read in the manual that they wont accept any returns if its missing. Im not too worried about it cause everything is running great but i never thought to keep that. The static bag and all original packaging i kept but just not that piece of plastic. If i used the ez flash way of updating my bios, would it be a problem to store the rom file on an external hard drive with other stuff on it? I dont have a flash stick so id have to use the external hdd. Also should i make sure that all the settings are set original before doing the update? If i do the update that way i wouldnt have to worry about updating the utility tool right? Is that only for updating when doing it in the windows environment?

offcenter2005, post: 385715 wrote: There was a black plastic cover that sat in the place of where the cpu chip goes. I read in the manual that they wont accept any returns if its missing. Im not too worried about it cause everything is running great but i never thought to keep that. The static bag and all original packaging i kept but just not that piece of plastic. If i used the ez flash way of updating my bios, would it be a problem to store the rom file on an external hard drive with other stuff on it? I dont have a flash stick so id have to use the external hdd. Also should i make sure that all the settings are set original before doing the update? If i do the update that way i wouldnt have to worry about updating the utility tool right? Is that only for updating when doing it in the windows environment?

If it's gone it's gone. In the unlikely event you have to return it they'll probably deny any refund or replacement with it missing. Shipping mobo's without this cap even if its in the static bag may have given them problems in the past as that primary socket can still be exposed and ESD could continue to travel into the other chipsets via those socket pins. And if it's specifically stated in your warranty agreement then it will be something you know they will check when they receive it.
Electronics companies nowadays have no liability if you do not handle the components using all of the ESD techniques they've engineered into the product. Too many times people "blow" devices due to their improper ESD handling and then claim defective parts! The company is all too aware of this!
If your downloading all of these update files on your laptop, I would copy them into a specific folder on your new desktop first, that way you know where they are. But then I always use the internet connection of the computer I'm updating and download them directly to that machine.
You don't have to reset the BIOS to do the update, but you should check any settings that you previously customized after updating the BIOS. The update .bin file typically only "appends" the current file for things that have actually changed. You will end up going back into the BIOS anyway after updating just to make sure the new version is installed so just recheck the things you changed....it only take a minute to verify that.
You should always use the latest updating utility regardless, and yes the updating utility is written to be used in the Windows environment because it's easier and more reliable and safer for you the end user to do it that way. If you had to do it manually within the DOS environment you would screw it up as it is a PITA and really only safe for someone who knows how to do that correctly. In DOS you have no way to back out or undo...having done many BIOS updates in the old days before the advent of a Windows shell utility I can tell you it's not that safe or that fun.

I only ask because when i try to update the utility download it says it isnt comaptible withe the system. I thought the ez flash in the bios of my mobo looked easy. Save file, restart, open bios, open ez flash tool, find file and click then it does the rest.

Yes, you can use the BIOS updater. I take it your using the USB flash drive method.

It may be you had to have the computer connected to the internet and the AI suite installed in order to use that other utility update.

I did have it connected to the internet. I saved the bupdater file and the bios file. Maybe im confused with the bupdater and the utility tool update? What exactly do i do with the bupdater file? I know that when i run the AI suite updater I chose the flash from file option and then find the bios rom file and flash from that, right?

offcenter2005, post: 385749 wrote: I did have it connected to the internet. I saved the bupdater file and the bios file. Maybe im confused with the bupdater and the utility tool update? What exactly do i do with the bupdater file? I know that when i run the AI suite updater I chose the flash from file option and then find the bios rom file and flash from that, right?

Not sure then...hard to know without seeing what you have downloaded and what you have installed?
Your sure you selected the Win7 64bit OS downloads?
You should be able to tell from the descriptions and version numbers the differences
yes...the rom file has the extension "xx.bin". you can't mess it up...it's the only file type that will work.

I made sure i selected the right OS. I can get the rom file to load for flashing but didnt go through with it because i couldnt get the bupdater utility to work.

OK...so no way to update your BIOS then?

Im sure ill figure it out. Thanks for all your help.

