How to Update System BIOS

Your computer system makes use of a small set of software instructions called the Basic Input/Output System (BIOS). The BIOS performs several tests to check the status of each of the pieces of hardware connected to your computer's motherboard. If you have recently installed a new hardware device or software program and your computer is no longer working properly, you may need to update the BIOS. Your PC's BIOS can be updated by downloading and installing an updater program available from your computer's manufacturer.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Restart your computer. Press the F1 keyboard key as soon as you see the logo for your computer's manufacturer appear on the screen.

2. Press the down arrow key and highlight the menu entry listed as "Main." Press the Enter key to access the new menu screen. Locate the heading labeled as "BIOS" toward the top of the screen.

3. Write down the long string of numbers listed underneath the "BIOS" heading. Press the F10 key and then press the Enter key to restart the computer.

4. Open your browser and follow the link in Resources below to the BIOS download page for your specific type of computer. Check through the list of BIOS updates available and compare them to the number you wrote down earlier.

5. Click on the link for the BIOS update that has a higher number than the one you wrote down. Click on the download link labeled as "Quick Update" instead of the one labeled as "Floppy Drive."

6. Wait for the BIOS update file to download to your computer. Open the file and then follow the on-screen instructions.

7. Restart your computer to finish updating your computer system's BIOS.

Tips & Warnings

• Depending on the specific make and model of your compute, you may need to press the F10 key instead of the F1 key to access the BIOS menu when you restart your computer.
• If you download the BIOS update labeled as "Floppy Drive," you will have to save the BIOS update file to a floppy disk, insert the disk into your computer's floppy drive and then restart the computer. The BIOS update file will automatically open and install itself when the computer restarts. Make absolutely sure that you download the correct version of the BIOS. If you accidentally install the wrong BIOS, your computer may stop loading up or working properly.

References

• HP and Compaq Desktop PCs: Updating the BIOS
• PC Stats: Updating System BIOS

Resources

• Acer BIOS downloads
• Gateway BIOS downloads
• Dell BIOS downloads