How to Update Your Bios

Your computer's BIOS (or Basic Input/ Output System), supplies your operating system with information it needs to operate a particular range of components. As technology advances to accommodate operating new PC components, it makes it necessary to update your BIOS every few years. This helps your PC run more efficiently and support the latest software and hardware. All BIOS components can be updated using a firmware upgrade called "flashing" or simply "updating the BIOS." Read on to learn how to flash your BIOS. The process may vary to some extent depending on your PC's manufacturer.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Back-up or copy your BIOS. You may write down the settings or use print screen so that you will have a written copy. Back-up your current BIOS image as well. You can use a utility such as cmos.zip to do this.
2. Determine what version of BIOS you need. You can check the manufacturer's website for a laptop or pre-built PC. If you have a custom system, go to the motherboard manufacturer's website.
3. Download the manufacturer's updating software and BIOS. Some manufacturers will provide their own custom software for the update using your operating system, some will provide a third-party utility which you'll use to update your BIOS via DOS.
4. Run the installer or executable file that you downloaded. If the BIOS update application is run via your operating system, different update applications will have different interfaces, but there will typically be a button labeled "Update," "Write" or "Confirm" that you will click to perform your BIOS update. If you are prompted for a floppy disc, use a 1.44MB formatted 3.5" floppy. In this case, restart your PC and reboot from the floppy disc. If your floppy image has an "autoexec.bat" file, it will automatically run you BIOS update. Your floppy may, instead, only have the updated BIOS image, the update software and perhaps a "readme" text file that contains directions. If your floppy comes with no directions but has two files: "awflash.exe" and "A06_123.bin," you may get it to run by typing in a command like "awflash A06_123.bin" then press enter. This will direct it to flash your BIOS using the A06_123.bin file.
5. Power cycle your PC by powering it down completely. You may need to flip the master power switch to off position (it is in the back of your PC). After a minute, flip the master power switch to an on position. Power up your computer once again (your update software may automatically do power cycle your PC for you).
6. Clear your current settings. As your PC powers up, go immediately into your BIOS settings tool. Find the option to either "Restore Defaults" or "Load Fail-Safe Defaults." This will either be on the main page or the last page of a tabbed menu. Navigate using the arrow keys, and follow all the on-screen instructions. Once you are done, save your new settings and then exit the BIOS.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to, you can configure your updated BIOS with custom settings and if you know what you are doing. Custom BIOS settings are optional.
• Do not attempt this update if you do not know what you are doing. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's directions and take any recommended precautions.
• It is essential that you update your BIOS using a reliable power source for your PC, because a power fluctuation can seriously, irreparably corrupt your BIOS.

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