• Bios – description, installation, configuration, options. How to reinstall the BIOS on a laptop: step-by-step instructions

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    Video tutorial on how to flash BIOS

    Bios firmware | reflash reinstall BIOS

    Today on the Internet there are many myths and legends that shroud the process firmware - flashing the BIOS on a computer.

    Many users still wonder and are perplexed, so why update (reflash) BIOS ?

    I already wrote more about this topic here - BIOS update

    In short, for example, new processors are constantly being released that are no longer supported by old motherboards, and if not reflash bios, then the network card will not “see” this processor.

    In addition, with each new version of BIOS firmware, errors are eliminated, support for new devices is added, and operation between devices on the computer is optimized.

    Asus bios update instructions

    So let's consider step by step process BIOS updates systemic ASUS boards. An excellent video tutorial, which is located below on the page, will help us with this.

    Where to start first before you want to upgrade and reflash outdated version BIOS? The first step is to visit the website of the manufacturer of your motherboard.

    In principle, the name of the motherboard is not decisive, since BIOS flashing process for all well-known motherboard manufacturers it is almost identical.

    However, the names are only slightly different utilities for BIOS firmware, but the process itself remains very similar and unchanged.

    How to update BIOS asus

    In the video tutorial you will see how go to ASUS BIOS... how to find there the utility that we downloaded for new BIOS firmware, how to enter this special update utility.


    Many people ask the question: how to update bios on laptop? yes, exactly the same as on desktop computer. There is no difference. Only on different models For laptops, the procedure for logging into bios is slightly different.

    By the way, on the site, in the computer tutorials section, it has already been described in detail how to enter the BIOS and how not to get lost in the sections of this information input and output devices.

    Download bios firmware

    Where is better download bios updates? Everything is very simple.

    If you have an ASUS motherboard, then go to the website of the manufacturer, Asus - their Russian-language resource in Russia www.ru.asus.com

    If the motherboard is from GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY (Gigabyte), then download the BIOS update from the official website www.gigabyte.ru

    Accordingly, if you need an update for bios Toshiba(Toshiba) - go straight to www.toshiba.com.ru, and for those with ASER - go to the download center www.acer.ru/ac/ru/RU

    But on the website www.bios.ru - not a word about bios :))) there is a completely different topic there. Apparently, the owner of the domain does not want to deal with computer hardware :-)

    How to find the required (latest) version of the BIOS update is shown in the video tutorial. Just don’t forget that it’s better to download the BIOS firmware directly from the browser itself (Opera, Mozilla, IE, that is, whatever you’re used to using).

    No need download bios firmware some kind of download manager, like Download Master or ReGet Deluxe. They are of course good to download large files, in order to download files or archives in multiple streams.

    But the BIOS firmware file weighs approximately 2MB, so these threads can only damage it. We will flash the downloaded file into the BIOS memory chip.

    Asus bios update

    There are often heated debates about updating the BIOS. More precisely, these disputes are mainly due to the methods and methods of flashing the BIOS.

    Should I use it? special utilities for flashing the BIOS? Is it possible to update the BIOS directly from the Windows operating system?

    It is not advisable to update the BIOS from a Windows environment! The Vinods operating system may freeze, glitch at this most inopportune moment, reboot and the BIOS will be flashed with an error!

    The motherboard may fail and will have to be repaired or thrown away. But for many motherboards this is the same thing:-(((

    By the way, ASUS motherboards, immediately before flashing the BIOS, check this file for integrity, is it damaged? This is a very useful function, and not all motherboards have it (use it before updating) BIOS versions.

    In general, use only the BIOS flashing method shown in the video tutorial to avoid an unsuccessful and tragic errors when updating bios.

    The BIOS flashing procedure itself takes no more than two minutes.

    BIOS recovery

    The operation of flashing the BIOS itself is quite risky, because if the BIOS is stitched into the chip incorrectly, then very disastrous consequences are possible.

    That is, the motherboard fails and needs to be repaired. True, some motherboards provide a “rollback” to the previous working state, but unfortunately the number of such motherboards is small.

    But ASUS motherboards have such technology - how can you restore the BIOS functionality. That is, you can “roll back” or restore the previous version of the BIOS firmware.

