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Update Your Computer's BIOS
A computer's Basic Input-Output System (BIOS) is embedded software on a motherboard that will control attached hardware. It provides an operating system with information about hardware, and is designed to support a specific range of components. The BIOS itself is typically an EEPROM, or Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory, that is programmed with "firmware" and has the ability to save small amounts of information specific to user configurations.
BIOS components are often soldered to the motherboard and therefore not serviceable by the user. Still some of these will be inserted into a socket, allowing its replacement.
All BIOS components are serviceable via a firmware upgrade known as "flashing" this process is known as "updating the BIOS". The process itself is fragile since any power fluctuation during a flash may irrevocably corrupt a BIOS' firmware. Great care will need to be taken in order to safely accomplish this.
This guide will help you flash your BIOS by taking precautions and walking you through each step. Not all computers will have the same BIOS manufacturer, let alone the same process, but many have similar steps and precautions.
Steps
Determine your needs. Did someone help you update the BIOS last month? Maybe you've never updated the BIOS of your PC since you purchased it years ago? Did you discover that an updated version will fix a problem you're experiencing? This will help you determine if you need to verify version numbers or not, and whether an update is necessary. Not all BIOS updates are necessary, but for the hardware enthusiast, obtaining the latest BIOS may equate to better performance.
Find your system's origins. This is an important first step to determine where you'll need to go before downloading an updated BIOS version.
For desktops, did you purchase this computer as a bundled, pre-built system, or was it assembled from purchased components? The larger, more popular manufacturers and builders include companies such as Dell/Alienware, HP/Compaq, IBM, Lenovo, Sun, Gateway, etc. For these, visit the manufacturer's site. For a custom system built from purchased components, visit the motherboard manufacturer's website.
For laptops, visit the laptop manufacturer's site, such as Dell/Alienware, HP/Compaq, Acer, Toshiba, etc.
Discover what update methods are available. Not all BIOS updates are performed in the same manner.
Some manufacturers will use their own, custom application to update your BIOS, and others will use a third party utility to update the BIOS under DOS. The latter may be split into two different files, or bundled together as a floppy image with an extracting application. Download the appropriate updating software and BIOS from your manufacturers website.
Backup your existing BIOS first!. If using BIOS update software run through Windows or another operating system, back up your existing BIOS image first. Some BIOS update software has this functionality (ie: "Save" or "Backup"), and will advise you to perform a backup first.
Perform the update. Run the downloaded installer or application executable for the BIOS updating software. If the software prompts you for a floppy, use a formatted 1.44MB 3.5" floppy disk. It doesn't matter if it's blank or not, as the data will be overwritten if you don't mind wiping the disk.
If using a floppy, restart your system and boot up to the floppy disk. Some floppy images will have an "autoexec.bat" file to automatically run the BIOS update. Others will just have the update software, the updated BIOS image, and possibly a 'readme' text file for directions. If there are no directions, but there are at least two files (ie: "A06_123.bin" and "awflash.exe"), follow this example: Enter a command such as "awflash A06_123.bin" and press enter. This will run the update software and point it to use the A06_123.bin to flash the BIOS.
Compare the two versions. Most BIOS update software will read the existing BIOS image and determine its version, then compare this to the BIOS image you've downloaded. If the version you have is older, perform the update. The interface of BIOS software may vary greatly, yet typically buttons or selections such as "Write", "Update", or "Confirm" will perform the BIOS update.
Power cycle the computer. Many update programs will automatically power cycle your computer. Some will request your permission to do so, and others will warn about this before starting the update. A few will prompt you do this yourself. If you're forced to handle this yourself:
Completely power down your PC by either pressing the power button or initiating the power off sequence for your operating system.
Flip the master power switch on the back of your PC to the off position, if applicable.
Wait a minute.
Flip the master power switch back into the on position, if applicable.
Power up your PC.
Clear your existing settings.
Only clear your BIOS if recommended, as this is not always necessary, depending on what features have changed between your current version and the updated version. When your PC is powering up, immediately go into your BIOS settings tool. For most systems, this is done by repeatedly pressing on your keyboard once you see something on your monitor. Other systems might be , , , etc. If you don't know the keystroke sequence for entering the BIOS, watch the monitor to see if your computer displays it. To clear its settings, look for an option to "Restore Defaults" or "Load Fail-Safe Defaults". This may be on the main page of the BIOS, or on the last page of a tabbed menu. Use the arrow keys to navigate, and follow the on-screen instructions. When complete, save your settings and exit the BIOS.
Configure your BIOS. If you know the settings you want, change them now. If you've never changed settings in your BIOS before, you're not required to do so. Most PCs will function just fine on the default BIOS settings.