I'm sure you're just confused and missing something easy.
The BIOS update is as easy as using the program for that, loading the rom file, wait for it to flash the rom and reboot the computer. It will do everything it needs to automatically for you. All you need to do is tell it where the file is.
It checks and backs up everything and will only use the latest file...it won't change anything unless it is all correct..so maybe you already have the current updater utility and bios and that's why it won't run. It's telling you something is mismatched. Check version numbers and like I suggested write them down on a piece of paper so you don't get confused...description version numbers and dates...check to make sure everything is correct.
If you didn't install something from the Asus disk that's related to the motherboard and utilities..it might be telling you there's nothing there to update...

If you can't do it, then just forget about it and move on....no harm no foul....it seems to be working for you in the current configuration.??

Im still in the process of installing software and reading up on how to optimize this system. I think im just getting confused on the bupdater file and the AI utility tool. It says when updating bios through bios file make sure you have most recent update utility tool. Does that have anything to do with the bupdate download or just the AI suite bios update tool? Because i have an older version of the AI suite and there is an update for that on their site. Ive saved the bios file on the desktop and it recognized it but i was hesitant to continue because of the older version of the AI suite bios update.

Yes, that's exactly what I was talking about.
There will be certain programs that need to be installed and they ALL need to be updated with the latest versions from the web....this is the reason to always install all the updates they have, they may be important.
As I told you earlier you don't know what bugs in what part of the motherboard are being fixed or patched, so it is always wise to install everything first then update. If you didn't install something from Asus that was related to the motherboard and it was a problem and a fix with an update corrects that you will never be able to figure that out.
What was new or old they all have to work together and that is probably why it caught that version mismatch and wouldn't let you update it or work.

The file for the bupdater utility says in the description: For flash BIOS under DOS. If i do the update in the windows environment does that mean i dont need to use that update? Or is that still relevant?

offcenter2005, post: 385767 wrote: The file for the bupdater utility says in the description: For flash BIOS under DOS. If i do the update in the windows environment does that mean i dont need to use that update? Or is that still relevant?

I would use the Windows update utility...it's easier and safer...make sure you have the latest of that and do the update in Windows and don't worry about the DOS one...

Ok thats what i was confused about. I thought that the bupdate was something that was needed to do the bios update in the windows environment. So that file is only if you do the dos flash update? There are quite a few updates on that page for my mobo. Should i go down the list and install all the driver updates? It has updates for usb, sata, vga, lan, Ect.

I would, that's why you should write them all down and check each one....that way you know exactly what you've done and updated everything the factory has found to have a bug and created an update to fix it.
If something starts acting up with say the USB someday you won't ever remember there was an update that fixed that and you never installed the update....you just end up guessing what happened.
That's why they have them....
People do this all the time, they think something isn't important (like they somehow know how it all works and they blow it off...this includes things like Windows updates)....then they have problems and call support and the first thing they ask you is....did you do all the updates to the current drivers or versions....99% of the time that ends up being the problem...the factory already knows the bugs because they've designed it and they test them regularly.

Ok that sounds good. When i installed the sata update drivers it installed with it a management program. Do you know anything about that?

is it the Intel SATA management tool?
If so it just monitors each drive for status, it will tell you if there are any errors or problems that sort of thing.
Not much you need to do with it...
I think it also handles RAID configurations if your using that, which your not..
That Marvel SATA controller probably has a similar tool like that.

it is the intel SATA management tool. is it something i can uninstall or should i keep it?

Keep

I know ive been asking a lot of questions and i really appreciate your help. You obviously know what your doing. Are you using or are familiar with sonar x1 producer? After switching over to 64bit OS most of my old plugins ive used for mixing and mastering wont work now since they are 32 bit right? I have some waves plugins but cant afford many because they aren't cheap. I like the ren eqs and compressors but if i cant get them to work id like to find something to use that is as good or better. I am really thinking about getting the UAD cards. Im not sure if they have gone 64bit yet though and itll be a while anyway after spending what i spent on my new system. Im not sure if it is against forum rules to ask this stuff without starting a new thread but youve been a big help and wouldnt mind getting your input on this.

