How to Flash the Asus Motherboard BIOS

Basic Input-Output System (BIOS) is a special program (firmware) embedded into a computer motherboard chip. BIOS initiates all hardware during the computer start-up. However, outdated BIOS may not correctly recognize some hardware, such as a CPU (processor) or Random Access Memory (RAM). Flashing refers to updating BIOS to a newer version. This process is typically rather complicated, since it requires booting from a floppy disk while modern computers usually do not even have the floppy drive. The BIOS on Asus motherboards comes with a special tool called EZ Flash. EZ Flash greatly simplifies BIOS flashing, because it allows you to use a standard USB drive instead of a floppy.

Things You'll Need

• USB flash drive

Instructions

1. Navigate to the ASUS Motherboard Support website (see Resources).

2. Find your motherboard model on the website; then click on the "Download" link.

3. Select your operating system in the box, for example Windows Vista, and then click "BIOS:"; It displays the list of available BIOS versions for your motherboard.

4. Find the latest BIOS version in the list; then download it on your computer. The BIOS file has an extension ".ROM."

5. Insert a flash drive into a USB drive on your computer.

6. Click "Start" in Windows and then click on "Computer" to open Windows Explorer.

7. Navigate to a folder where you saved the BIOS file. Then right-click on this file and select "Copy."

8. Navigate to the folder "Computer" using Windows Explorer. Then double-click on the flash drive icon.

9. Right-click in Windows Explorer and select "Paste" to copy the BIOS file to the flash drive.

10. Restart your computer.

11. Press the key combination "Alt" + "F2" when you will see the message "Press DEL to enter SETUP, Alt-F2 to enter EZ Flash utility " on the bottom of the screen; the Asus EZ Flash window will appear.

12. Use the "Tab" key on the keyboard to select the USB drive.

13. Select the BIOS file on the USB drive and press "Enter" to start flashing. The computer will be automatically restarted when flashing is complete.

Tips & Warnings

• Connect your computer to a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) during BIOS flashing in case of a power outage.

• Avoid rebooting or shutting down your computer when the BIOS is being flashed. The interruption of the flashing process will render your motherboard unbootable.

References

• "Building the Perfect PC"; Barbara Fritchman Thompson; 2006
• ASUS EZ Flash

Resources

• ASUS: Motherboard Support