    The ASUS P7P55D Pro motherboard has such a recovery function. How to use it even before flashing the BIOS will be shown at the end of the video tutorial. So that you do not forget and take advantage of this opportunity during the BIOS update process.

    But if your board doesn't even support this function, then don't worry too much. If you do everything as shown in the video tutorial, then the process updates will take place no problem, like clockwork.

    I hope that you have already entered the BIOS before and have an idea about it appearance and settings.

    There is not only a description of BIOS versions from well-known manufacturers Phoenix, Award, as well as detailed descriptions and screenshots.

    Bios flashing lesson

    So, even if the firmware file is copied with errors, then before the last stage of updating the BIOS, the ASUS P7P55D motherboard will check this file again and will not allow it to spoil its working BIOS :))))

    update bios of asus motherboard

    Format a flash drive or other drive and make sure there are no errors on it... all this is explained in detail and clearly shown in the video tutorial!

    Don't forget to turn on the speakers on your computer

    If you want to know all the secrets and technical wisdom
    work on a computer, I recommend watching these lessons!

    BIOS program

    After watching a video tutorial about flashing the BIOS, you will probably have no doubts about the complexity of this procedure and the myths that surround the supposed complexity of bios firmware


    Some people say that there is no need to update the BIOS...

    If released new version BIOS firmware (and this can be found on the manufacturer’s website), which means it is advisable to install it to eliminate errors that were in previous version firmware and to improve the interaction and operation of devices (the so-called “hardware”) of the computer.

    The BIOS can only be updated a certain number of times. In principle, this was true many years ago, back in the old versions of BIOS, which worked on the principle of outdated flash memory.

    Now, BIOS manufacturers have made sure that bios can be updated more than a hundred times... so that’s enough updating for our time :)))

    Although there will not be as many versions of updates. Manufacturers generally make no more than ten versions bios program updates, then tech. support for this model is ending.

    It is stored in a ROM chip, which can be called without accessing the disk. It is located on the motherboard and stores codes for the normal operation of disks, video cards, etc. If you want to find out how to update the BIOS from a flash drive, you need to identify this procedure for all components to which this action applies.

    Using external storage for BIOSa firmware.

    The main condition is considered to be the ability to systematize the update for the BIOS, the main task of which is normal operation electronic device. Really topical issue How to install BIOS from a flash drive will be for those users who use processors that are not supported by the initial versions of BIOS.

    Typically, BIOS firmware is flashed from a CD, but the fact is that some modern electronic devices, for example, netbooks do not have a disk drive and for this reason it will not be possible to flash the BIOS from the disk. So, quite a few users are interested in how to update the BIOS from a flash drive.

    Most users, sooner or later, come to the idea that they need to flash the BIOS firmware from a flash drive. This should be done in the following cases:

    1. you need to install new components or applications on your computer;
    2. it is planned to modernize the device by installing the latest components;
    3. The manufacturer recommends doing this;
    4. errors or system malfunctions appear.

    Updating the BIOS from a flash drive will be required if a device conflict occurs or if the system data is damaged by a virus. This process is also not least important for overclocking a PC.

    It should be taken into account that if the computer is working normally, then there is no need to change the motherboard configuration by updating the BIOS only on the advice of a friend or because a new version has appeared. However, if it contains the user-required latest features, increasing the performance of the device, then you can upgrade the program. Having found out what opportunities a BIOS update provides, you need to figure out how to reflash the BIOS from external storage without negative consequences for the computer. To flash firmware from a flash drive, you will need to complete several steps.

    Determine your motherboard model

    The point is that since the updated BIOS is installed in ROM on the motherboard, it turns out that it is this that needs to be updated. And to do this you need to know exactly what model your motherboard is. You can find such information in the book on the motherboard that comes with the PC, or you can disassemble it system unit and look at it on the board itself.

    It is also possible to seek help software operating system. To do this, press the Win and R keys together, type msinfo32, then click OK. The window that appears will provide all the required information about the system, including the BIOS version.

