How to fix the boot problem for an old Acer Aspire running Windows XP - AS1_BIOS_3309.zip

For anyone with an old Acer Aspire running Windows XP. There are still  loads of references and help pages on the web but they all point to the  official Acer support page which looks like it has now been closed down.

These are some notes I copied when I first had the problem a few years ago and would like to share them with any fellow sufferer now:

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Download & Extract AS1_BIOS_3309.zip (used to be from : http://support.acer.com/... now from by Box.com account

1)  Rename the Bios name from 3309.fd to zg5ia32.fd.
2)  Copy zg5ia32.fd and Flashit.exe to a USB flash drive.

Start the restoration process

A. Plug the AC Adapter into the unit.
B. Insert the USB flash drive into a USB port.
C. Press and Hold down the Fn and the Esc keys together.
D. Keep these keys held down and press power.
E. When the unit's power light comes on release the Fn and Esc keys.
F. After the keys have been released the power light will start to blink.
G. Let the unit run and after approximately 1-7 minutes, the unit should reboot.
H. Video should now be restored
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Hope this helps and good luck.