EggXpert

I have an Intel DP35DP mobo, it performs very well, I'm happy with everything except for this problem:

after the bios spash screen disappears, I get a prompt that says: AA Number has not been programmed on the system.

I have upgraded the BIOS 3 times, in hopes that if it was corrupted, this would fix it. I am talking with an Intel support person, who has also suggested this.  I can't find anywhere on the internet on how to get rid of this.

AFter I press enter, windows xp pro sp3 boots up, and everything works on it.  I have the entire system the way I want it.

Only if I reboot.. I have to simply press enter to continue on.  It's really minor, but very annoying and I know it shouldn't be there.

I've tried downloading the Intel programs that let you modify the bios settings like splash screen graphic & whatnot, and it says the board is not recognized.. this is a real deal Intel, not an OEM.

Help?? 

How do I get rid of the prompt saying that the AA Number has not been
programmed on the system? I can NOT find anywhere that will allow me to either
enter the number, OR disable the warning message.  Thank you!

This is some info I found about your error (thanks to someguy007 for this original info):

Intel states that: "Intel markets desktop boards into the retail channel and to various computer manufacturers known as OEMs (original equipment manufacturers). OEM's may further customize the desktop boards to their own specifications and may also integrate the boards with other system components such as a power supply, disk drive, software, and chassis. For this reason, Intel cannot support a desktop board distributed by an OEM. If you have an OEM board, you must contact the OEM directly or the place where you purchased your system for support. The OEM or the place of purchase will be most familiar with your configuration and its integration of both hardware and software."

Gateway is an OEM that futher modifies their motherboards, so using an Intel BIOS (basic input/output system) is dangerous to the normal operation of a Gateway modified mainboard. Error messages that an AA (or Altered Assembly) number is not programmed on the system indicate the motherboard has been altered by the OEM. The majority of PC motherboard suppliers like Gateway license a BIOS "core" and toolkit from commercial third-parties, known as an "independent BIOS vendor" or IBV (i.e. American Megatrends, Phoenix, Award, etc.). The motherboard manufacturer then customizes their licensed third-party BIOS to suit their own hardware. For this reason, updates of the BIOS are normally obtained directly from the motherboard manufacturer. Gateway owners should try this link to start with: http://support.gateway.com/support/drivers/dlcenter.asp

The Intel AA number can be used to identify which processors are compatible with Intel motherboards. A small white barcode label is usually found stuck on the component side of an Intel® Desktop Board (between the CPU and the RAM). The numbers following the letters "AA" are helpful in identifying the type and version of a particular Intel Desktop Board. This label is only present if you have an Intel manufactured board. The AA number is a 9-digit Intel part number used to differentiate between desktop board families, different configurations within a family, as well as revision history of the desktop board. Follow this link to identify which Intel motherboard you have.

http://support.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/sb/CS-010687.htm

The AA number is also very useful in identifying which minimum firmware code can be written into the motherboard's non-volitile memory, and what other firmware code can be successfully entered into that non-volitile memory after that. This type of memory does not 'forget' when the computer is turned off (like your RAM), it is limited and backed up by a small BIOS battery. Removing the BIOS battery will cause an update to 'fall out' because the chip will reset back to the factory preset, where the chip was 'burnt' with its initial production BIOS release code. This is generally known as a factory reset, or a more specifically a "BIOS Recovery". BIOS firmware can be said to be a coded program embedded on a chip and is sometimes refered to as microcode. Its said to be firm because it doesn't change until and update rewrites the chip. An Intel tool called the "Intel CompatibilityTool" can tell you which minimum BIOS version is compatible for your Intel motherboard. To start your journey towards Intel's tool go here: http://processormatch.intel.com/COMPDB/default.aspx And to locate a helpful document on the tool journey here:  http://processormatch.intel.com/COMPDB/HelpContents/CompDB_help.htm

         Use that second to last link and make certain you have the right bios. Just from reading that info, maybe it was modified incorrectly by intel or maybe you have a bios that won't work properly with your processor set up. I hope this info is helpful. Let me know how you make out.

Thanks for the insights!  Unfortunately, the board is going back to Intel, they are issuing me an RMA monday because they say the bios is corrupted.

I actually bought 2 DP35DP boards, (I'm building a friend the same setup as mine). and that board worked perfectly, and accepted the latest bios patch 10/8/08 from intel.  All is well & good, so I have to accept the corrupted bios excuse.

Good thing I'm in no hurry to upgrade yet!