Bios update procedure

sara,
Since I was wanting to look into a procedure for asus motherboards, then hang in there and I'll see what I come up with.

I have one procedure, but that is for an asus netbook.

I've always updated the bios on any computer I've owned, since an up-to-date bios can avoid many problems.

Mobo manufacturers release a bios update at great cost to the manufacturer.

Following a bios update procedure correctly can be of great benefit.

Nowadays, a bios is more robust than 5-15 years ago and even if you goof, then you can reset the bios and recover from a disaster.

ASUS seems to have standardized their bios update procedure for their newer boards.

I will post back in a maximum of 24 hours.

karl

UnknownReverent said:

Asus usually has a bios update tool that runs in the OS. Once it's done, you just restart.

Nowadays, generally speaking, a mfg offers 3 options:
1. boot into bios with special key combo which then reads uipdate from usb or floppy.
2. boot from usb or floppy which has been preloaded with the update and a mini-os, often, FreeDos.
3. update from within the OS.

Technicians prefer #1. Noobs prefer #3.

sara2012 said:

My original cpu with 3.0 ghz has gone bad and I have a spare cpu of 2.8 ghz. While installed I am getting blank display, monitor power light flashing, mobo light ok, cpu fan running. I cleaned ram contacts and reinstalled ram. Problem not solved. Expecting guidance. Is this problem of bios?

Sara,
You need to go to the ASUS site and see if your present processor if compatible with the mobo.

You need to go to:Windows 7 Compatibility: Software Programs & Hardware Devices: Find Updates, Drivers, & Downloads

and see if the mobo has a Win 7 Logo certification.

The safest way to update a BIOS on an Asus board is to use the built in Asus BIOS update utility EZ Flash 2, which is accessible in the BIOS settings on the Tools Tab.

The reason it is best to flash from BIOS is that you eliminate a majority of system or user initiated interruptions that can demo a BIOS flash, which does not make for a good day.

Instructions:

*****************************************
AsusTech : Revised February 4, 2010.


EZ Flash 2 – the best, the safest and the most convenient way to update BIOS.

Updating BIOS is serious business!
Every precaution should therefore be taken to prevent that anything goes wrong. Above all: DO NOT USE ASUS UPDATE!!! AFUDOS is the only good alternative to EZ Flash 2.

EZ Flash 2 is a built-in function of BIOS. It is the safest way to update BIOS, because one is not dependent on the operating system, any application, internet connection, firewall settings, antivirus or anything else that can put the vital BIOS update at risk.

On a new build, BIOS can be updated to the latest version before installation of the OS, which may possibly make the installation go smoother and safer.


Note: All what's said below about loading BIOS defaults also applies to the other BIOS update methods (ASUS Update and AFUDOS)!

The PC must never be overclocked during the BIOS update! Always load and save BIOS defaults before and after a BIOS update (press <F5>). By loading and saving BIOS defaults before the update, CPU frequency, memory frequency and voltages are set to default (Auto).
Memory timings are set to SPD values which ensure that a PC with high performance memory that need a higher voltage than 1.8V for DDR2 or 1.5V for DDR3 is able to boot on the standard Memory Voltage. Save the default settings (press <F10>) before starting the update.

When these instructions are carefully followed, there will be no need for a CLRTC.

Preparation:

• Document all your preferred BIOS settings (i.e. the settings you have changed from the default setting).
• Download the BIOS file, which normally is compressed (zipped).
• Unzip the BIOS file to a FAT/FAT32 formatted USB Flash Disk with only one partition (or to a Floppy Disk or a CD-ROM). If the unzipped BIOS file is named like e.g. 'P5B-ASUS-Deluxe-1101.ROM', you can rename it to 'P5BD1101.ROM'. Otherwise a truncated name will appear as 'P5B-AS~1.ROM' due to a limitation to max 8 characters in the filename (8.3).

Update:

• Reboot.
• Press (tap) <DEL> during POST (Power-On Self Test) to enter BIOS Setup.
• Load BIOS Defaults (press <F5>).
• Insert the USB Flash Disk containing the BIOS file P5BDxxxx.ROM. (Note that the USB Flash Disk has to be inserted before boot to enter BIOS, otherwise it won't be detected).
• Save and Exit <F10>. (BIOS will now restart).
• During BIOS restart, press <DEL> to enter BIOS Setup again.
• Under Tools menu, select ASUS EZ Flash 2. It may take 20 seconds for the drives to show up. Select a drive in the left pane <Tab>. Use <Up> and <Down> arrows and <Enter> to select a drive. If you don't see the BIOS file in the right pane, check the other drives. Note that the drive letters may not be the same here as in Windows.
• Select the BIOS file (e.g. P5BD1101.ROM) and press <Enter> to start flashing. Supervise the update, which includes the following stages: Erasing - Flashing (writing) - Verification. BIOS will automatically restart when the update is ready.
• Disconnect the USB Flash Disk before/during the restart.
• Perform a C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) which resets the chipset. Power down, remove power cord from the PSU for 2 minutes and then power up.
• Enter BIOS and load BIOS Defaults <F5> again.
• Reenter your preferred BIOS settings - if you are using AHCI or RAID mode, don't forget to set 'Configure SATA as' to [AHCI / RAID]. Also remember the settings for the JMicron Controller, Audio and Memory Voltage. Check also that the Boot Device Priority is ok.
• Save and Exit <F10> (automatic restart).
• Press <DEL> to enter BIOS Setup and make a final check that all BIOS settings are ok. Save any changes.

TVeblen,
Thanks. Now I just need to make 100% sure that the ezflash procedure for her board is the same. The reason I say that is that there is a deviation with my asus netbook.

sara,
Your specs say that you have an Intel motherboard.

Are you sure about the motherboard?

I don't want to expend effort on a wrong board.