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BIOS update at users risk


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#1
emmjay

emmjay

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I have received a list of prereqs from the manufacturer of my desktop to upgrade Vista Business 32 to Windows 7 Pro. NO problem I can do them, except...

The manufacturer recommends the BIOS be at the latest level. I have updated the BIOS on my desktop only once before (via windows) and it worked OK, but it is now about 4 levels behind. I read that if the BIOS update does not work on your computer it could render your system inoperable. There is a pin swap procedure but if the motherboard has been damaged, too bad, it has to be replaced. Therefore, it is at the user's risk to update the BIOS.

I downloaded the windows version of the latest BIOS level as before and proceded with the install, but it did not work. The support guy recommended I not use the windows method. He recommended the diskette/floppy version (da!). I have burned a CD (ISO version) and I am scared to death to proceed. Should I purchase a usb diskette? Is this the safest - better than ISO method?
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#2
Neil Jones

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Do not update the BIOS unless you really have to. BIOS flashes that go wrong render a board toast. While it may be possible to swap out BIOS chips and what not as part of a hot-swap, this is not advisable either.

If you must flash the BIOS, do it from a bootable CD, you can make these with Nero and other burning programs. They all work the same way. Floppies are too unreliable.
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#3
emmjay

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Thank you Neil,
I used ImgBurn to create an ISO version. I will keep it aside incase I need it later. I assume that if I were to get an error message it would not be easy to determine that the BIOS needed to be updated.

I took a look at the manufacturer's website for what changes have been made to the BIOS since the level I have installed. Some look superficial, but others I do not understand at all ... almost cryptic. No description or error messages to look out for. Scarey! :)
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