Help with computer BIOS updates

The following information helps you to learn more about BIOS updates and properly apply them to your computer.

What is a BIOS update?

Unlike earlier computers (before 1996), new computers have a flash BIOS that allows users to update the BIOS chip or flash the BIOS on the motherboard using a program. BIOS updates can correct problems occurring with your computer hardware that cannot be fixed with drivers or an operating system update. Think of a BIOS update as an update to hardware, not software. Below is a picture of a flash BIOS on a motherboard.

What does a BIOS update fix?

A BIOS update can fix any of the following problems.

• Add the capability of adding new hardware to the computer.
• Additional options or corrections to the BIOS setup screen.
• Correcting issues with incompatibility with hardware.
• Update hardware capacity and capabilities.
• Missing information or instructions.
• Update to the startup logo.
• Older computers that need an update to the Year 2000 issue.

Do I need a BIOS update?

Unlike a software update, BIOS updates are more difficult and if done improperly, can cause your computer or hardware to no longer work. Therefore, a BIOS update should only be done if the readme file or the hardware manufacturer's website indicates the BIOS update fixes your problem.

I want to keep my computer up-to-date, should I update the BIOS?

We only recommend updating the BIOS if you are having problems. We do not recommend updating the BIOS if the computer is working fine.

I recently installed new memory, hard drive, or other hardware, should I update the BIOS?

If you installed additional memory, a new hard drive, or other new hardware into your computer, you do not need to update the BIOS. Most hardware can be installed in a computer without requiring a BIOS update.

However, if after installing new hardware, your computer is not working correctly, first make sure the new hardware is compatible with your computer. If the new hardware is compatible, then a BIOS update may be required for the new hardware to work correctly.

BIOS update precautions and suggestions

BIOS updates can be a costly mistake if all the proper information and steps are not known by the user before proceeding. Updating the BIOS improperly or with the wrong BIOS may cause your system not to boot. The steps below should be taken before upgrading your computer BIOS.

1. Only obtain the BIOS update from the computer manufacturer or motherboard manufacturer. Note: Most OEMs (e.g., Dell, HP (Hewlett-Packard), and Toshiba) do not recommend updating the BIOS from the motherboard manufacturer and only use their BIOS updates.
2. Do not shut off or reboot the computer until instructed.
3. Verify that the BIOS you were instructed to use or the one you're downloading resolves your problem. Remember that BIOS updates only fix hardware issues, not software issues, unless that software is directly related to the hardware.
4. Verify the BIOS version and ensure that the BIOS update you plan to use is the next version. For example, if your BIOS is 1.0a, and the manufacturer has 1.0b, 1.0c, 1.0d, etc., update to version 1.0b first. If you need 1.0d, update to 1.0b, 1.0c, and then 1.0d unless otherwise instructed by the motherboard manufacturer.
5. Some BIOS updates only work with a specific type of processor. Therefore, knowing what type of processor your computer has is also a good idea.

• How to determine the type and speed of a processor.

6. Verify that the computer was scanned for viruses. A virus can cause a BIOS update to abort or fail.
7. If you're updating a laptop BIOS, ensure the AC adapter is connected.
8. Only do a BIOS update in a stable environment. If it's storming outside, and the power goes out during the update on a computer without a battery backup or UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply), data loss or filesystem corruption may result.
9. Finally, when upgrading a BIOS, read all disclaimers and other instructions included with the download. Many computer manufacturers void warranties if a user does the update without the assistance of a technician or company representative. If the BIOS causes any difficulty with the computer, you may be held responsible.

Where do I get a BIOS update?

Computer Hope does not provide users with BIOS updates. A BIOS update must be handled directly by the computer or motherboard manufacturer. See the motherboard drivers page for a list of computer motherboard manufacturer drivers and BIOS update pages or our computer manufacturers listing for a full list of computer manufacturers.

How to download a BIOS update without a working computer

If your computer cannot connect to the Internet to download a BIOS update, use another computer to create a BIOS update diskette, disc, or bootable USB (Universal Serial Bus) thumb drive.

Where can I find the BIOS version for my motherboard?

The BIOS version is often displayed when the computer is first booting. If necessary, press Pause on the keyboard to halt the boot process and view the messages as the computer is booting. If you cannot see the BIOS version during the boot sequence, this information is in the CMOS setup. See the link below for full information and other ways of determining the BIOS version.

• How to enter and exit the BIOS or CMOS setup.
• How to find the BIOS Type, version, and date.

How do I install my BIOS update?

BIOS updates that are downloadable from the Internet create a diskette, disc, USB flash drive, or install the BIOS update in Windows. How they are installed depends on the manufacturer.

Bootable diskette, disc, or USB

In the case of a diskette, disc, or bootable USB flash drive, the file you download steps you through creating a diskette, disc, or using a USB flash drive. Once created, restarting the computer with the disk, disc, or USB inserted in the computer starts the BIOS update automatically. You may need to adjust your boot settings if the computer does not boot from the bootable media.

• How to boot from a CD or DVD in a computer.

BIOS update through Windows

After downloading the BIOS update, an update done through Windows can be installed like any other computer program. After it's' completed, you must restart the computer to finish the BIOS update.

After a BIOS is updated, can it be updated again?

Yes. As long as the previous BIOS update was flashed correctly, it can be updated again to a later BIOS update version. For example, if you've updated to BIOS version 1.1 and BIOS version 1.2 was later made available, you could update the BIOS to 1.2 after 1.1 is installed.

However, if the BIOS update fails and the computer can no longer boot, you will no longer be able to update the BIOS.

Can I revert to an older BIOS version?

Some computer and motherboard manufacturers can revert to an older BIOS version. However, it depends on who developed the BIOS update. Generally, most update programs can only update and not revert to an older version.