    However, there are also cases when it is not possible to find out the name of the motherboard even using this command. Then you can use the special program AIDA64 Extreme. Within a month, you will be given the opportunity to use it for free, and you can download the utility freely on the Internet. After installing and launching the application, open general information about the operating system, and there you will find the name of the motherboard.

    Download the firmware

    You need to enter the name of the motherboard model in any search engine. After this, you need to follow the provided link to the official manufacturer. In the downloads section, now select BIOS. Find the new version that is labeled InstantFlash, and then download it. Now you need to figure out how to write the BIOS to a flash drive. It's very easy to do. It is enough to unpack the downloaded archive onto a flash drive, it is better that it is clean. Insert the USB flash drive into your PC and reboot it.

    Install BIOS firmware from a flash drive

    When booting, you need to press Delete or F2, so you can open the BIOS settings. If motherboard your device is supported SMART technology, in this case, you need to go to this section and use the arrows to select InstantFlash. Otherwise, you need to find a section whose title contains the word Flash. The system quickly automatic mode The flash drive and available BIOS versions will be detected.

    Now you need to select the flash drive on which you downloaded BIOS file, and the firmware version you want to install. Then press Enter. The BIOS recovery from the flash drive will begin, and the PC will reboot.

    In certain situations, in order to flash the BIOS, it becomes necessary to boot from the flash drive where the installation file. To do this, press Delete or F2 during loading to open BIOS menu. Find the BOOT tab, and in it find BootDevicePriority. Here the device boot priority is determined. As a rule, in first place is located hard drive with the operating system installed on it. After highlighting the line, you must press Enter, this will change the loading priority. Find your flash drive in the list and perform this operation with it. Then press F10 to exit the BIOS and save all changed settings. When the computer restarts, the installation file will be automatically launched BIOS recovery, recorded on a flash drive.

    You should know that at the moment when the BIOS is updated from a flash drive, you cannot turn off the power to the computer, otherwise this may lead to negative consequences. Just in case, it would be a good idea to connect to the source uninterruptible power supply, if you have one.

    On the official website of the motherboard manufacturer, you need to familiarize yourself with information on how to restore the BIOS; it is usually provided complete with the BIOS file.

    Now you know how to install with BIOS flash drives. However, it should be noted once again that the BIOS should be updated only as a last resort, otherwise problems may arise. It would also be better to write to a flash drive full version BIOS, since the a- and b-versions are still being finalized and have errors.

    The BIOS is standard and works flawlessly. However, in situations where the microcodes are not sufficiently developed, there is a discrepancy between the motherboard and integrated devices, more modern equipment appears, and it becomes necessary to install the BIOS again.

    What is required to reinstall the BIOS?

    To flash the BIOS, you will need specialized utilities developed by the motherboard manufacturer or other companies. With these installation products, all necessary firmware is written into the CMOS chip. It is advisable to use the “native” utilities that are available on the disk supplied with the motherboard, since they are fully adapted to specific equipment and eliminate the possibility of failures or errors.

    Since CMOS in modern motherboards ah - this is something other than flash memory with microcodes and settings, then in order to correctly install the BIOS, you need to find a file with its corresponding version and a flasher program.

    By the way, flash BIOS is better from Windows, because it is more convenient. A similar operation from DOS will take a lot of time and require some ingenuity, although it is more reliable. Moreover, here you will have to create a boot floppy disk with a flash program and BIOS firmware.

    And a few more important nuances. Before starting work, it is important to backup the current BIOS version to an external one using a flasher program. This will allow you to return to the old version of the software in case of failure.

    It is necessary to ensure stable power supply through an uninterruptible power supply. Otherwise, sudden sharp surges in voltage will bring all the work to NONE.

    At re BIOS firmware from Windows you will have everything active applications and antivirus programs.

    What should you be prepared for if you need to install a new BIOS?

    Even a minor error in flashing the BIOS can cause serious complications. Therefore, you should prepare in advance to eliminate them. In particular, if the power is turned off or the system freezes, you will have to use the programmer. Although in this case it is advisable to contact specialists.

