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| Pentium(R) Pro Processor and Pentium(R) II Processor |
| Processor Update Utility Help File |
| v3.4 January 1998 |
| Copyright 1995-8, Intel Corporation. |
| |
| TABLE OF CONTENTS |
| 1) INTRODUCTION |
| 2) MICROCODE UPDATE OVERVIEW |
| 3) USING THE PROCESSOR UPDATE UTILITY |
| 4) ERROR MESSAGES |
| 5) LEGAL NOTICE |
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1) INTRODUCTION
This document is written for professional system integrators building PCs
from industry accepted motherboards, chassis, and peripherals. It summarizes
use of the Processor Update Utility needed to successfully integrate PCs
based on the Pentium(R) Pro processor and Pentium II processor. The
information in this document applies to PCs assembled using Boxed Pentium
Pro processors and Boxed Pentium II processors. The term "Boxed processors"
refers to processors packaged for use by system integrators.
2) MICROCODE UPDATE OVERVIEW
The Pentium Pro processor and Pentium II processor may contain design
defects or errors known as errata that may cause the product to deviate from
published specifications. Many times, the effects of the errata can be
avoided by implementing hardware or software work-arounds, which are
documented in the Pentum Pro Processor Specification Update and Pentium II
Processor Specification Update, both of which can be found at www.intel.com.
Pentium Pro and Pentium II processors include a feature called "reprogrammable
microcode", which allows certain types of errata to be worked around via
microcode updates. The microcode updates reside in the system BIOS and are
loaded into the processor by the system BIOS during Power-On Self Test, or
POST.
System BIOS code on motherboards based on Pentium Pro and Pentium II
processors contains microcode updates that are specific to each silicon
stepping (revision) of the processor. Integrators must ensure the microcode
update matches the processor stepping used. When the BIOS does not contain
a microcode update that matches the processor stepping, integrators must
install the latest microcode update in the BIOS before shipping the system.
Historically, systems based on the Pentium Pro and Pentium II processors
have been updated by upgrading the entire system BIOS with a new revision of
the system BIOS that contains the correct microcode update for the processor.
However, such a process may be time consuming when assembling and configuring
many systems.
Intel has worked closely with BIOS developers to implement a processor
update Applications Programming Interface (API), which allows just the
microcode update within the system BIOS to be installed as needed.
Motherboards that contain a system BIOS with the Intel-defined processor
update API can be quickly and easily updated, if required, without need for
a complete system BIOS upgrade.
Table 1 contains the current microcode update revision for each processor
stepping. These microcode update revisions are contained in the microcode
update database file, which comes with the Pentium Pro processor and
Pentium II processor update utility.
Table 1.
Processor steppings (revisions) and microcode update revisions
supported by the microcode update database file PEP6.PDB
Processor Stepping Microcode Update Rev
0x612 0xC6
0x616 0xC6
0x617 0xC6
0x619 0xD1
0x633 0x32
0x634 0x33
0x650 0x15
Using this utility, and the information in Table 1, integrators can
easily verify that the correct microcode update is present in all Pentium
Pro processor-based motherboards and Pentium II processor-based
motherboards (even those without the API). Refer to the examples below
for information on determining the processor stepping and microcode update
revision contained in the motherboard. If the microcode update requires
updating, the motherboard BIOS must contain the Intel-defined processor
update API, otherwise a complete BIOS upgrade is required from the
motherboard vendor.
3) USING THE PROCESSOR UPDATE UTILITY
MULOADER.EXE supports systems based on both the Pentium Pro processor and
Pentium II processor. The Intel-defined processor update API is identical
for both processors.
This Pentium Pro processor and Pentium II processor update utility,
and it's associated files, are distributed in the self-extracting archive
file PUPDT33.EXE, which includes the files listed below. Copy these files
onto a DOS bootable diskette and boot from this diskette.
1) MULOADER.EXE -- DOS application to check the presence of a
valid microcode update loaded into the processor by
the BIOS. This utility also updates the microcode
update, as required, in motherboards containing a BIOS
that supports the Intel-defined processor update API.
2) PEPx.PDB -- Microcode update database file, where "x" is the
revision number. This file will updated as required
when a new microcode update is released.
3) CHECKUP.HLP -- ASCII text help file that can be viewed from
MULOADER.EXE
4) README.TXT -- Same as CHECKUP.HLP and can be viewed with any ASCII
text viewer
5) AUTOEXEC.BAT -- DOS batch file invoked at boot to automatically run
MULOADER.EXE
MULOADER.EXE will create the following files in the present working
directory:
4) LASTUP.PDB -- ASCII file created by MULOADER.EXE to store the
name of the microcode update database file that was
most recently used.
5) STATUS.LOG -- ASCII file that contains the messages that
were printed to the screen during the most recent
update session.
COMMANDS/OPTIONS:
Before using the utility, ensure that any jumper settings on the
motherboard are placed in the "Flash update" position to enable writing
to the flash memory. After successfully installing a microcode update, be
sure to return all jumpers to their orginal setting.
