BIOS update

[gohardsupreme]

I have found out that there is a BIOS update for my laptop. Gateway's website says the update is for xp and vista. i have upgraded my laptop to win7. Is it safe to install the BIOS update despite gateway giving no information regarding whether or not it will work will win7? (when i bought my laptop win7 did not exist)

 

[theog]

I have found out that there is a BIOS update for my laptop. Gateway's website says the update is for xp and vista. i have upgraded my laptop to win7. Is it safe to install the BIOS update despite gateway giving no information regarding whether or not it will work will win7? (when i bought my laptop win7 did not exist)

Install BIOS update from DOS, not from Win 7.

 

[pparks1]

Generally speaking, I am cautious with BIOS updates. If they don't resolve any issues that I am having, I usually don't install them because if something does go wrong, you may be left with a computer which does nothing.

 

[Jonathan_King]

I agree with pparks1. If there is no change that affects you, and you are not having any problems, why risk it?

 

[gohardsupreme]

Pparks, The only issue i am having is that my cpu seems to be running quite hot for no reason. during general use such as web browsing or working in microsoft office speedfan tells me the temperature is usually between 65-78 degrees C. Theog, my question for you is if i were to install the update how would i do it from DOS

 

[Frostmourne]

Depends on the installer. Always install BIOS updates - they may provide new features or provide support for new CPU's - for desktops. Laptops are different. If it isn't for 7 do not install it.

 

[Jonathan_King]

Theog, why not install from Windows? I have never had any trouble...

 

[pparks1]

Everything depends upon the manufacturer. With the dells and such that I have used, you ran the EXE within Windows and then it rebooted and did what it needed to do outside of Windows.

 

[theog]

I have found out that there is a BIOS update for my laptop. Gateway's website says the update is for xp and vista. i have upgraded my laptop to win7. Is it safe to install the BIOS update despite gateway giving no information regarding whether or not it will work will win7? (when i bought my laptop win7 did not exist)

Hi Jonathan_King

Therefore safer to install in DOS.

 

[seekermeister]

If the BIOS chip is socketed, and a new chip is availble, you might consider getting one instead of flashing. The chips are inexpensive, and would permit you to revert to the old chip if anything went wrong. But then I don't know how accessible the chip is on your laptop.

 

[gohardsupreme]

If the BIOS chip is socketed, and a new chip is availble, you might consider getting one instead of flashing. The chips are inexpensive, and would permit you to revert to the old chip if anything went wrong. But then I don't know how accessible the chip is on your laptop.

I dont know much of anything about my BIOS and even if I could do that and got the right chip I have no idea what I have to do with it

 

[theog]

From Gateway web site.How to install BIOS update.

Installation
(Power2Go) Steps to flash or re-flash the computer using a CD burner drive:
1. Place a blank CD in the optical drive. If a pop up window appears, close it.
2. Open the Power2Go software.
3. Select Disk Utilities, and then click Burn Disk Image.
4. Click OK.
5. Click Browse, and then navigate to where the image file is stored. The path to the file is C:\Cabs\9538719\9538719.iso
6. Click OK, and then click Burn.
7. After the CD has been created, restart the computer with the BIOS CD in the optical drive.
8. Boot to the optical drive.
9. At the Menu, select Option 1 to update the BIOS.
10. The BIOS flashes and beeps when finished.
11. When prompted, press any key to restart the computer.
12. When the computer is turning on, press the F2 key to enter the BIOS Setup Utility.
13. In the BIOS Setup Utility, press F9 to Load Setup Defaults, and then press the ENTER key.
14. Remove the BIOS upgrade CD from the optical drive.
15. In the BIOS Setup Utility, press F10 to Exit Saving Changes, and then press ENTER.

Steps to flash or re-flash the computer using a floppy disk drive or bootable USB flash drive:
1. Copy all of the BIOS files from the C:\Cabs\9538719\ folder to a blank floppy disk or a USB flash drive. Do not copy the 9538719.iso file.
2. Restart the computer with the floppy disk inserted or USB flash drive plugged in.
3 At the Menu, select Option 1 to update the BIOS.
4. The BIOS flashes and beeps when finished.
5. When prompted, press any key to restart the computer.
6. When the computer is turning on, press the F2 key to enter the BIOS Setup Utility.
7. In the BIOS Setup Utility, press F9 to Load Setup Defaults, and then press the ENTER key.
8. Remove the BIOS upgrade CD from the optical drive.
9. In the BIOS Setup Utility, press F10 to Exit Saving Changes, and then press ENTER.

 

[Wishmaster]

As stated already, updating Bios can be risky at times, and should be done with caution.
I would advise flashing from USb, and only if the resovled issue applies to you.


Bios should not cause your CPU to run hot however..

It may be due to dust build up, heatsink is lose , improper airflow, or speedfan is just wrong.

generally speaking AMDs should be kept below 50C ideally maybe 55C MAX

if you were truly running at 78C, I think there would be clear evedence of it by now. That Hot by Intel standards, much less AMD

 

[gohardsupreme]

i appreciate the information you guys have been giving me but i would like a yes or no. Install update or do not install update that is the question.

 

[seekermeister]

The only thing that I can say is if it's not broken, don't fix it. In other words, if the update doesn't address a problem that you are having, then do not update. Flashing a BIOS incurs a certain amount of risk which shouldn't be taken, unless there is definitely something to gain, making the risk worth taking.

 

[Jonathan_King]

I'd say no. Could you give me a link to the update, so I can see exactly what the changes are?

 

[theog]

I'd say no. Could you give me a link to the update, so I can see exactly what the changes are?

Here you go:

Gateway Support - 1015326R Gateway T-1628 Notebook

 

[pparks1]

i appreciate the information you guys have been giving me but i would like a yes or no. Install update or do not install update that is the question.

And this is a question that you aren't likely going to get a final answer on.

It's a matter of personal opinion. More conservative folks (like myself) are going to say that if it's not broken, don't attempt to fix it. The more daring folks are going to say that if the vendor updated the BIOS there is a good reason to install it.

When it comes to me personally, if this is on a home machine where I have data that I rely on...I'm conservative and only patch it when the benefits actually benefit me directly. When it comes to a work machine that is new and being setup..I just go ahead and update it (since i have nothing personal to lose in the matter). We've always got other machines available and I can also send it back to the vendor to be repaired.

Usually on a server that is having an issue, when I call for support...the tech support folks immediately as me to apply the latest firmware updates and such. And I will usually go ahead and do it...because worst case scenario I have a 4 hour contract and can have a replacement part in place and be back up and running.

 

[madtownidiot]

The heat issue probably is more due to the hardware you're using than anything that may or may not be wrong with BIOS. Try taking apart your laptop and cleaning the dust out of it. Sometimes that helps immensely.

 

[gohardsupreme]

The heat issue probably is more due to the hardware you're using than anything that may or may not be wrong with BIOS. Try taking apart your laptop and cleaning the dust out of it. Sometimes that helps immensely.

Dusting the hardware has made a big difference in terms of temperature and as far the BIOS i get the if it aint broke dont fix it idea but i am still curious as to whether or not the update would add anything useful.