A computer's Basic Input-Output System (BIOS) is embedded software on a motherboard that will

control attached hardware. It provides an operating system with information about hardware, and
is designed to support a specific range of components. The BIOS itself is typically an EEPROM,
or Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory, that is programmed with "firmware"
and has the ability to save small amounts of information specific to user configurations. BIOS
components are often soldered to the motherboard and therefore not serviceable by the user. Still
some of these can be inserted into a socket, allowing its replacement.

All BIOS components are serviceable via a firmware upgrade that is known as "flashing" this
process is called "updating the BIOS". The process itself is fragile since any power fluctuation
during a flash may irrevocably corrupt a BIOS' firmware. Great care will need to be taken in order
to safely accomplish this.

This guide will help you flash your BIOS by taking precautions and walking you through each
step. Not all computers will have the same BIOS manufacturer, let alone the same process, but
many have similar steps and precautions.
[edit] Steps

1. Determine your needs. Did someone help you update the BIOS last month? Maybe the BIOS
has never been updated since you purchased your PC years ago. Did you discover an updated
version will fix a problem you are experiencing? Answers to these questions will help determine if
you need to verify version numbers and whether an update is necessary. Not all BIOS updates
are necessary, but for the hardware enthusiast, obtaining the latest BIOS may equate to better
performance.
2. Determine your system's origins. This is an important first step to determine where to locate
and download the correct BIOS update version.

* For desktops, did you purchase this computer as a bundled, pre-built system, or was it
assembled from purchased components? The larger, more popular manufacturers and builders
include companies such as Dell/Alienware, HP/Compaq, IBM, Lenovo, Sun, Gateway, etc. For
these, visit the manufacturer's site. For a custom system built from purchased components, visit
the motherboard manufacturer's website.
* For laptops, visit the laptop manufacturer's site, such as Dell/Alienware, HP/Compaq,
Acer, Toshiba, etc.
3.
Discover what update methods are available. Not all BIOS updates are performed in the
same manner. The desktop or laptop system or motherboard manufacturer determined in the
steps above provide support information about BIOS update methods they offer. Some
motherboards can be updated by executing a program from the operating system level after
booting from the hard disk. In other cases the system must be booted from a floppy disk; CD or
USB thumb drive (using software supplied by the system or motherboard vendor). Some
manufacturers will use their own custom application to update the BIOS, others will use a third
party utility to update the BIOS while booted from the legacy DOS operating system. The latter
may be split into two different files, or bundled together as a CD or floppy image with an
extracting application. Download the appropriate updating software and BIOS from your
manufacturer's website.
4. Backup your existing BIOS first! If using BIOS update software executed from Windows or
another operating system, backup the existing BIOS image first. Some BIOS update software
versions have this functionality built-in (e.g., "Save" or "Backup"), and will advise you to perform a
backup first.
5. Perform the update. Run the downloaded installer or application executable for the BIOS
updating software. If the software prompts you for a floppy, use a formatted 1.44MB 3.5" floppy
disk. It doesn't matter if the floppy is blank or not because the data will be overwritten if you don't
mind wiping the disk.

1. If using a floppy, insert it into the drive and restart the system to boot from it. Some floppy
images contain an "autoexec.bat" file to automatically run the BIOS update. Others will just have
the update software, the updated BIOS image, and possibly a 'readme' text file containing
directions. If there are no directions, but there are at least two files (ie: "A06_123.bin" and
"awflash.exe"), follow this example: Enter a command such as "awflash A06_123.bin" and press
enter. This will execute the update software and specify the A06_123.bin file to flash the BIOS.
2. Compare the two versions. Most BIOS update software will read the existing BIOS image
and determine its version, then compare this to the downloaded BIOS image. If the system's
existing BIOS version is older, perform the update. The user interface of BIOS software may vary
greatly, yet typically menu buttons or selections such as "Write", "Update", or "Confirm" will
perform the BIOS update.
6. Power cycle the computer after the update is completed. Many update programs will
automatically power cycle the computer. Some will request your permission to do so while others
will warn about this before starting the update. A few will prompt you to power cycle the system
yourself. If you're forced to handle this yourself:

1. Completely power down the PC by either pressing the power button or initiating the
power off sequence from the operating system.
2. Flip the master power switch on the back of your PC to the off position, if applicable.
3. Wait a minute.
4. Flip the master power switch back into the on position, if applicable.
5. Power up the PC.
7.
Clear the existing BIOS settings. Only clear the BIOS if recommended. This is not always
necessary, depending on what features have changed between the existing version and the
updated version. When the PC is powering up, immediately initiate execution of the BIOS utility.
For most systems, this is done by pressing Image:keys_delete.png on the keyboard within the
first 2 - 10 seconds of turning the computer on. Other systems might use other keys such as
Image:keys_f2.png, Image:keys_f10.png, Image:keys_control.pngImage:keys_enter.png, etc. If
you don't know the keystroke sequence for entering the BIOS utility, watch the monitor to see if
the computer displays it. To clear the BIOS settings, look for an option to "Restore Defaults" or
"Load Fail-Safe Defaults". This may be on the main page of the BIOS utility or on the last page of
a tabbed menu. Use the arrow keys to navigate, and follow the on-screen instructions. When
complete, save the settings and exit the BIOS utility.
8. Configure the BIOS. If you know the settings you want, change them now. If you have never
changed BIOS settings before, it is not required to do so. Most PCs will function just fine using
the default BIOS settings.

[edit] Tips

* BIOS updates may be released to fix existing bugs, add support for new hardware and
standards or add functionality. Read the release notes or other documentation for the BIOS
update you're considering to see if the update will benefit your PC.
* If your system is currently working well, perform a BIOS update only if you're willing to part
with it (for an extended period of time) in the event of a critical failure. System builders and
motherboard manufacturers will often repair systems and motherboards that failed to take a BIOS
update, provided they are still under warranty. Yet, this process is a lengthy one, often involving
the following steps:

1. Contact technical support and verify the problem is related to the BIOS update.
2. Obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) or similar tracking number.
3. Ship the product back to the builder or manufacturer.
4. Wait for approval (testing) and repair or replacement.
5. Wait to receive the product shipped back to you.
* If the BIOS firmware has become corrupted and you have a similar motherboard with the
same CPU socket and a BIOS chip of the same type, you may be able to recover your corrupt
BIOS if you are willing to risk the other BIOS chip. See How to Repair Corrupted BIOS Firmware