This article is in response to a customer query. The customer was experiencing BSODs (Blue Screen of Death). One of the items to check in the process of solving the issue is the BIOS (Basic Input Output System). While updating the computers BIOS can indeed cure some computer ailments, I prefer to relegate flashing to the "last resort" status. In other words test all other possibilities first. System memory, the hard drive, the Operating System and device drivers can be the cause of BSODs.
Test your RAM
Memory modules, while for the most part are reliable, can lose integrity over time. The mother board runs memory tests when the computer is powered on. This test has been reduced to facilitate faster boot times. The thoroughness of the test can usually be adjusted in the BIOS setup utility. Access to this utility varies with the brand of BIOS and computer manufacturer. Instructions for this are usually displayed during POST (Power On Self Test). If by chance this test can't be modified there is a memory diagnostic program that can be downloaded from Microsoft. A web search for memory diagnostics will return the link to this free utility and is a more reliable method than posting a link here as the Microsoft web site is highly dynamic.
Test your Hard Drive
The hard drive is another piece of hard ware that can loose integrity over time. Clearing up drive problems can make many ailments disappear. The drive can be tested with the tools built into the operating system or by third party software. SpinRite 6 from Gibson Research Corp. (grc.com) is an excellent example of drive diagnostic software.
Check your operating System
With the two major hardware components tested check your operating system. For Windows this can be accomplished by opening the "Run" box from the Start Menu or on some systems may be found in the Accessories folder on the "All Programs" sub-menu of the Start Menu. Where this illustration says "cmd" type in "sfc /scannow" without the quotes.
Update Device Drivers
Device drivers are another source of startup problems and BSODs. With Windows being updated so regularly, conflicts can arise with drivers on occasion. This is a subject that has been covered on the Updating Device Drivers page of this web site.
Flashing BIOS
As this is the central topic of this page, each of the previous points have not been covered in detail. They were included here to emphasize reserving BIOS flashing as a last resort. Since BIOS update files are by necessity downloaded from the Internet, a corrupt file is a high probability, making this process much more risky than the others mentioned here. While device drivers and such can also be corrupt, the probability of ending up with an expensive paper weight is lower because these changes are more easily reversed. The other trouble areas mentioned are also most likely to be the cause of BSOD problems.
With the disclaimer out of the way, the first thing you need to know before flashing your BIOS is the current version of BIOS on your computer. This can be found on screen when you first turn on your computer. This screen doesn't have a long display time so you have to be quick or restart your computer several times to get it. An alternative is using the "msinfo32" utility.
Like "sfc /scannow", type "msinfo32" into the "Run" box. After clicking the "OK" button you will be greeted with a screen similar to that shown here. Look for the heading "BIOS Version/Date" and write down this information. Since most mother board manufacturers will have more than one BIOS version available, you will need this information to ensure that you download a version that is newer than the one you already have.
Some motherboards come with an Update utility which will check for BIOS updates and chipset updates as well. This utility also makes the use of "msinfo32" unnecessary. Our customers always receive the driver disk and manual that ships with the mother board and will be able to check these sources for the availabilty of update utilities. These sources also provide the web address for the manufacturer. Individuals with computers we didn't build will need to check eith the computer manufacturer. HP and Dell to mention a couple will often have BIOS and chipset driver updates on their sites. Since these companies have a tendency to modify the BIOS and/or chipset drivers it is recommended that you get updates from them.
A BIOS flash utility is another tool for which you should look. Aside from the update file you will need a means to load the file onto the BIOS chips. A flash utility will be a big help in this area, otherwise you will need a boot disk that will giver you a command line screen from which you run the flash update file.
Since this process varies with make and model of motherboard, we cannot offer specific instructions but these will be available on the manufacturers site. A hint we can provide is to copy the BIOS update file onto removable media or the root of your system drive in order to minimize command line typing. As mentioned, manufacturer sites are a source of information. Many also include user forum boards that can be searched snd also provide invaluable information specific to the hardware you own.
Armed with all the tools needed, flashing the BIOS is accomplished in a very short period of time. once the update file is loaded into BIOS a reboot will be required. In some cases you may be required to use the BIOS reset jumper on the motherboard, if so the information sources mentioned will not only tell you if this is necessary but will show you where to look for the jumper. When moving motherboard jumpers you will find that needle nose pliers or a sturdy set of tweezers are very handy for this task. USually, it is suggested that you make a backup copy of your Current BIOS. Instructions for this are also provided at the mentioned sources. It is a good idea to make this backup which allows you to reverse changes made by a corrupt file. While this may not be the most informative of articles, it should give you a good start.
Microsoft, Microsoft Office, Windows, Windows XP and Windows Vista are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