Tips
BIOS updates may be released to fix existing bugs, add support for new hardware and standards, and add functionality. Take a look at the changes to the BIOS update you're considering to see if it will benefit your PC.
If your system is currently working well, perform a BIOS update only if you're willing to part with it (for an extended period of time) in the event of a critical failure. System builders and motherboard manufacturers will often repair systems and motherboards that failed to take a BIOS update, provided they are still under warranty. Yet, this process is a lengthy one, often involving the following steps:
Contact technical support and verify the problem is related to the BIOS update.
Acquire an RMA or similar tracking number.
Ship the product back to the builder or manufacturer.
Wait for approval (testing) and repair or replacement.
Wait for the product during shipment back to you.
If your BIOS firmware has become corrupted and you have a similar motherboard with the same CPU socket and a BIOS chip of the same type, you may be able to recover your corrupt BIOS if you are willing to risk the other BIOS chip. Note: This will probably count as voiding your warranty, and if you do this wrong, you may have two non-working motherboards.
Take the non-working BIOS chip out of its motherboard and set it aside to keep it safe.
Take the working BIOS chip out of the working motherboard and insert it into the other motherboard, but do not press it all the way into its socket. Only place the chip so that its connectors are touching the sockets contacts firmly.
Attempt to boot the motherboard with its temporarily installed BIOS chip. You must get the system booted to a floppy disk which contains the correct BIOS and installer for the broken motherboard. Do not flash the working BIOS chip.
Gently use a chip puller or pair of small screwdrivers to remove the working BIOS chip from its socket. Be careful not to touch anything metal with the tools, as you must leave the system running for this. Set the working BIOS chip aside.
Insert the corrupted BIOS chip firmly into the slot in the running motherboard. Again, be careful not to touch anything metal.
Flash the corrupted BIOS following the above instructions.
Reboot.
If it worked, reinstall the working BIOS chip back in its motherboard.
Warnings
Make sure you are upgrading from the right source. Downloading a BIOS from places other than the manufacturer's site is risky, as versions from the same BIOS software developer for one manufacturer's motherboard may not work on another's. Doing this might "brick" the board, required either a BIOS replacement or a reprogramming of the BIOS by the manufacturer. This means you won't be able to boot your computer at all.
Make sure your power is reliable when you flash your BIOS.
Any sizable fluctuation or loss of power during a flash process may corrupt the BIOS. Therefore, never power down or reset a PC when flashing the BIOS either. If flashing in your OS, first disable all unnecessary applications and background processes.
Avoid updating your BIOS unless you know exactly what you are doing. Failure to follow a manufacturer's directions and precautions may corrupt the BIOS as well.
BIOS components are often soldered to the motherboard and therefore not serviceable by the user. Still some of these will be inserted into a socket, allowing its replacement.
All BIOS components are serviceable via a firmware upgrade known as "flashing" this process is known as "updating the BIOS". The process itself is fragile since any power fluctuation during a flash may irrevocably corrupt a BIOS' firmware. Great care will need to be taken in order to safely accomplish this.
This guide will help you flash your BIOS by taking precautions and walking you through each step. Not all computers will have the same BIOS manufacturer, let alone the same process, but many have similar steps and precautions.
Steps
Determine your needs. Did someone help you update the BIOS last month? Maybe you've never updated the BIOS of your PC since you purchased it years ago? Did you discover that an updated version will fix a problem you're experiencing? This will help you determine if you need to verify version numbers or not, and whether an update is necessary. Not all BIOS updates are necessary, but for the hardware enthusiast, obtaining the latest BIOS may equate to better performance.
Find your system's origins. This is an important first step to determine where you'll need to go before downloading an updated BIOS version.
For desktops, did you purchase this computer as a bundled, pre-built system, or was it assembled from purchased components? The larger, more popular manufacturers and builders include companies such as Dell/Alienware, HP/Compaq, IBM, Lenovo, Sun, Gateway, etc. For these, visit the manufacturer's site. For a custom system built from purchased components, visit the motherboard manufacturer's website.
For laptops, visit the laptop manufacturer's site, such as Dell/Alienware, HP/Compaq, Acer, Toshiba, etc.
Discover what update methods are available. Not all BIOS updates are performed in the same manner.
Some manufacturers will use their own, custom application to update your BIOS, and others will use a third party utility to update the BIOS under DOS. The latter may be split into two different files, or bundled together as a floppy image with an extracting application. Download the appropriate updating software and BIOS from your manufacturers website.
Backup your existing BIOS first!. If using BIOS update software run through Windows or another operating system, back up your existing BIOS image first. Some BIOS update software has this functionality (ie: "Save" or "Backup"), and will advise you to perform a backup first.
Perform the update. Run the downloaded installer or application executable for the BIOS updating software. If the software prompts you for a floppy, use a formatted 1.44MB 3.5" floppy disk. It doesn't matter if it's blank or not, as the data will be overwritten if you don't mind wiping the disk.
