The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is a chip on the motherboard that boots the computer and allows Windows to communicate with the hardware. Although the risk of doing so is considerable, you may need to update your computer's BIOS for it to work with new hardware or, in some instances, for year-2000 compliance.
Instructions
1. Check your computer or motherboard manual for any information about upgrading the BIOS.
2. Reboot your computer and enter the Setup screen. Check your computer or motherboard manual for information on do this.
3. Press the Print Screen key to make a record of each page of your settings.
4. Find out the manufacturer and model of your current BIOS. Check for the information as your computer boots, or find it in the Setup screen information you printed. If neither method works, check the BIOS chip for identifying information.
5. Check the manufacturer's Web site to see if the BIOS can be "flash" upgraded. If so, download the utility program. If not, proceed to Step 8.
6. Copy the program to a floppy disk.
7. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for running the program. Skip to Step 10.
8. Contact the manufacturer of your BIOS chip to find out if an updated chip is available, and if that chip will fit into the same slot on your motherboard.
9. Get and install a new BIOS chip, if available. Search the Internet for installation instructions.
10. Reboot your computer and enter the Setup screen. Change the Setup back to the previous settings if necessary or desired.
Tags: your computer, BIOS chip, Setup screen, Check your, Check your computer, chip available