    If the BIOS firmware is not fully completed, it is rational to use the following method:


    1. We remove CMOS from a similar working motherboard that is turned on.

    2. We put several threads in the socket, thanks to which it will be easy to remove the microcircuit later.

    3. We install a damaged CMOS. a damaged analogue.

    4. Launch the firmware

    5. When off

    Any computer equipment And software, as is known, becomes outdated over time and ceases to meet current requirements. This equally applies to primary BIOS/UEFI systems, the software of which is integrated into a special chip on the motherboard. When installing new equipment (“hardware”), it may sometimes be necessary to flash the BIOS. This procedure will be performed on a laptop or a stationary computer terminal, it doesn’t matter. The technology is almost always the same. Some users, unfamiliar with the basics of such techniques, believe (and not without reason) that this process is unsafe and difficult. If you can agree with the first statement, then you can argue about the second. In fact, flashing the motherboard BIOS is not such a troublesome task. But to carry out this procedure correctly, special attention should be paid to some important details and nuances, which depends on the manufacturer of the motherboard and the programs and techniques used for flashing.

    Why do you need to flash the BIOS?

    In general, if it is not planned, and the entire system is working stably, there is fundamentally no point in updating the BIOS version.

    But when new equipment is installed on a computer, which may not be supported by the primary system only due to its obsolescence ( Device BIOS it just doesn’t recognize it), flashing the BIOS becomes a pressing problem. Although many users find this process difficult, anyone who works with a computer can perform these steps on their own. It will take no more than 10 minutes.

    Flashing the motherboard BIOS: prerequisites

    First, pay attention to a few mandatory conditions, non-compliance with which can lead to catastrophic consequences.

    Download files and programs to update primary systems only from official resources motherboard manufacturers. In case of installation unofficial firmware No one can give a guarantee that the process will be successful and the system will work as expected after that.

    The second thing to pay attention to is during the update. You need to take care in advance to ensure that there are no power surges or spontaneous disconnection of your computer or laptop from the power supply.

    General rules for updating all firmware

    Flashing the BIOS for almost all motherboard models involves using the same scheme:

  • Creation boot drive(USB devices only);
  • firmware installation;
  • For standard systems BIOS in most cases uses DOS mode. However, for some BIOS versions, as well as for more modern systems UEFI may apply special program for flashing the BIOS, created by the motherboard manufacturer, which is capable of running even in the environment operating systems Windows without necessarily creating bootable media.

    How to find out the modification of the motherboard and the current BIOS version?

    The very first thing you need to do is determine which model of motherboard is installed in computer system, and also find out the version of the primary BIOS systems(maybe she's on at the moment is current and does not need updating).

    You can view information about the board and BIOS version in the section that is called from the Run console using the msinfo32 command.

    For the motherboard, you can also use specialized utilities like CPU-Z (formerly Everest). For a device identified in this way, you need to find the latest firmware on the manufacturer’s website and save the files on your hard drive.

    Preparing bootable media (general procedure)

    If you use bootable media, when an update from Windows is not provided, the first step is to create one. Regular recording of downloaded files will not work.

    To simplify your work, you can use the Rufus utility, which is very easy to learn and creates bootable USB flash drive within a couple of minutes. There is practically no need to change anything in the parameters. Only in the file system should you specify FAT32, and in the recording method use MS-DOS mode, making sure to check the box next to the line for creating bootable media. If this is not done, then when you reboot the device will not be recognized as bootable. Then, to install the update, in some cases you will need to additionally copy it to media control program and the firmware file.

    Next, the process of updating the BIOS will be discussed with examples for motherboards from several well-known manufacturers. Although in general they are very similar to each other, nevertheless, each of them has its own nuances. We assume that priority is BIOS settings already installed.

    ASUS

    Flashing the Asus BIOS can be done in several ways. Among the preferred utilities, two programs worth highlighting are AFUDOS and ASUSTeK EZ Flash 2.

    When using the first utility, you should create bootable media and pay attention to it in mandatory there was a program file afudos.exe and the firmware itself (for example, p4c800b.rom).

    Flashing the ASUS BIOS looks like this. Booting from a flash drive. Since the media was recorded for DOS mode, the initial line C:\> will appear on a black screen, in which you need to enter the command /i p4c800b.rom and press the enter key. Once the update is complete, a reboot will occur, during which you just need to remove the media from the USB port so that the system starts from the hard drive.

