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Flashing bios

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by mderancy

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Can anyone tell me how to flash the bios correctly? I know the instructions vary for different motherboards, but is there a general guideline I should follow? I'm afraid to flash it in fear of making a mistake.

Thanks.

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by ann777

please remove any embedded spaces from the above links when pasting them into your browser.

by paulp

I only have experience flashing Compaq Deskpro PC's. The procedure is really simple. The new BIOS is contained within a self-extracting executable file. It creates a diskette which you use to boot the computer. It checks that the new BIOS is compatable with the system you are upgrading and finally installs it.

I can see potential for two possible problems, although rather remote - losing power before the process is complete (less than a minute) or a bad floppy diskette containing the new BIOS.

by thechas

1. NEVER flash the BIOS unless the update is supposed to correct a problem that you are having.

2. Back up your hard drive first.

3. Create a clean bootable floppy disk
Extract / copy the correct flash program to the disk.
Copy the BIOS update file to the disk.

4. Check if you need to change any jumpers or BIOS settings to enable the flash process.

5. Boot from the floppy.
Run the flash program, and create a backup of your current BIOS.

6. Flash the BIOS with the new code.
Ifavailable, use a UPS to prevent any power interruptions while flashing.

7. Shut down.

8. Perform the CMOS reset procedure for your motherboard.

9. Boot up and adjust BIOS settings as required.

ALWAYS triple check that you have the correct flash program and BIOS code for your motherboard.

Chas

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