How to fix A7 Me FW downgrade error and secure flash fail on Aspire T7-310 desktop

FromPerplexity

The "18 - Error: Secure Flash Rom Verify Fail" is a common issue encountered when attempting to flash a modified BIOS or UEFI firmware1 2. This error typically occurs due to security measures implemented by manufacturers to prevent unauthorized BIOS modifications. To address this issue, consider the following approaches:

Use FPT (Flash Programming Tool) instead of AFU (AMI Firmware Update):
- Dump the BIOS region using FPT
- Disable any locks preventing flashing of modified BIOS
- Flash the modified BIOS region using FPT2
Unlock the BIOS:
Some systems require unlocking the BIOS before flashing a modified version. This may involve changing UEFI variables or using specific tools5.
Verify BIOS compatibility:
Ensure the modified BIOS is compatible with your specific hardware model and version.
Use appropriate flashing tools:
Different systems may require specific tools like AFUWIN, AFUDOS, or AFUEFI. Choose the correct tool for your system1.
Check for security features:
Some systems have additional security measures like Secure Boot that may need to be disabled before flashing4.
Consider hardware flashing:
In some cases, using a hardware programmer like a CH341A programmer may be necessary to bypass software-based security measures2.

It's crucial to note that modifying BIOS/UEFI firmware carries risks, including potential system damage. Always create a backup of your current BIOS and proceed with caution. If you're unsure about the process, it's advisable to seek assistance from experienced professionals or the device manufacturer.

"Checking various forums I see that this is a BIOS issue and so I download the latest BIOS update and run the flash tool but that results in this error - "

I'm not sure that I understand " I download the latest BIOS update"

You're going to need the buy " complete rom dump "

Google and see if you can buy a pre-programmed chip for your motherboard.

Are you sure it's not a T3-710? I don't find a T7-310 model anywhere. The T3-710 is an Aspire desktop from 2016 that is based on the 6th gen Intel chipset. Which version of the BIOS is installed now? Which version are you trying to upgrade to?

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1325109#Comment_1325109

Hi, yes sorry it's a T3-710. The version of the BIOS that it has currently is R01-A1 (dated 11/10/2015). I assumed this was the latest version of the BIOS that's available but due to the error on boot I was hoping to reflash the BIOS to clear this. Sadly I get the "18 - Error: Secure Flash Rom Verify Fail" when I try to run the flash batch script.

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1325074#Comment_1325074

Hi, sorry I don't follow. I am trying to run the BIOS flash utility. Are you saying that the BIOS chip itself is at fault? I don't have the skills to de-solder chips from the motherboard and I suspect that asking a professional to do this would exceed the value of this PC.

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1325073#Comment_1325073

I don't think the BIOS I am trying to deploy is modified, it's the one that's available from the Acer support page for this model of PC.

There are actually newer versions of the BIOS, but not a lot newer. Let's first look at the issue you are having. We typically don't like trying to do a BIOS update on an y system that's not already working perfectly, since it can be risky. Which OS are you running and what is going wrong?

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1325907#Comment_1325907

The PC takes a long time to boot, the POST takes a while (from the point that you see the options to open the BIOS settings etc to the point that Windows starts to boot can be several minutes. During this time you see this error message "(A7) Me FW Downgrade - Request MeSpiLock Failed".

I replaced the old 3TB HDD with a 250GB SSD and installed Windows 10. I tried resetting the CMOS using the jumper but I can't reflash or update the BIOS as I get this error - 18 - Error: Secure Flash Rom Verify Fail

It still boots to Windows and operates normally but these long boot/POST times and the error on boot is concerning.

Can you see the task manager (right click on the bottom task bar) to see start up apps and disable all of them to see what happens ?

I'd also hold the shift key while restarting to go to safe mode and go into the repair section to do a reset/restore before messing with BIOS any more.

If no progress, create a win10 /11 USB and install it,(keeping your data if you prefer. Good Luck

But as Perplexity states :

Note that they say Acer Aspire t7-310 which Billsey says doesn't exist ?

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1325816#Comment_1325816

They just scraped it from here… :)

That error can happen any time you try to downgrade a BIOS. I wonder if Microsoft is trying a downgrade through Windows update, I've seen instances with Dell's where that was the root cause. Similar to the issues we sometimes see when the Intel video drivers have been updated, then WU tries to reinstall the old version over the new one. Try using the update file from Acer's support site, version R01-B1.

StevenGen

Hey Bobulaferatu your desktop is the Aspire T3-710 as the T7-310 does not exist! The last bios version is at the Acer support page Aspire T3-710 desktop and its the bios dated: 2022/12/28 - Update copyright from year 2016 to year 2017-version R01-B1, install this version as it will work and you should not have those errors. Good luck.

Use this bios guide that is included with the bios in the appendix folder:

System BIOS Update SOP for Windows v2.03.pdf

If this answers your question and solved your query please "Click on Yes" or "Click on Like" if you find my answer useful👍

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1326076#Comment_1326076

Hi, yes apologies, that was my typo. It's definitely a T3-710.

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1326138#Comment_1326138

Hi, this is the result from attempting to run the BIOS Flash utility.

What happens when you follow the instructions in the Appendix folder? Rather than just executing the batch file by typing the command in manually? Did you do the changes in the BIOS they require first?

Yours looks similar but please check this.

BIOS_Acer_R01-B1_A_A.zip

9 characters too short. Obligation

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1326261#Comment_1326261

I'm doing the same thing as the instructions state, it's just running from C:Drive instead of an external USB. Just to be sure, I changed the Command Prompt to the external D: drive and ran the Flash utility again from that location and the error is the same.