    Flashing the BIOS of an ASUS motherboard when using the second utility is somewhat different from the previous option.

    Despite the fact that most firmware on the official ASUS website have the .rom extension, CAB files can sometimes be found. There is nothing wrong with this, since they are used for UEFI systems.

    To install the firmware you need to log in UEFI settings when rebooting, go to Advanced mode Mode ( additional settings) and in the service (tools) section of the Tool, select the line ASUSTeK EZ Flash 2. Next, from the list, again select the media with the program (line of the same name), after which the required firmware file will be shown on the right. We select it and agree to the warning twice (first to check the file, then to start the firmware process).

    At the end of the process, a reboot notification will appear, and at the beginning of the restart, a proposal to carry out initial setup. Press F1 and set required parameters. Otherwise, we simply exit the settings without saving the changes.

    Gigabyte

    Flashing the BIOS of Gigabyte systems is quite different from other processes. First of all, this is due to the fact that you can use online update to install the firmware. But first let's look at the use Q-Flash utilities, which is believed to be best suited for updating firmware.

    First, you should enter the BIOS settings and use the option to reset all Load Optimized default settings. After this, you need to save the changes, restart the computer and enter the BIOS settings again. Next, to launch the Q-Flash utility, press the F8 key, and the start is confirmed by pressing the Y and Enter keys. To begin with, it is recommended to save current version via the Save Bios option, after which you need to use Update Bios. Next, you will be asked to indicate the source from which you want to update. You should select HDD 2.0 as the media (this is how the flash drive is displayed in the settings). Then everything is as usual: select the firmware file present on the media and agree with all the warnings.

    For an Internet update, you can use a specially developed by the company’s specialists Gigabyte utility@BIOS, which runs in Windows environment. In this case, it is strongly recommended to disable Hyper-Threading mode in the settings of the primary system, as well as deactivate anti-virus and other resident applications to avoid errors or failures during the update process.

    After starting the program, you can immediately save the current BIOS version by clicking on the Save Current BIOS button, and then select the Internet Update online update mode, click Update New BIOS and specify one of the servers present in the list. After this, you will be asked to indicate the model of the installed motherboard, and the program will automatically download all necessary components and activates the update process.

    MSI

    Flashing the MSI BIOS, as in the case of ASUS, can be done either from Windows or from DOS. For DOS mode, a tool built into the BIOS called BIOS-MFLASH is used. But the MSI Live Update 5 or 6 application can also be used as an initial management utility. It is notable for the fact that it can also be used to update all installed MSI drivers, as well as reflash the BIOS of the corresponding graphics accelerators. Let's start with it.

    In the main window, you just need to check the required elements. Select the MB BIOS component and click the scan button at the bottom (Scan). If a new firmware version is detected, use the Download and Install button, after which the update process will start.

    First you will need to select an update environment. To simplify matters, check the In Windows mode, in the next window click the button to close all programs that appear in the list (Close all listed programs), click the continue button (Next) and in the next window click the button to start the process.

    For DOS mode, select it from the window running process update, after which we indicate the media and agree to the destruction of all data present on it (the process will take no more than a minute, after which a message about successful creation boot drive). When rebooting, all you have to do is follow the instructions of a kind of “Master”.

    In case of updating using the built-in MFLASH mechanism, you will have to download the firmware manually, create bootable media and perform the same actions in the BIOS as described above (select the media and firmware file in the tools menu).

    Acer

    Flashing the BIOS of Acer systems is surprisingly much easier. You don't even need to create bootable media, although you will still have to format it in FAT32.

    To install the update, a special utility called Insyde Flash is used, which is copied to removable media. At the same time, you need to copy the firmware file downloaded from the official website, which has the extension .fd and corresponds not only to the motherboard, but also to the laptop model, to the main directory of the program on the flash drive. Please note that the device must contain only one firmware file, otherwise the application will prompt you to flash only one of several. After running the utility while the power is on, you will be prompted to install the update immediately.

