Windows 7: Installing updates via Windows Live CD

My computer bluesecreens a LOT (3 times just today), has been nearly since I built it 5 years ago and I've gone through everything to fix it. Last thing I've noticed is that there have been a couple of updates to my motherboard firmware but when I try to install them I just get an error that they won't work with a 64 bit OS (Windows 7 64). I thought about using a live CD running a 32 bit Windows just to install the update. Anyone have any thoughts on this? Any reason it might not be a good idea? I looked around and just at first glance saw one called Vista pe that looked pretty decent.

You may be able to flash it directly from the BIOS. My ASUS motherboards have an Easyflash utility built in. I just put the rom file on a thumb drive and do it all from the BIOS menu. The motherboard manufacturer may also have a utility to create a bootable thumb drive with the flash utility on it. Then you just boot from the thumb drive and run the utility. It might be easier than the live CD method.

That's possible, but I'm not sure. This (Gigabyte) motherboard isn't the newest. I built the PC in 2007 and I think the mobo was one of the last sold of that model. I'll look into it though.

Gigabyte boards have a program called EZ Flash that downloads the proper BIOS file, loads it into memory, and then reboots to handle the flashing. I don't recall when they started using that app, but it was quite some time ago. What model motherboard do you have?

It's a P35-DS3P Thanks for the info and BTW, hello from a fellow Philadelphian.

Ah, a local! Not many of us around here.

I think I actually had that board once. I misspoke. The name of the utility is @BIOS. It will download and install the BIOS for you. If you have your manual, or download from the Gigabyte site, the instructions start on page 66.

Ah OK, that does sound familiar.

I've used it many times without issue. I only use Gigabyte or Intel boards anymore.