bios update help

[bryan123]

Hi, i am trying to update my BIOS. I went to insyde website (thats the bios manufactor) but then no longer provide the end user support downloads or whatever... and next then i went to acer (my system brand) and they have a few BIOS updates but i do not know which one to choose... any help... what should i do

 

[fireberd]

First, the BIOS should only be upgraded if there are applicable fixes or added support. Basically, "if it ain't broke don't fix it". A failed BIOS update on many systems and the motherboard is toast and will have to be replaced as many systems do not have a recovery feature for a failed/corrupted BIOS.

The PC vendor (Acer in this case) should be the ONLY source for any BIOS update.

As far as which update, the latest version should be the one to use. In most cases the latest version includes whatever updates there were in earlier versions, along with the current updates.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

First, the BIOS should only be upgraded if there are applicable fixes or added support. Basically, "if it ain't broke don't fix it". A failed BIOS update on many systems and the motherboard is toast and will have to be replaced as many systems do not have a recovery feature for a failed/corrupted BIOS.

The PC vendor (Acer in this case) should be the ONLY source for any BIOS update.

As far as which update, the latest version should be the one to use. In most cases the latest version includes whatever updates there were in earlier versions, along with the current updates.

+1 fireberd I found some though have a recovery version one burns to a disk like my old Intel D915GAV but that isn't to say this one has - I am still very much with you though so if it ain't broke -

 

[alphanumeric]

If all the listed BIOS updates are for your specific motherboard, you generally select the latest one. The last one issued. Be advised that if you flash with an incorrect BIOS or use an incorrect procedure, you could damage your motherboard. You could effectively turn it into a door stop or paperweight.

 

[Mark Phelps]

The absolute FIRST thing you MUST do before you do ANY BIOS update -- is ensure that you have a way to (1) save off the current WORKING BIOS version and (2) restore this version if the update goes badly. In the case of BIOS versions, newer is NOT necessarily better -- I can confirm this from personal experience when I upgraded my Gigabyte motherboard to a newer BIOS and it crashed. I WAS able to restore it and, after that, Gigabyte actually removed the newer BIOS version from their available updates.

BIOS update is not a miracle cure -- unless there is a specific reason for updating (provides a feature you need, adds compatibility for a new processor version you want to install, fixes a known "bug" you are experiencing in the current version), you really need to leave it alone.