bios question

[bluesfloyd]

hi ,guys
IF i did update the bios on my laptop, is there a best time to update the bios, meaning, is it better to update bios soon after you get a fresh windows7 install, or can you update the bios to your system any time with out no problems, is there a set order when it comes to bios, drivers, etc,
big thanks for your time guys,
bluesfloyd.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

you update the bios to your system any time with out no problems, i

You can update any time you want.

With no problems?? Maybe. Maybe not.

It isn't something to be taken lightly. It takes only a few minutes, but I wouldn't do it at all without a very good reason.

What's your reason?

I certainly wouldn't do it under battery power.

 

[LMiller7]

Generally the BIOS should only be updated if the update specifically addresses a problem you are having. It should not be done just because there is a newer version available. Most commonly it is needed for compatibility with an upgraded CPU. As a CPU upgrade is particularly difficult and problematic in a laptop a BIOS update is hardly ever needed. If it must be done do so under AC power with a fully charged battery. This gives you some protection in case the power fails or the cord is accidentally unplugged. It happens.

The problem with a BIOS update is the potentially dire consequences if something should go wrong, and this can happen even if you do everything right. Such problems are unusual but they do happen. If the update fails the BIOS is usually left in an inconsistent and unusable state. Since you need a functioning BIOS to update the BIOS you have a very serious problem. In some cases the only recovery is physical replacement of the BIOS chip, or motherboard. That is very expensive.

Update the BIOS if necessary, but only if necessary.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
The only tip is to have plenty of alcohol around so if you create a large paperweight you don't have to drive mad to get some

 

[Mellon Head]

I update my BIOS only under three circumstances:

1. To support a new CPU that does not work under the old BIOS (not applicable to laptops, usually).
2. The manufacturer has released a fix to address a serious bug in the current BIOS.
3. Never.

Option # 3 is the preferred course of action. I've had to do it once to support a new CPU and it was a nail-biting experience. You run the risk of making a $200 (or more) paperweight out of your motherboard.

Just because you can do it, doesn't mean you should.

 

[whs]

My advice - don't update the BIOS

 

[mjf]

Like the other advice I would only update the BIOS if it addresses a serious problem. The problems addressed with a BIOS update are generally identified by the motherboard manufacturer.
I have updated my BIOS/UEFI firmware in the past and didn't do it lightly but my old ASUS motherboard appears to be a little more forgiving if things go wrong. (P8Z68 Deluxe).

 

[bluesfloyd]

hi,guys
many thanks for your expert advice above, what i am learning, is leave the bios alone ,

thanks again for your time guys,
bluesfloyd.