Solved BIOS Update -

[ish4d0w]

Hi,
I have this motherboard: ASUSTeK M2V (Socket AM2)

It's running an old BIOS version (from 2006) and I want to update it as there were several new versions released and they fix important issues.

However, no BIOS updates were performed on it

According to this link >> Official site for this MB
should I download the latest BIOS Update? Is it OK to skip versions that are between the current and the latest one?

One more question: Check the overview tab on the link above. It has a feature called "ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3", describing it as:

The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to restore corrupted BIOS data from a USB flash disk containing the BIOS file. This utility saves users the cost and hassle of buying a replacement BIOS chip.

Does this mean I can start over (without buying/replacing anything) if the BIOS update fails or gets interrupted for any reason?

How do I perform BIOS updates on this motherboard?

 

[Pauly]

Yes jump to most recent, version 2101
Most bios utilities have two installers, one windows based and one not, the windows based one for your board/bios is extremely old and not for win 7 so i would not recommend it

Check the manual for your board (download link at bottom of list beloe bios) and it should explain more about install methods

 

[bobkn]

BIOS updates are supposed to be cumulative, so usually you don't need to install any previous ones to upgrade to the latest. (There are exceptions, but this board doesn't appear to be one.)

I recommend using EZFlash. See your manual. (it's available for download if you don't have the paper copy.) In brief: unzip the BIOS file and put it on a floppy. EZFlash does the upgrade without any need to produce a bootable floppy or other medium. Newer versions of EZFlash can use a USB flash drive or CD, but apparently you're stuck with a floppy. I don't know whether it would support an external USB floppy.

The CrashFree feature sounds good, but there's a small chance that a bad BIOS won't permit the machine to boot far enough to use it.

In the (very unlikely) worst case, you'd have to replace the EEPROM. Asus sells one with the latest BIOS flashed on it for $15US plus shipping:

BIOS Chip for M2 Series Motherboards

It's a small 8 pin socketed chip, so it would be relatively easy to swap.

 

[ish4d0w]

I don't have a floppy drive. Are you sure I can't use the Windows one?

 

[bobafetthotmail]

using a floppy is safer. You can have a look at a place where they repair computers or people dump old computers, probably they have a spare (working) floppy drive and cable you can take for free.

 

[ish4d0w]

Okay. By the way, do you think it's worth updating the BIOS? You can see the release notes on the link above. I probably have the oldest BIOS so changes apply from update #1 in the list.

 

[Pauly]

Not if you dont have problems may be creating more hassle than its worth but take note in the cpu list in your other thread for your board it will list a processor and tell you from which bios version that chip was being supported so if you want to upgrade and it states newer bios than you have for the chip you want to purchase you will need to do bios or your board will not function with new cpu

 

[ish4d0w]

That's useful to know. I'll definitely check that out before updating. Thanks!