Use a floppy disk for older computer BIOS systems.
All Basic Input/Output System settings are stored on a chip on your system's motherboard. Compatibility issues with hardware or operating system upgrades can be addressed by flashing the BIOS. Flashing the BIOS erases the current software on the BIOS chip and replaces it with new, updated software. A BIOS chip can be flashed or updated by running an update program. The exact process varies based upon the computer manufacturer, but individual instructions are provided with the BIOS update file.
Instructions
1. Navigate to your computer or motherboard manufacturer's website. Find your motherboard manufacturer by restarting your computer and entering the BIOS settings. Most manufacturers use "F1," "Esc," "Del" or "F10" to enter the BIOS at restart when prompted.
2. Locate the "Downloads," "Support" or "Help" section of the computer's website.
3. Enter your model, product line and current operating system to view the correct BIOS downloads for your system.
4. Download the latest BIOS chip update file. If no BIOS updates are listed, none are available for your system.
5. Read all instructions provided on the manufacturer's website for flashing the BIOS. Some manufacturers include the BIOS chip flash instructions with the downloaded file.
6. Flash the BIOS chip on Windows XP and later computers by double clicking the BIOS update file and following the prompts to flash the BIOS chip. Flash the BIOS chip on pre-Windows XP computers by installing the BIOS update on a formatted floppy disk or CD and restarting the computer with the disk inserted.
Tags: BIOS chip, BIOS chip, BIOS update, update file, your system, BIOS update file