BIOS Upgrade failed  

However if you're going to flash the BIOS for whatever reason... make sure you follow procedures.

sygnus21 said:

but I highly recommend you download the complete file before trying to update your BIOS as the update needs to run uninterrupted. If an interruption occurs, you could brick your computer!

The files from Dell are complete when downloaded. As for other brands, any "web-updater" process I've ever used downloads the files and checks them before beginning any actual update process.

Thanks, but I'm replying to what was posted. Better to be safe and say something than sorry by leaving something out and assuming :)

Also I've never used a "web updater" to update any BIOS and I've done plenty; but to each his own. As for the file downloads, yes, you are correct... but I've also experienced those rare times when a file wasn't complete. It does happen.

At any rate the OP hasn't posted back since so...???

Peace

sygnus21 said:

Also I've never used a "web updater" to update any BIOS and I've done plenty; but to each his own. As for the file downloads, yes, you are correct... but I've also experienced those rare times when a file wasn't complete. It does happen.

Gigabyte boards, for example, offer a program that will download the new BIOS, verify it's quality and compatibility, and then reboot to flash the actual BIOS. If there's an issue with the downloaded file, you'll know, and it won't continue. Same thing with the installers like Dell. If you downloaded a corrupt file...you'll know and you won't even be given a chance to make the attempt.

Yeah I have a Gigabyte board (see system specs) which uses Q-Flash and @BIOS but I much rather download the executable file and install it myself. Others may take a different approach as they may not trust updating a BIOS in the Windows environment. I understand that as well.

Bottom line is you need to make sure the file is complete no matter which way you go before doing the update. And that incomplete/corrupt downloads do happen.

Anyway we can debate this all day long but I just offered my opinion based on my experiences with updating BIOS's. Others may vary.

Peace

sygnus21 said:

I much rather download the executable file and install it myself. Others may take a different approach as they may not trust updating a BIOS in the Windows environment. I understand that as well.

This is where I have to shake my head. I'm trying not to turn this into a debate, but I want to make sure the correct info is given. I also don't want to rehash the HUGE thread and debate from the past, but there is no such thing as flashing the BIOS in the Windows environment. That's the exact phrase that started the huge battle. I also encourage you not to take my word for it and look through the manual or website of Gigabyte, Dell, etc. The actual process of flashing is done outside of Windows, by the board itself. It's the same process as the built-in board utility that you are probably used to. The Windows app, @BIOS, in this case, downloads the BIOS file, checks it, then pre-loads it to the board. your system is rebooted, and the BIOS flash is performed.

The reason why I'm pointing this out is not to start a battle, it's to make sure people reading see the correct descriptions. There is no BIOS flash in Windows...so the fears of doing so are unfounded. It's the same process as flashing from DOS or a USB flash drive...just with less steps for the end user to take. It isn't any more or less dangerous than any other BIOS flash method. It's simply more convenient. Dell is the same way. Your download includes the BIOS file, which is checked, loaded, and then flashed outside of Windows on a reboot.

DeaconFrost said:

I also don't want to rehash the HUGE thread and debate from the past, but there is no such thing as flashing the BIOS in the Windows environment.

So what are these? And what environment are they working in?

My Intel BX975 MB...

Express BIOS Update [BX97520J.86A.2838.EB.EXE] - Self-extracting Windows*-based update file includes Software License Agreement and the utility for updating the BIOS. It is designed to be used on Windows* systems. This method is the most commonly used.

Source - http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&DwnldID=16896&lang=eng&OSVersion=Windows%20Vista%2064*&DownloadType=BIOS

Intel's latest MB and it's BIOS update...

GAZ7711H.86A.0053.EB.EXE - Self-extracting Windows*-based update file includes Software License Agreement and the utility for updating the BIOS. It is designed to be used on Windows* systems. This method is the most commonly used.

Source - http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Deta...nloadType=BIOS

Even this utility works in a "Windows" based Environment....





Perhaps we disagree on what a Windows based environment is?

As I said before, I have experience doing this

Peace out

I could trot out my experience and job title if you'd like, but debates usually go south after that happens. You are falling into the trap of the previous discussions on the topic. If you run through those processes...Gigabyte and Dell, for example, and you have the experience level you claim, then you'd surely know what happens after you are prompted for a reboot.

If so, then you'd know why the flashing isn't done from within windows. You are making the mistake of confusing the BIOS flash process with the process of the board loading the file into it's memory subsystem so it can actually be flashed after shutting down Windows.

I'm getting a migraine from even thinking of going down this path again, and I'm sure others are who are reading. Use that experience you are tossing around to follow through on the entire process. I'll use Dell as my example because my entire company fleet is Dell, and I just upgraded my BIOS on an old D630 late yesterday. Yes, you run the file from within Windows...but if you happen to watch what's going on...you are asked to reboot. You are brought to a console screen after POST showing you the status of each step, and once the flash is completed, the system is rebooted again using the new BIOS, continues through the POST, on to Windows...and then you are given a confirmation screen once Windows loads.

Again, I'll state: The utility may be run from within Windows...but the actual process of replacing the file on chip is done from outside the OS. That's the conclusion reached each and everytime this is "debated".