Hi Robert,
The big problem we have now: is this a hardware issue or a bdi config issue? Aside from the flash we have 1GigaByte of DDR ram. Can anyone help us track our flash issues down to be hardware, config file, or some combination? The hardware guys think the board is fine.
Have you checked that the Flash is getting accessed?
I'm working with an 83xx based board, so the 85xx will be slightly different, but here's what I'd look for. When the processor boots, it reads a hardware configuration word (HCW) that tells it where to boot from. The pin strapping can be set to tell it to use Flash. Assuming the HCW is read correctly, you should be able to see the CE# line on the Flash assert when the processor boots.
So, assuming you convince yourself that the hardware configuration words are being read, you should be able to confirm that the Flash is being accessed after reset.
You might have to try this with the JTAG/COP disconnected.
Cheers, Dave