Installing updates via Windows Live CD

[philnolan3d]

My computer bluesecreens a LOT (3 times just today), has been nearly since I built it 5 years ago and I've gone through everything to fix it. Last thing I've noticed is that there have been a couple of updates to my motherboard firmware but when I try to install them I just get an error that they won't work with a 64 bit OS (Win7 64). I thought about using a live CD running a 32 bit Windows just to install the update. Anyone have any thoughts on this? Any reason it might not be a good idea? I looked around and just at first glance saw one called Vista pe that looked pretty decent.

 

[alphanumeric]

You may be able to flash it directly from the BIOS. My ASUS motherboards have an Easyflash utility built in. I just put the rom file on a thumb drive and do it all from the BIOS menu. The motherboard manufacturer may also have a utility to create a bootable thumb drive with the flash utility on it. Then you just boot from the thumb drive and run the utility. It might be easier than the live CD method.

 

[philnolan3d]

That's possible, but I'm not sure. This (Gigabyte) motherboard isn't the newest. I built the PC in 2007 and I think the mobo was one of the last sold of that model. I'll look into it though.

 

[DeaconFrost]

Gigabyte boards have a program called EZ Flash that downloads the proper BIOS file, loads it into memory, and then reboots to handle the flashing. I don't recall when they started using that app, but it was quite some time ago. What model motherboard do you have?

 

[philnolan3d]

It's a P35-DS3P Thanks for the info and BTW, hello from a fellow Philadelphian.

 

[DeaconFrost]

Ah, a local! Not many of us around here.

I think I actually had that board once. I misspoke. The name of the utility is @BIOS. It will download and install the BIOS for you. If you have your manual, or download from the Gigabyte site, the instructions start on page 66.

 

[philnolan3d]

Ah OK, that does sound familiar.

 

[DeaconFrost]

I've used it many times without issue. I only use Gigabyte or Intel boards anymore.