How to Upgrade a Computer's BIOS

The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is a chip on the motherboard that boots the computer and allows Windows to communicate with the hardware. Although the risk of doing so is considerable, you may need to update your computer's BIOS for it to work with new hardware or, in some instances, for year-2000 compliance.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• BIOS Chips

1. Check your computer or motherboard manual for any information about upgrading the BIOS.

2. Reboot your computer and enter the Setup screen. Check your computer or motherboard manual for information on how to do this.

3. Press the Print Screen key to make a record of each page of your settings.

4. Find out the manufacturer and model of your current BIOS. Check for the information as your computer boots, or find it in the Setup screen information you printed. If neither method works, check the BIOS chip for identifying information.

5. Check the manufacturer's Web site to see if the BIOS can be "flash" upgraded. If so, download the utility program. If not, proceed to Step 8.

6. Copy the program to a floppy disk.

7. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for running the program. Skip to Step 10.

8. Contact the manufacturer of your BIOS chip to find out if an updated chip is available, and if that chip will fit into the same slot on your motherboard.

9. Get and install a new BIOS chip, if available. Search the Internet for installation instructions.

10. Reboot your computer and enter the Setup screen. Change the Setup back to the previous settings if necessary or desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Your motherboard may need to be replaced in order to upgrade the BIOS. If so, consider buying a new computer instead.
• If you use flash BIOS software that wasn't specifically made for your BIOS model, the computer probably won't boot.
• If you install the BIOS incorrectly, the computer probably won't boot. If you do not understand the instructions or lack good manual dexterity, have a qualified technician install the BIOS for you.

[dtech86]

on 8/17/2009 I noticed the star rating on this guide is pretty low. I found a bit of a better guide here: http://www.computertooslow.com/upgrading-computer-bios.asp

[bcorn]

on 8/7/2009 I don't know about BIOS upgrades, but if you want to downgrade, connect two wires from a 9V battery and start randomly touching the capacitors and other connections on the motherboard.

Quick and easy!!

To your health!

on 11/22/2005 When purchasing a BIOS upgrade, be sure to ask the salesperson about the date of the upgrade before giving out your credit card information. I spent $70.00 on an upgrade that was about 3 months newer than my old BIOS. I still got an admonition to "upgrade your BIOS" whenever I ran my favorite diagnostics program. The company that sold the upgrades then ignored my emails and phone calls.

on 11/22/2005 First, make sure you backup original BIOS data to a floppy. If you have problems "flashing" the BIOS, DON'T TURN OFF PC, even if message on monitor may say so. Instead, reload original BIOS data. Turn off PC only after you are sure it can work properly