For the computer land version of a hot flash, you need to find a working
motherboard which has a similar EEPROM for a BIOS chip. The second working
machine is termed the "donor" machine. The easiest way to guarantee
the same flash chip, is to use the same model of motherboard, as
otherwise you'll have to do some research as to which flash chips have
identical electrical properties (not easy).
The idea is, you boot up the donor machine, with a floppy intended for
flashing BIOS chips. When the DOS prompt is on the donor machine,
you pull the original BIOS chip out of the donor machine, then plug
the flash chip from the dead machine into the flash chip socket. This
is easiest if the chip type is "dual in line plastic" or DIP, as you
can practice bending and forming the legs of the chip, before attempting
to install it "hot" (i.e. while the donor is powered and booted).
You have to be careful to install it correctly the first time,
because _any_ mistake can destroy the donor machine or the duff
flash chip.
With the duff BIOS chip installed "hot" on the donor machine, use
the flash program on the floppy, to program the flash chip. After
the programming is done, turn off the power on the donor machine,
and put the original flash chip back. Take the newly programmed
BIOS chip and put it back in your A7V133.
That is a hot flash. Sounds like fun, eh ?
You could visit badflash.com or one of the many other services
that offer pre-programmed replacement chips. This assumes
you have a motherboard where the flash chip can be removed, as
some brands of motherboard solder the flash chip to the board.
You can also visit a7vtroubleshooting.com, for tips on how
not to flash an A7V series motherboard.
Paul