If using a floppy, restart your system and boot up to the floppy disk. Some floppy images will have an "autoexec.bat" file to automatically run the BIOS update. Others will just have the update software, the updated BIOS image, and possibly a 'readme' text file for directions. If there are no directions, but there are at least two files (ie: "A06_123.bin" and "awflash.exe"), follow this example: Enter a command such as "awflash A06_123.bin" and press enter. This will run the update software and point it to use the A06_123.bin to flash the BIOS.
Compare the two versions. Most BIOS update software will read the existing BIOS image and determine its version, then compare this to the BIOS image you've downloaded. If the version you have is older, perform the update. The interface of BIOS software may vary greatly, yet typically buttons or selections such as "Write", "Update", or "Confirm" will perform the BIOS update.
Power cycle the computer. Many update programs will automatically power cycle your computer. Some will request your permission to do so, and others will warn about this before starting the update. A few will prompt you do this yourself. If you're forced to handle this yourself:
Completely power down your PC by either pressing the power button or initiating the power off sequence for your operating system.
Flip the master power switch on the back of your PC to the off position, if applicable.
Wait a minute.
Flip the master power switch back into the on position, if applicable.
Power up your PC.
Clear your existing settings.
Only clear your BIOS if recommended, as this is not always necessary, depending on what features have changed between your current version and the updated version. When your PC is powering up, immediately go into your BIOS settings tool. For most systems, this is done by repeatedly pressing on your keyboard once you see something on your monitor. Other systems might be , , , etc. If you don't know the keystroke sequence for entering the BIOS, watch the monitor to see if your computer displays it. To clear its settings, look for an option to "Restore Defaults" or "Load Fail-Safe Defaults". This may be on the main page of the BIOS, or on the last page of a tabbed menu. Use the arrow keys to navigate, and follow the on-screen instructions. When complete, save your settings and exit the BIOS.
Configure your BIOS. If you know the settings you want, change them now. If you've never changed settings in your BIOS before, you're not required to do so. Most PCs will function just fine on the default BIOS settings.
Tips
BIOS updates may be released to fix existing bugs, add support for new hardware and standards, and add functionality. Take a look at the changes to the BIOS update you're considering to see if it will benefit your PC.
If your system is currently working well, perform a BIOS update only if you're willing to part with it (for an extended period of time) in the event of a critical failure. System builders and motherboard manufacturers will often repair systems and motherboards that failed to take a BIOS update, provided they are still under warranty. Yet, this process is a lengthy one, often involving the following steps:
Contact technical support and verify the problem is related to the BIOS update.
Acquire an RMA or similar tracking number.
Ship the product back to the builder or manufacturer.
Wait for approval (testing) and repair or replacement.
Wait for the product during shipment back to you.
If your BIOS firmware has become corrupted and you have a similar motherboard with the same CPU socket and a BIOS chip of the same type, you may be able to recover your corrupt BIOS if you are willing to risk the other BIOS chip. Note: This will probably count as voiding your warranty, and if you do this wrong, you may have two non-working motherboards.
Take the non-working BIOS chip out of its motherboard and set it aside to keep it safe.
Take the working BIOS chip out of the working motherboard and insert it into the other motherboard, but do not press it all the way into its socket. Only place the chip so that its connectors are touching the sockets contacts firmly.
Attempt to boot the motherboard with its temporarily installed BIOS chip. You must get the system booted to a floppy disk which contains the correct BIOS and installer for the broken motherboard. Do not flash the working BIOS chip.
Gently use a chip puller or pair of small screwdrivers to remove the working BIOS chip from its socket. Be careful not to touch anything metal with the tools, as you must leave the system running for this. Set the working BIOS chip aside.
Insert the corrupted BIOS chip firmly into the slot in the running motherboard. Again, be careful not to touch anything metal.
Flash the corrupted BIOS following the above instructions.
Reboot.
If it worked, reinstall the working BIOS chip back in its motherboard.
Warnings
Make sure you are upgrading from the right source. Downloading a BIOS from places other than the manufacturer's site is risky, as versions from the same BIOS software developer for one manufacturer's motherboard may not work on another's. Doing this might "brick" the board, required either a BIOS replacement or a reprogramming of the BIOS by the manufacturer. This means you won't be able to boot your computer at all.
Make sure your power is reliable when you flash your BIOS.
Any sizable fluctuation or loss of power during a flash process may corrupt the BIOS. Therefore, never power down or reset a PC when flashing the BIOS either. If flashing in your OS, first disable all unnecessary applications and background processes.
Avoid updating your BIOS unless you know exactly what you are doing. Failure to follow a manufacturer's directions and precautions may corrupt the BIOS as well.