How to Upgrade Award BIOS

A computer's BIOS is a small amount of code specifically written for each motherboard that performs a very basic test of all functions at boot before passing control of the hardware off to the operating system. This test is called the POST (Power On Self Test). BIOS upgrades or updates are released to fix small errors in the code, to add support for newer memory and CPU types or to add more options. The process of upgrading an Award-based BIOS is no different than an upgrade to another type of BIOS; the only difference is the machine-specific code, and an update program that recognizes the specific BIOS.

Things You'll Need

• Windows 98 boot floppy<br />Award Windows BIOS flashing utility (for upgrade within Windows)<br />Award DOS BIOS flashing utility (for upgrade via DOS prompt)<br />Award BIOS update file

Instructions

DOS BIOS Upgrade

1. Download the Award DOS BIOS flash utility, and the appropriate BIOS update for your specific make and model of motherboard. If these come in ZIP files, extract them to your desktop so they are easy to find.

2. Insert your Windows 98 boot floppy into your \"A:\\\" drive. Copy the flash utility and BIOS update to the floppy disk.

3. Reboot the computer with the boot floppy in the floppy drive. When the prompt appears, type in the name of the flashing utility and press \"Enter.\" For Award, this is usually \"awdflash.exe.\" A basic graphical menu will come up with a short list of commands and what they do.

4. Save a copy of your current BIOS to disk as a backup. Choose the option to update the BIOS, and specify the updated BIOS file on the boot disk. A warning may pop up concerning loss of power; press \"Y\" to continue. When the update is done, reboot the PC and remove the floppy disk.

Windows BIOS Upgrade

1. Download the Award BIOS update program for Windows, and the appropriate BIOS file for your make and model of motherboard. Save them to the desktop so you can easily find them.

2. Shut down all open applications. Execute the BIOS upgrade application by double-clicking on it.

3. Make a backup copy of your current BIOS. When the backup is complete, commence the upgrade by pointing the application at your upgrade file, and clicking on the \"Update\" button. Reboot the computer when the upgrade is complete.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not reset or turn off the computer during the upgrade. If power loss occurs during upgrade, your computer will likely fail to operate, requiring the purchase of a new BIOS chip, or a new motherboard.

References

• William Bellisle-Pio; Network Systems Administrator; Auburn, Washington