    The second method is just as simple. First you need to completely turn off the laptop, unplug the cord from the outlet and wait until the power indicator stops blinking. Next, plug the cord into the outlet, insert the flash drive into the appropriate port, hold down the Fn and Esc keys and press the power button. As soon as the indicator starts flashing, release the pressed keys. After this, reading information from the drive will begin (this can be seen by the blinking LED on the device itself). Once the update process is complete, the laptop will reboot on its own.

    Video cards

    Since GeForce and Radeon are dominant in the video card market, flashing the BIOS will be considered using their example.

    On initial stage for your card on the manufacturer’s website you need to download new firmware and management programs. If the system has several video cards, you need to leave only one during the update, inserting it into the PCI-Express slot.

    For GeForce cards the NVFlash program is used (from two files), for Radeon - the ATIFlash utility (one file). Next, you need to create a bootable USB drive for DOS mode, and then copy program and firmware files to it.

    When starting from a flash drive, you should make sure that the card is single-processor, otherwise the proposed method will not work. For NVIDIA use the command nvflash --list, for ATI - atiflash -i. If information is displayed for two cards, then the adapter has two processors, and the proposed firmware method cannot be used (it is better to go to the manufacturer’s website and find instructions there).

    On next stage BIOS flashing GeForce video cards involves disabling protection. This is done with the line nvflash -protectoff.

    Next, to start the BIOS update process for GeForce cards, use the command nvflash -4 -5 -6 newbios.rom (the name of the ROM file must match the name of the downloaded firmware), to Radeon cards- atiflash -p -f 0 newbios.rom. After this, we wait for the process to complete and reboot the system in normal mode.

    Brief summary

    That's all for flashing the primary I/O systems. Based on the above, we can conclude that the best option is to install the update exclusively in DOS mode, although special utilities can be used to simplify the work. But they only work if there are UEFI systems, and are not suitable for standard BIOS versions. You need to be extremely careful with video cards, because incorrect installation update or the slightest violations during the flashing process can lead to graphics adapter will fail.

    In certain circumstances, you may need to reinstall the BIOS for your computer to start and/or function properly. Most often, this needs to be done when methods such as resetting settings no longer help.

    To reinstall, you will need to download from the official website of the BIOS developer or the manufacturer of your motherboard the version that is currently installed on you. The flashing procedure is similar to the update procedure, only here you will need to remove the current version and install it again.

    Step 1: Preparation

    On at this stage you need to find out as much information as possible about your system, download the required version and prepare the PC for flashing. To do this, you can use either third-party software or Windows features. For those who don't want to worry too much about this issue, it is recommended to use third-party software, since in this case, in addition to information about the system and BIOS, you will be able to receive a link to the official website of the developer, where you can download the current version.

    The preparatory stage will be considered using the program as an example. This software is paid, but has a trial period. There is a Russian version, the program interface is also very friendly to ordinary users. Follow this guide:


    If for some reason you cannot download anything in step 5, then most likely this version is no longer supported by the official developer. In this case, use the information from point 4.

    Now all that remains is to prepare a flash drive or other media so that you can install the firmware from it. It is recommended to format it in advance, since extra files may damage the installation and, therefore, damage the computer. After formatting, unzip the entire contents of the archive that you downloaded earlier onto a USB flash drive. Be sure to check that there is a file with the extension ROM. File system the flash drive must be in the format FAT32.

    Stage 2: Flashing

    Now, without removing the flash drive, you need to proceed directly to flashing the BIOS.


    It is worth remembering that depending on the BIOS version currently installed on the computer, the process may look slightly different. Sometimes, instead of a selection menu, a DOS terminal opens, where you will need to enter the following command:

    IFLASH/PF _____.BIO

    Here, instead of the underscore, you need to write the name of the file on the flash drive with the extension BIO. Just for such a case, it is recommended to remember the names of the files that you transferred to the media.

    Also, in rare cases, it is possible to perform the flashing procedure directly from Windows interface. But since this method is only suitable for certain motherboard manufacturers and is not particularly reliable, there is no point in considering it.

    It is advisable to flash the BIOS only through DOS interface or installation media, since this is the most safe way. We do not recommend downloading files from unverified sources - this is unsafe for your PC.