Updating BIOS

Wildy · 30th July 2011, 10:07 AM

I've been troubleshooting a problem with my computer and one of the possible fixes is to update my BIOS.

Thing is that there are many updates for my specific motherboard (an ASUS) and I don't know if I have to get each update and apply them one at a time or if I could just get the latest one and apply that one.

Does anyone here know which is the case?

Dancing David · 30th July 2011, 11:01 AM

Usually the latest only, pray it doesn't freeze while you are flashing it.

Usually they replace the wholke BIOS at a time.

icerat · 30th July 2011, 11:33 AM

Yes, just the latest should be fine.

Lensman · 30th July 2011, 03:41 PM

The latest version will include all the mods from all the previous versions.

Wildy · 30th July 2011, 10:39 PM

Thanks. I thought that might be the case but reading around suggested that it might not be.

ohms · 31st July 2011, 05:00 AM

Backup your data first. A failed BIOS flash can potentially brick your system although many modern motherboards have ways to mitigate this (dual BIOS etc)

Pantaz · 31st July 2011, 03:26 PM

The latest version may not necessarily be the best choice. Check the release notes for each version. There is a slim chance that something "fixed" in one version may conflict with something particular to your configuration. It's rare, but it does happen.

Beanbag · 31st July 2011, 03:50 PM

If you have access to a UPS (uninterruptable power supply), plug your computer (the box) into that (you can run the monitor off a regular wall plug if you have to) when you actually go to do the flash. Flashing your BIOS is an all-in proposition. Once you start the process, you can't stop it until it completes itself. If you get a power-line drop-out during the flash, well, it's most likely a brick now.

Beanbag

30th July 2011, 10:07 AM	#1
Wildy Adelaidean Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Australia, not that you'll read the "location" field. Posts: 9,924	Updating BIOS I've been troubleshooting a problem with my computer and one of the possible fixes is to update my BIOS. Thing is that there are many updates for my specific motherboard (an ASUS) and I don't know if I have to get each update and apply them one at a time or if I could just get the latest one and apply that one. Does anyone here know which is the case?
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30th July 2011, 11:01 AM	#2
Dancing David Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Central Illinois Posts: 34,741	Usually the latest only, pray it doesn't freeze while you are flashing it. Usually they replace the wholke BIOS at a time.
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30th July 2011, 11:33 AM	#3
icerat Illuminator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: sweden Posts: 3,167	Yes, just the latest should be fine.
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30th July 2011, 03:41 PM	#4
Lensman Graduate Poster Join Date: May 2007 Location: Caerphilly Posts: 1,411	The latest version will include all the mods from all the previous versions.
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30th July 2011, 10:39 PM	#5
Wildy Adelaidean Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Australia, not that you'll read the "location" field. Posts: 9,924	Thanks. I thought that might be the case but reading around suggested that it might not be.
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31st July 2011, 05:00 AM	#6
ohms Critical Thinker Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 442	Backup your data first. A failed BIOS flash can potentially brick your system although many modern motherboards have ways to mitigate this (dual BIOS etc)
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31st July 2011, 03:26 PM	#7
Pantaz Muse Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Van Nuys, CA Posts: 898	The latest version may not necessarily be the best choice. Check the release notes for each version. There is a slim chance that something "fixed" in one version may conflict with something particular to your configuration. It's rare, but it does happen.
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31st July 2011, 03:50 PM	#8
Beanbag Master Poster Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Dallas/Fort Worth Posts: 2,709	If you have access to a UPS (uninterruptable power supply), plug your computer (the box) into that (you can run the monitor off a regular wall plug if you have to) when you actually go to do the flash. Flashing your BIOS is an all-in proposition. Once you start the process, you can't stop it until it completes itself. If you get a power-line drop-out during the flash, well, it's most likely a brick now. Beanbag
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