To invoke the utility, at the DOS prompt type the command line:
MULOADER <CR>
The main menu should now be displayed, showing the following four
options available:
1) Check and load update
2) Specify Microcode Update database file [current: pepx.pdb]
3) Help
4) Quit without loading update
SPECIFY UPDATE DATABASE:
Option #2 allows the microcode update database file to be specified. The
target microcode update database file needs to be specified any time a new
microcode update database file is obtained. Only one version of the
microcode update database file will be the most current at any point in
time. The most current microcode update database file contains data for all
Pentium Pro and Pentium II processors that are in production. These files
are named using the format PEPx.PDB, where the most current database file
has the largest value of "x".
CHECK AND LOAD UPDATE (Example with Update API not present in the BIOS):
For motherboards with a BIOS that does not have the Intel-defined processor
update API, option #1 can be used to determine that the system BIOS loads
the latest microcode update into the processor. The utility will display the
bootstrap processor stepping signature, which consists of the Family, Model
and Stepping number. (Example: Stepping signature 616 can be broken into
Family=6, Model=1, Stepping=6). Next, an indication that the API does or
does not exist will be displayed, followed by the revision of the microcode
update loaded into the processor by the BIOS. The utility will then display
the revision of microcode update in the database file. If this revision is
newer than the update loaded into the processor, the utility will ask if you
wish to temporarily load the update into the processor and boot to the hard
disk.
(Typical example with API NOT present in the system BIOS, but an update is
required)
Pentium(R) Pro processor detected. (CPUID=x619)
Your system will not allow this utility to permanently
install the appropriate microcode update in your system.
You need to contact your system manufacturer for a system
BIOS upgrade that contains the microcode update for the
processor installed. Make sure to specify the CPUID of the
processor as shown above.
Your system BIOS does not contain a microcode update for
this processor. Therefore, no microcode update was loaded.
The database file contains a microcode update (revision d1)
for your processor.
This utility can temporarily load the microcode update into
your processor.
Would you like to temporarily load the microcode update
in your processor? (Y/N) y
The update was loaded into the processor. You need to
run this utility again after a system power-up or reset.
No changes were made to the system BIOS.
<< Please remove Floppy from Floppy Disk Drive,
Then press any key to boot from the hard drive >>
The above example indicates that the processor has not been loaded with a
microcode update. A revision "D1" microcode update was found in the
database file. The user has selected a temporary loading of the microcode
update. However, this process must be repeated at each system boot unless
the microcode update is permanently installed in the system BIOS.
Permanent installation of the microcode update when the API is not present
can only be achieved by a system BIOS upgrade.
CHECK AND LOAD UPDATE (Examples where update API is present in the BIOS)
For motherboards with a system BIOS that DOES have the Intel-defined
processor update API, option #1 can be used to determine that the system
BIOS has loaded the latest microcode update into the processor and install
a new microcode update if required. The utility will display the bootstrap
processor stepping, and revision of the microcode update loaded into the
processor if it is present. Next, since the BIOS contains the API in these
examples, the processor update utility and the API automatically determine
if the microcode update in the system BIOS should be updated from the
microcode update database file (the "PEPx.pdb" file on the floppy disc.)
(Typical example where API is present in the BIOS, but no update is
required)
Pentium(R) II processor detected. (CPUID=633)
Your processor contains a microcode update, revision 32.
The microcode update already loaded in yoiur processor is newer
or as new as the microcode update (revision 32) in the database
file. Please make sure you have the latest database file.
No changes were made to the system.
(Typical example where API is present in the BIOS, and an update to a
later microcode update is required)
Pentium(R) Pro processor detected. (CPUID=617)
Your processor contains a microcode update, revision c5.
The database file contains a microcode update (revision c6)
for your processor that is more recent than the microcode
update currently loaded in your processor.
Would you like to permanently install the microcode update
in your system BIOS? (Y/N) y
The database file contains 1 microcode update(s) for processors
in your system.
The microcode update was successfully loaded.
You do not need to run this utility again, unless a new
processor is installed or a new database file is used.
<< Please Remove Floppy from Floppy Disk Drive,
Then COLD BOOT (power down) system to continue >>
IMPORTANT: After running the utility, turn off power to the system to
reboot (do not warm boot) to ensure new update is
correctly initialized in the processor. Also, ensure all
jumpers are returned to their normal settings.
4) ERROR MESSAGES
ERROR: All processors in the system are not Pentium(R) Pro Processors or
Pentium(R) II processors. Exiting
ERROR: All Pentium(R) Pro Processor steppings present cannot be
updated. Exiting
REASON: Processor must contain an Intel Pentium Pro processor or Pentium II
processor that has a CPUID signature of 0x612 or newer to be
compatible with this microcode update API. One of these
conditions is not being met by the system.
ERROR: Unable to allocate enough memory to determine cache size.
ERROR: Unable to allocate enough memory.
REASON: The utility can't find enough free system memory (aprox.
330K bytes) for allocating various data buffers.
ERROR: Unable to open update database file: [FILENAME].
ERROR: No microcode update for signature 0xXXX found
in database file. Please obtain the latest database file.
