The computer worked absolutely fine except it wasn't able
to recognise a new PIII processor (CMOS setup showed it as PII). So I
downloaded the required BIOS upgrade from Compaq site and ran the
program

You are saying that the BIOS upgrade specifically stated that it would "fix"
the BIOS so that it would recognize a PIII?

I'm a big fan of not flashing unless you have a real big necessity, the flash
states that it cures your problem, and that you don't mind if you kill your
board with a bad flash.

Dale