The OS being 64 bit isn't an issue with the plugins. What is the important factor is the DAW program itself. If the DAW is a 64 bit install then it can utilize both 64 bit and 32 bit plugins but will work best with 64 bit plugs. If the DAW is a 32 bit program even on a 64 bit operating system, then you are stuck with 32 bit plugins.

Hey no problem...were up to 10 pages now! LOL
That's what this is all about....connecting with someone you don't know who share a common interest.
I hope everything is running well with your system and your moving onto your DAW setup and recording!

I use Cubase6 Win7 64bit and it has a built in 32/64bit bridge program called VSTBridge and it works pretty well on the few 32bit plugins I still have (Native Instruments old stuff B4II, Pro53, Akoustik Piano and EP).
There are people on RO who do use SonarX1 and swear by it and I'm sure they would have better info on using 32bit plugins.
There is a program out there called JBridge that people use to convert 32bit plugins but I don't know if the Waves stuff runs well with that or not or works with Sonar....I'm sure it does. Most people have found sort of a hit and miss with certain plugins, but I think you can get most to work. I've experienced lock ups in Cubase when they don't work so it's really something you should try and see how stable. It only takes one bit to crash the routine and then your stuck...and I've read the Waves can be a problem and a lot of people are waiting for them to come out with 64bit.
UAD looks like its all 64bit and a lot of people like it...
You should start a thread with the Sonar 32/64bit plugin topic and I'm sure you'll get a straight answer here!

Thats what i meant to say. Im using sonar x1 producer expanded 64bit but i heard that a lot of the 32 bit plugins wont work because of that. I have read that there is a registry change you can do that will get your waves plugs to work well. Ive also read about the jbridge and it seems to be something id like to try. The funds are low since the new build so whatever i have id like to utilize untill i can afford more. Sonar x1 seems like a huge jump from my old version 8.5 producer and im really wanting to get into recording asap. I have about 5 mix and master sessions i need to get started on but this transition is taking longer than i expected. Its a whole new world from my last system but i am really excited to do some hefty mix sessions with this new setup.

Be aware that with everything 64bit (OS and DAW), you can still install 32bit programs within Win7 64bit.
If you look at your C: drive you will find a "Program Folder" and an "x86 Program Folder".
Win7 will install any 32bit program in the "x86 Program Folder" and then the OS will execute it from there.
Also my Native Instrument VST's created a 64bit and 32bit VST subfolder in Cubase (VST plugin folder) and put the 32bit .dll's in a 32bit subfolder and the 64bit .dll's in a 64bit subfolder, so I can tell them apart.
If I select a 32bit plugin in Cubase it automatically loads the VSTbridge program utility which then converts it to run in 64bit mode.
I would think Sonar has a similar feature....if not then the JBridge would be the way to go.
BTW Win7 will recognize the program your trying to install is 32bit and automatically install it for you in the "x86 Program Folder".
If it doesn't work or it's incompatible for some internal programming reason it will let you know!
Just something you have to try and experiment with and see what works and what doesn't.
It's all very easy to uninstall and back out.

I know sonar has a bitbridge that is supposed to work pretty well. I think im going to have to do a fresh install also because I didnt direct the right folders to the correct drives and i guess some if moved needs to have a registry change to move them after they have been installed all on the drive.

Just a FWIW
I don't know if you have a registry cleaner program or not but just like antivirus programs...I think a good registry cleaner is a must have utility and just as important.
Whenever you install or uninstall programs or make changes there can be scrap files, folders and registry entries that are left behind. Using a good registry cleaner will repair, fix and remove all of this garbage and gives you a nice clean registry to keep your computer running smoothly and give you less problems when installing new programs or reinstalling old ones.
Always pay close attention to where programs are sticking things when they're being installed and why.
A lot of times you end up uninstalling and changing things around if you get it wrong and things don't work the way you expected. Understand ahead of time where the correct locations need to be.
This is also the reason for a registry cleanup program....which you should run before and after making changes..

are there any registry cleaning programs that are good for free download? I have one that is called ccregistry cleaner. Im not sure if that is the right name but close.