ERROR: Microcode update loader version is incompatible with data
file. Version: XX.
ERROR: Checksum failure in database record XX.
ERROR: Update not loaded. Microcode update header contains a
loader version which was not recognized by the BIOS.
ERROR: Update not loaded. Microcode update checksum incorrect.
ERROR: Update not loaded. Microcode update was rejected
by processor.
ERROR: No microcode update found for processor(s) in database file.
Ensure you are working with the latest database file.
ERROR: Database file does not contain updates for all of
the unique processor steppings in the system.
Please obtain the latest database file.
REASON: Database file (PEPx.PDB) is corrupt or not the most current one
available. Obtain the latest version of this file.
ERROR: Update Load Verification Failed!
ERROR: Update not loaded. Failure due to inability to
erase flash memory device
ERROR: Update not loaded. Failure due to inability to
read flash memory device.
ERROR: Update not successully enabled. BIOS unable to read flash
memory device.
ERROR: Failure reading flash memory device.
ERROR: Update not loaded. BIOS unable to write to flash memory device.
Ensure jumper settings on motherboard are correct.
ERROR: Error reading microcode update slot XX.
ERROR: Verification of microcode update write to flash memory failed.
REASON: FLASH memory device has failed, or writes are not enabled
due to incorrect jumper settings on the motherboard.
ERROR: 0x%x OEM Error: 0x%x enabling update.
ERROR: 0x%x OEM Error 0x%x reading update,
ERROR: 0x%x OEM Error 0x%x writing update.,
ERROR: Update not loaded. All microcode update slots
are occupied. BIOS is not managing slots
correctly. Please contact your motherboard vendor.
REASON: BIOS vendor does not correctly support the API specification
and has returned an unrecognized error code to the utility.
Inform your motherboard vendor of these results, and obtain
an updated BIOS from them.
ERROR: Number of unique processors exceeds 4,
which is the limit of this update utility.
ERROR: Number of updates required exceeds the maximum number
of slots implemented by the BIOS.
ERROR: BIOS does not contain sufficient number of slots
to store the microcode update(s).
REASON: Motherboard contains a larger number of unique-stepping
processors then the BIOS or this utility supports. If
possible, install a mix of processors that reduces the
number of unique steppings, or consult your motherboard
vendor to obtain a BIOS that supports the same number of
microcode update slots as it does processors
5) LEGAL NOTICE
INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH INTEL PRODUCTS.
YOU MAY COPY THE ATTACHED PROCESSOR UPDATE UTILITY AND DATABASE FILE SOLELY
FOR YOUR USE WITH THE INTEL PENTIUM PRO PROCESSOR AND PENTIUM II PROCESSOR.
NO OTHER LICENSE, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, BY ESTOPPEL OR OTHERWISE, TO ANY
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS IS GRANTED BY THIS DOCUMENT. EXCEPT AS
PROVIDED IN INTEL'S TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE FOR SUCH PRODUCTS, INTEL
ASSUMES NO LIABILITY WHATSOEVER, AND INTEL DISCLAIMS ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED
WARRANTY, RELATING TO SALE AND/OR USE OF INTEL PRODUCTS INCLUDING LIABILITY
OR WARRANTIES RELATING TO FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, MERCHANTABILITY,
OR INFRINGEMENT OF ANY PATENT, COPYRIGHT OR OTHER INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
RIGHT. INTEL PRODUCTS ARE NOT INTENDED FOR USE IN MEDICAL, LIFE SAVING,
OR LIFE SUSTAINING APPLICATIONS. INTEL MAY MAKE CHANGES TO SPECIFICATIONS
AND PRODUCT DESCRIPTIONS AT ANY TIME, WITHOUT NOTICE.
DESIGNERS MUST NOT RELY ON THE ABSENCE OR CHARACTERISTICS OF ANY FEATURES
OR INSTRUCTIONS MARKED "RESERVED" OR "UNDEFINED." INTEL RESERVES THESE
FOR FUTURE DEFINITION AND SHALL HAVE NO RESPONSIBILITY WHATSOEVER FOR
CONFLICTS OR INCOMPATIBILITIES ARISING FROM FUTURE CHANGES TO THEM.
THE PENTIUM PRO PROCESSOR AND PENTIUM II PROCESSOR MAY CONTAIN DESIGN
DEFECTS OR ERRORS KNOWN AS ERRATA. CURRENT CHARACTERIZED ERRATA ARE
AVAILABLE ON REQUEST.
Download Driver Pack
After your driver has been downloaded, follow these simple steps to install it.
Expand the archive file (if the download file is in zip or rar format).
If the expanded file has an .exe extension, double click it and follow the installation instructions.
Otherwise, open Device Manager by right-clicking the Start menu and selecting Device Manager.
Find the device and model you want to update in the device list.
Double-click on it to open the Properties dialog box.
From the Properties dialog box, select the Driver tab.
Click the Update Driver button, then follow the instructions.
Very important: You must reboot your system to ensure that any driver updates have taken effect.
For more help, visit our Driver Support section for step-by-step videos on how to install drivers for every file type.