The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) runs at the startup of your pc and it configures devices and then boots the operating system. The BIOS is stored on a ROM chip. It contains the hard coded instructions that the CPU uses to boot up and to control I/O devices. It essentially makes it possible for a pc to boot itself.

The BIOS runs off the onboard PROM, EPROM or flash memory when the pc is powered on and it initializes and may perform diagnostic tests on the hard drive, memory, video and other hardware. You can tell the BIOS which machine to boot to first such as the CDROM, hard disk or floppy disk.

Upgrading your BIOS (flashing)

Flashing your pc bios can be a very easy or unsafe process. at times the BIOS needs to be updated in order to understand new hardware. Many users are unfamiliar with this type update and are afraid of ruining their pc and they should be! Because of the risk of damaging your pc and making it inoperable it is recommended that you flash your BIOS only if needed. If all is working fine as is, just leave it as is.

The first step is to identify your motherboard and BIOS. To do this, restart Most BIOSes these days are flash upgradeable which means you can wipe them out and then upgrade them using software you download and then run. Newer pc may have detachable BIOS chips, so if you mess up the process you may be able to order one from the manufacturer.

The pc and look for the BIOS ID string, will be located at the bottom left corner of the screen during startup. You typically can press the Pause key during the memory test to pause the startup process and permit more time to copy the ID string.

You may also be able to classify the motherboard producer and BIOS identification number by going into the BIOS itself. At startup press the appropriate key to get into the BIOS. Here are some of the more ordinary key combinations to get into the BIOS:

Next you need to download the upgrade (usually a .bin file) and the efficacy program (usually an .exe file) from the manufacturer’s website. Occasionally the utility and update are combined in a single file to download. You will need have a formatted floppy disk and copy the BIOS update and utility to the disk. Then you will boot the computer from the floppy instead of the hard drive. At the A: prompt, enter the utility name, then the BIOS name, and begin the flashing. Do not turn off or reset your pc during this process or you will corrupt the BIOS. After its done you need to shut down the pc. You may have to reset the CMOS jumper (check the motherboard manual) and then restart.