I always check CNET.com for the best reviewed and free programs
I have TuneUp Utilites which is a paid program.
I'm sure CCleaner will do the job and I think it's free, but never used it.

thanks again. Do you have any music on the web i can check out? Id like to hear some of your stuff

Yeah....here ya go...

[="http://doonworld.bandcamp.com/"]Doon[/]="http://doonworld.ba…"]Doon[/]
[[url=http://="http://soundcloud.c…"]Doon's sounds on SoundCloud - Create, record and share your sounds for free[/]="http://soundcloud.c…"]Doon's sounds on SoundCloud - Create, record and share your sounds for free[/]
[="http://www.myspace.com/thedoon"]Google[/]="http://www.myspace…"]Google[/]
[[url=http://="http://www.soundcli…"]Music page of The Doon - MP3 music page on SoundClick[/]="http://www.soundcli…"]Music page of The Doon - MP3 music page on SoundClick[/]

I like it. Very ambient. I have a few songs that i want to record with orchestral parts. Maybe if you would be up for writing some parts? I know our styles are different but i think that makes songs more interesting.

Thanks, it is just instrumental keyboard stuff I do on my own...not much structure to it...LOL
just recording something...I never know how it will turn out....but I have fun doing it.
If you have something I can certainly listen to it and see what I can add...

That would be great. I can play some piano but im not very good. I wish i had learned it at a younger age but i was more interested in guitars.

offcenter2005, post: 385825 wrote: Thats what i meant to say. Im using sonar x1 producer expanded 64bit but i heard that a lot of the 32 bit plugins wont work because of that. I have read that there is a registry change you can do that will get your waves plugs to work well. Ive also read about the jbridge and it seems to be something id like to try. The funds are low since the new build so whatever i have id like to utilize untill i can afford more. Sonar x1 seems like a huge jump from my old version 8.5 producer and im really wanting to get into recording asap. I have about 5 mix and master sessions i need to get started on but this transition is taking longer than i expected. Its a whole new world from my last system but i am really excited to do some hefty mix sessions with this new setup.

I'm using Sonar X1 Expanded 64bit with a UAD-1e. The UAD series are fully 64 bit as of version 6(?) probably earlier. Sonar has bit bridge which will allow you to use 32 bit plugins within the 64 bit engine. It's not foolproof though. I've found that my Liquid Mix crashes at times and I have to reload it. Which is a real pain but no more so than walking into a rented studio and setting up your mix from notes.

hueseph, post: 385870 wrote: I'm using Sonar X1 Expanded 64bit with a UAD-1e. The UAD series are fully 64 bit as of version 6(?) probably earlier. Sonar has bit bridge which will allow you to use 32 bit plugins within the 64 bit engine. It's not foolproof though. I've found that my Liquid Mix crashes at times and I have to reload it. Which is a real pain but no more so than walking into a rented studio and setting up your mix from notes.

Ive really heard nothing but great things about UAD. Since you are using sonar x1 did you have a file that installed on a wrong drive named msdia80.dll? I installed everything on the c drive at first and it turned up on my d drive. I uninstalled and did the advanced setup and put everything in its right places and it still shows up after deleting it.

I looked up that .dll file and it has something to do with Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 which is an old Microsoft debugging program used since the Vista 64bit days...
Have you done all the Windows7 64bit updates?
You should have Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 installed in your updates folder.
It's apparently an old runtime .dll that gets installed with certain programs.
Do you think it was installed with Sonar or Windows?

It showed up in the D drive right after i installed sonar on the C drive. I deleted the file and uninstalled sonar and ran a registry cleaner to remove everything that was related to sonar. Then i reinstalled sonar and there it was again, in the D drive. I thought it was weird because i did the complete sonar x1 install on the C drive. It wasnt there after i installed the OS and i read on the net that it is something outdated that sonar uses.

Yeah that's what it looks like to me!
Sonar installed it and it's an outdated for Win7.
I wouldn't worry about it. You can delete it from the drive or leave it.
The registry cleaner should remove it...run that and see...if not just delete it and then run the cleanup again.

I would leave it. If necessary copy it to the C: drive but if the program is looking for it in a particular location and does not find it, quirky behavior can result. It isn't hurting a thing where it is and the size is neglible.