How To

How to Flash BIOS Using a Floppy Drive

Contributor
By C.D. Crowder
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

The BIOS (basic input/output system) controls how the operating system and computer hardware work together. Updating the BIOS is called flashing the BIOS. The most common method of flashing the BIOS is by using a floppy disk. You typically flash the BIOS only after installing new hardware, such as a hard drive or disk drive, or after two years. Each motherboard manufacturer creates BIOS updates as needed. The entire process takes less than five minutes.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Formatted floppy disk BIOS update file
  1. Step 1

    Format a floppy disk. Insert the floppy disk. Go to My Computer and right-click on the floppy disk. Choose Format and press Start. Leave the floppy disk in the drive.

  2. Step 2

    Restart your computer and enter your BIOS as the computer boots. The key to enter the BIOS depends on your computer manufacturer. The key is usually F2, Esc, or Del.
    Write down the BIOS version number and motherboard manufacturer, which are displayed on the first page of your BIOS. Exit the BIOS. The key to exit will be displayed at the bottom or to the right of the BIOS screen.

  3. Step 3

    Go to the motherboard manufacturer's website or visit the site in the Resources section. If you visit the manufacturer's website, look for the Support, Help or Downloads sections to find the BIOS update. If using the site in Resources, you'll find manufacturers listed alphabetically along with links to the BIOS updates.

  4. Step 4

    Download the BIOS update file that states it's for use with floppy disks. If no information is given, the file can be used by floppy disks as well as other removable media.

  5. Step 5

    Read any instructions that come with the file. These are usually in a text file called Readme. If no instructions are provided, copy the executable file you downloaded onto your floppy disk.
    Some downloads will automatically ask if you want to place the file on a floppy disk.

  6. Step 6

    Restart your computer with the floppy disk inserted. Allow your computer to boot from the floppy disk. If it doesn't, press F12 for boot options during your computer's boot process. Choose the Floppy Disk option. Allow the BIOS update to run automatically.

Tips & Warnings
  • You need to flash your BIOS only if your current BIOS version number is lower than the BIOS version number on the manufacturer's website.
  • Don't press any buttons during the update to prevent corrupting the BIOS.

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