2. Choose Update method

Windows, DOS or BIOS tools?
Please note: a BIOS update is not safe! I read often in forums something like: I've done dozens of times on Windows a BIOS update and never see what happens. You're lucky! Because a survey on BIOSFLASH has shown a completely different result. After that most accidents happen (to ~ 75%) clearly under Windows - which I think is not too surprising!

The timing to program an IC is extremely important, because bytes are programmed in nano- or microseconds cycles onto the chip. If your OS, or an installed software freezes or has a blackout - e.g. while your E-Mail client receiving new E-Mails, or your AV software is starting a virus scan, or your OS is installing a new update in the background - then the BIOS-Chip is programmed incorrectly and nothing works after a reboot.

• First choice: BIOS-Update with built-in BIOS Flash tool
  Mainboard manufacturers like e.g. ASUS, ASROCK, GIGABYTE and MSI have integrated in many mainboard models a Flashtool inside the BIOS-Setup (EZ-Flash, Instant-Flash, Q-Flash, or M-Flash). The usage is very simple: you have to purchase the BIOS file from the mainboard/notebook/brand PC manufacturer website. Copy the BIOS file onto a FAT16/FAT32 formatted USB-Stick, a formatted Diskette, or onto a CD. Start the Flashtool, choose the drive where the BIOS file is stored, and follow the instructions. Remember: it's a good idea to take a look into the mainboard manual or other readme/help files from your manufacturer!
  See: Manufacturer links

   

• Second choice: BIOS-Update per bootable USB-Stick (DOS)
  Instead of using a CD or Diskette, an USB-Stick has some essential advantages: it is easy to format a pendrive and making it bootable. Also there is no size limitation like on a diskette. And primarily: the pendrive is rewriteable, which is important if you intend to backup your current installed BIOS version before making the update. Remember: it's a good idea to take a look into the mainboard manual or other readme/help files from your manufacturer!
  See: How to create a bootable USB-Stick

   

• BIOS-Update per bootable CD (DOS)
  The CD simulates (emulates) a floppy drive on boot. Due to the size limitation of the 2.88MB floppy disk, you can use only a BIOS file and a flash program, when both file sizes are less than ~ 2.7MB! Remember: it's a good idea to take a look into the mainboard manual or other readme/help files from your manufacturer!
  See: How to create a Boot-CD

   

• BIOS-Update per bootable Diskette (DOS)
  Due to the size limitation of the 1.44MB floppy disk, you can use only a BIOS file and a flash program, when both file sizes are less than ~ 1.2MB! Make sure to use a perfect Diskette without any errors! Remember: it's a good idea to take a look into the mainboard manual or other readme/help files from your manufacturer!
  See: How to create a Boot-Diskette

   

• BIOS-Update per Windows software
  Are you sure? OK, it's your risk. You have to purchase the BIOS file and the Windows flash utility from the mainboard/notebook/brand PC manufacturer website. Start the utility and follow the instructions. Remember: it's a good idea to take a look into the mainboard manual or other readme/help files from your manufacturer!
  See: Manufacturer links

   

• The safest solution: BIOS-Update per Replacement chip
  On BIOSFLASH.COM you can purchase all common BIOS-Chips, programmed with your desired BIOS version for a small prize. So you don't have to make a risky BIOS update by yourself, which could damage your PC, and you have a second BIOS-Chip in reserve for later experiments or if you want to try an update by your own.
  See: BIOS-Chip order form

   

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