Bios confusion..

[zillion]

By all my recent questions and posts, I'd easily be mistaken for a ditsy blond... :p

BIOS... I understand what they are but wish to know which ones are update friendly and how do I do it?

For example, on my original Dell 1998 system, would I benefit from a mobo bios upgrade? Can I save the old bios as a backup?

What "things" can you updae bios on? Mobo? Gfx card, Modem card, cd rom drives, etc? Is it always safe to do? -Zillion

[michaeln]

Most mobo's allow for BIOS updating. It is nesessary at times for mobo manufaturers to allow for the resolution of issues that arise such as larger hard disks, glitches in the running of the system etc.. When this can be solved by a BIOS update the mobo manufacturer will usually post a BIOS update on their support site. You then need to download the BIOS data file (.bin file) and install it (called flashing the bios) using the instalation file specific to the BIOS type on your mobo (Award BIOS uses AWDFLASH.exe and for AMI it is AMIFLASH.exe) These tools allow you to save the old BIOS information from the chip before you install the new file. This flashing method is performed in the DOS environment and not in a windows environment. It is normally performed from a self booting floppy disk.

Generally you only need BIOS update if you are expeiencing diffiulties and it is not recommended to upgrade unless it is necessary to resolve a problem (if it ain't broken - don't fix it).

The more modern boards now have a facility to update the BIOS from within windows directly over the Internet. My Gigabyte GA7ZMM board has this facility/utility.

Other cards can also have their BIOS updated but the method used is not the same as flashing the mothrboard BIOS.

Is it safe to do? The easiest way to answer this is that the process is not difficult but often problems arise. One of the most common problems is flashing the system with the incorrect BIOS .bin file. You /MUST/ be certain that the BIOS update file you download is meant for your board. you have to be aware that some boards have the same identification number but have different revision/version numbers. For example the Soyo 5EH board has 4 version 1.0, 1.1, 1.2 and 2. The BIOS files for each version are different. Some of these boards have one meg onboard cache and others have 512k onboard cache so /EXTREME/ care must be taken when idntifying the correct BIOS upgrade for your mobo. IF IN DOUBT - DON'T.

To conclude (and I'm only scratching at the surface of the issue) have a look at this site http://www.wimsbios.com/ probably the best BIOS data and infomation site on the net.

Hope this hlps.

[Ape0r]

I doubt that you'd benefit, unless your having serious instability or something.

[Rocketmech]

Can I save the old bios as a backup?

Not all Flash utilities will save your current Bios rom. Check beforehand.


What "things" can you updae bios on? Mobo? Gfx card, Modem card, cd rom drives, etc?

Bios' for devices other than your mobo is sometimes referred to as "Firmware" . Some can be updated, some not. you'll need to check with the manufacturer. Each has its own flash technique and reason for an update.

Bios updates usually have " Release Notes " accompanying them, with comments as to what the update fixes, patches, etc. Also, a readme file with instructions can be included. Look for these items for help.

I'll ditto michaeln's comments " if it ain't broke , don't fix it "
If your not sure how, Prudence is in order.

BTW, its a simple task that should be learned. Anyone can do it... if you need someone to walk you thru it this is the place.:)

[cook_n]

Dell support will let you know if youre model does have a bios update. I updated an old pentium bios and it was pretty easy. The other option is to find out who made the mother board and go to there site. Good luck

[userserver]

I believe Dell has always used Intel motherboards exclusively.