Upgrading BIOS

[atc_traffic856]

I am running NTFS file sys win xp pro
Rather then using the DOS command to install the updated BIOS is there a way to use XP and install my downloaded updated BIOS from the floppy?
Thank you

[david eaton]

Short answer - no!.
This MUST be done from DOS. the bios upgrade usually produces a boot floppy with the upgrade on it.

Before you actually start, ask yourself if it it necessary? Does the upgrade fix a problem/bug, or give facilities you really need?
If the answer is "no" or "not sure" then don't do it! Any mistakes/power outages and you have yourself a doorstop!

[CuratoR]

There are windows based GUI tools for updating BIOS. Some motherborad vendors provide them included with driver CD/on their homepage. Still the safest way is to do it booting from a minimal DOS floppy.

[PrntRhd]

I also wanted to add this:
There are risks involved in BIOS upgrades with the best of procedures.
When you upgrade a BIOS, you must do it correctly the first time and keep the computer live during the operation or you may permanently kill the main board's BIOS chip. This may necessitate the replacement of the main board if things go badly.
I use a UPS to assure not power interruptions during the process as an additional precaution.

[atc_traffic856]

Yes thank you, I can see that for the justification does not = the risk factors >>
Thank you

[pop pop]

Then again, you could buy the mobo I'm getting (Asus P5AD2-E Premium), which make BIOS maintenance simple as falling off a log :D Then again, maybe not.

[atc_traffic856]

Yes of crse Pop-Pop you do have a excellent MB, but some of us old die hards will never learn. Nevertheless I went ahead with the suggestions of using DOS, and downloading the latest for this old archaic machine P111 Ax34,
Aopen-BIOS at there site and all went well with the upgrade. Unfortunately it is the only way I can learn, is by trying, regardless of the price I may pay for my errors. What I managed though was not paying a third party something like 29 dollars US or for us 34 something Ca.

[PrntRhd]

Unfortunately it is the only way I can learn, is by trying, regardless of the price
Yeah, me too, just wanted you to take that deep breath first.
:p

[pop pop]

the only way I can learn, is by trying

So true...in computers, and life.

Twenty five years ago, as a freshman USAF radar/computer/electronics technician, I was terrified to try working on anything because I was afraid I would break it. The engineer who was training me said "if you don't work on it, you can't break it ... but you'll never fix it either."

He was right. I tried. I broke some things. I fixed more. I learned allot.

[atc_traffic856]

Actually I must admit; I have learn more from the PC forums throughout the last 3 to 4 yrs, I have also seen a difference in the actual time of receiving your answer to a problem _ whereas a few years ago you would wait for a longer period of time. Using the forums gave me the oppurtunity to build my first PC. Still trying to get through my A+ though.
Thanks for your reply's