As you can see, I'm sortta back up (MicroStar International SUX!)

[slamlander]

To whit, I have the box back from the shop:

1. Both 256MB RAM sticks were bad.
2. Repaired, BIOS reflashed with original version, and drivers checked.
3. So far, every thing is okay, hunky-dory, ever-fine, and shipshape.

It turns out that flashing the BIOS really did foul things but not for the reasons I thought and they were already fouled.

1. MSI lied about the problem. Let me be more clear; MSI lied about the problem! The specific reason for the reflash is a problem that doesn't exist and has never existed! The update notice only went out to trick people into reflashing their BIOS and thereby invalidating their warranty, breaking their motherboard (see item 2), and "encouraging" you to buy a new motherboard at full price (see 3 & 4).
2. MSI the BIOS listed on their site IS NOT THE CORRECT ONE FOR MY MoBo!
3. If you flash your MSI BIOS then your warranty is toast, charred toast, maybe with bits of ashy edges, even if they tell you to do it!
4. If you will not reflash you BIOS when they tell you to then they will immediatly stop supporting you.(see: item 3, above)
5. If your dealer's technician reflashes the BIOS then the warranty is equally toasted, even if you didn't authorize it..
6. MSI does not accept warranty exchange in the EU, only though dealers, and it gives then a really bad time about it (like forcing them to speak English or Chinese).
7. MSI does not do phone support with competent technicians (even in English) and they only keep US hours.
8. The company cannot be trusted, period, paragraph, end of story!

Just as soon as I find out where in the EU I can send a complaint then this is going there, as well as, California FTC, and BBB. This whole mess caused me an additional three week delay in publishing my book.
In conclusion:

MicroStar International SUX!
Do not buy their products or buy only at personal financial risk! Their warranty, for all practical purposes, doesn't exist!