Regular BIOS updates will help prevent computer problems.
BIOS, or basic input/output system, is the software component that keeps your computer running smoothly. It serves as the communication link between your operating system and your computer's hardware components. If you have multiple operating systems installed, BIOS tells the computer which one is the default. It also allows you to enable or disable certain components and configure your hardware settings so that your system resources will be properly allocated. It is important to keep your system BIOS updated to prevent your computer from crashing.
Instructions
1. Check your system BIOS regularly if you are using a Windows operating system such as XP, Vista or Windows 7. Not all Windows operating systems have an automated BIOS updater, so it is up to the user to keep this important software component up to date. Failing to update your BIOS can cause your computer to stop altogether and display the "blue screen of death," which usually requires a unit refresh or a re-installation of your operating system.
2. Keep your computer manual handy to help with problems.
Press the specific key or the combination of keys that your computer system suggests during boot up. Depending on which version of Windows operating system you have installed on your machine, the key to access your BIOS settings can be as simple as the F10 or F12 key. Since the BIOS is a component of the motherboard system, you should refer to your motherboard manual on access it. Your manual should provide details on get to your system BIOS, including the proper key or keys you have to press as your computer boots up.
3. Download the latest BIOS from your motherboard manufacturer's website. You may save the BIOS update either on a CD-ROM or a USB flash drive with capacity of at least 2 gigabytes. To ensure that your BIOS update download is complete and executable, monitor it from start to finish. Installing an incomplete update will ruin your existing BIOS, which will require you to reinstall your operating system.
4. Update your system BIOS with the file you downloaded from the motherboard manufacturer's website. You can either use an update utility software, which is available for newer motherboards, or load the update during boot up. Change the boot sequence of your computer and set your CD-ROM drive or flash drive as your default or primary drive. This is important so your computer will read your CD-ROM and ignore your internal hard drive, and so it will run the executable file of your downloaded BIOS. (This is the program needed to perform the system update.)
5. Making a backup installation CD is important.
Reinstall your system BIOS using your installation media, if you have no access to the Internet to download the latest update for your Windows operating system. This is only necessary if you see an error message relating to your system BIOS, which usually appears when your computer boots up or in the "blue screen of death." To perform this update, you must also change your system's boot sequence. Always keep your operating system CD or DVD and other applications media with you, so that you can perform any update on your computer no matter where you might be.
Tags: your computer, your system, operating system, system BIOS, your system BIOS