BIOS Firmware Flashing Procedure

Table of Contents

• 1. Introduction
• 2. Preparation
• 3. Backup Your Current BIOS
• 4. Download the Latest BIOS Firmware
• 5. Create a Bootable USB Drive
• 6. Flashing the BIOS
• 7. Post-Flashing Steps
• 8. Troubleshooting

1. Introduction

Flashing the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) updates the firmware of your motherboard. This can improve compatibility, fix bugs, and sometimes add new features. However, it is a sensitive procedure that, if done incorrectly, can potentially render your system unbootable.

2. Preparation

Before starting the BIOS flashing process, ensure you have the following:

• A reliable power source (for laptops, keep them plugged in).
• A USB flash drive with at least 1GB of storage.
• The latest BIOS firmware file for your specific motherboard model.

3. Backup Your Current BIOS

1. Access the BIOS Setup Utility:
   • Restart your computer and press the BIOS key (usually F2, Del, Esc, or F10) during startup.
2. Backup Options:
   • Some BIOS utilities have an option to back up the current BIOS. Look for "Save current BIOS" or similar.
   • If no such option exists, write down your current BIOS version.

4. Download the Latest BIOS Firmware

1. Identify Your Motherboard Model:
   • For desktops, check the motherboard itself or the documentation.
   • For laptops, the model number is usually on the bottom of the device or within the system information.
2. Visit the Manufacturer’s Website:
   • Navigate to the support or download section of the manufacturer’s website.
   • Search for your specific model and download the latest BIOS firmware.

5. Create a Bootable USB Drive

1. Download a Bootable USB Creation Tool:
   • Tools like Rufus, UNetbootin, or the HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool can create a bootable USB drive.
2. Format the USB Drive:
   • Ensure the drive is formatted to FAT32.
3. Copy the BIOS Files:
   • Copy the BIOS firmware files you downloaded to the USB drive.

6. Flashing the BIOS

For Desktops:

1. Insert the USB Drive:
   • Plug the USB drive into a USB port on the desktop.
2. Enter BIOS Setup Utility:
   • Restart the computer and enter the BIOS setup utility.
3. Find the BIOS Update Tool:
   • Look for an option named “EZ Flash”, “M-Flash”, or similar.
4. Select the BIOS Firmware File:
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to select the BIOS file from the USB drive.
5. Start the Flashing Process:
   • Confirm and start the flashing process. Do not power off the computer during this process.

For Laptops:

1. Insert the USB Drive:
   • Plug the USB drive into a USB port on the laptop.
2. Enter BIOS Setup Utility:
   • Restart the computer and enter the BIOS setup utility.
3. Find the BIOS Update Tool:
   • Look for an option named “EZ Flash”, “M-Flash”, or similar.
4. Select the BIOS Firmware File:
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to select the BIOS file from the USB drive.
5. Start the Flashing Process:
   • Confirm and start the flashing process. Do not power off the computer during this process.

7. Post-Flashing Steps

1. Restart Your Computer:
   • After the flashing process is complete, restart your computer.
2. Reset BIOS Settings:
   • Enter the BIOS setup utility and reset to default settings.
3. Reconfigure BIOS Settings:
   • Reconfigure any custom BIOS settings you had previously set.
4. Verify BIOS Version:
   • Check the BIOS version to ensure the update was successful.

8. Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues during or after the BIOS flashing process, consider the following steps:

• Refer to your motherboard or laptop manual for troubleshooting steps.
• Check the manufacturer’s website for support articles or forums.
• Contact the manufacturer’s customer support for assistance.
• If the computer does not boot, you may need to perform a BIOS recovery using a backup BIOS or a BIOS recovery jumper (for desktops).