BIOS update

[Guest]

I found a BIOS update for my system, but I don't know how to install it. It
is a .bin file (ak31s20p.bin to be exact). I was told to make a bootable
floppy and do it that way, but the instructions that were given, are for .exe
and .rom files. Does anyone have any idea on how I can install this file?
Thanks.

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

The support web site of the manufacturer of your computer
or motherboard should have detailed instructions for the correct
procedure for updating your BIOS.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User
Microsoft Newsgroups

Get Windows XP Service Pack 2 with Advanced Security Technologies:
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/windowsxp/choose.mspx

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

:

| I found a BIOS update for my system, but I don't know how to install it. It
| is a .bin file (ak31s20p.bin to be exact). I was told to make a bootable
| floppy and do it that way, but the instructions that were given, are for .exe
| and .rom files. Does anyone have any idea on how I can install this file?
| Thanks.

 

[kurttrail]

I found a BIOS update for my system, but I don't know how to install
it. It is a .bin file (ak31s20p.bin to be exact). I was told to make
a bootable floppy and do it that way, but the instructions that were
given, are for .exe and .rom files. Does anyone have any idea on how
I can install this file? Thanks.

If you can't figure it out from all the replies to your previous thread,
then you really should get someone who knows what they are doing to do
it for you. A computer professional.

--
Peace!
Kurt
Self-anointed Moderator
microscum.pubic.windowsexp.gonorrhea
http://microscum.com/mscommunity
"Trustworthy Computing" is only another example of an Oxymoron!
"Produkt-Aktivierung macht frei"

 

[Guest]

I tried this, and there are no instructions, just the files and their release
date.

 

[Guest]

Well most of teh replies on my previous thread were how to find the updates.
Once I gotone, it was a matter of installing it. It said to make a MS-DOS
bootable floppy and copy the bin over and try it, but it can't recognize the
file. Most of the instructions were for flash and exe files, so that is why I
am stuck.

 

[Star Fleet Admiral Q]

If you are unsure about how to proceed, a very good suggestion is to break
down and take it to a professional or someone you trust knows what they are
doing. This simple act alone, done incorrectly, can render your PC an
expensive door stop, either requiring you to send the motherboard back to
the manufacturer for EEPROM or if the manufacturer no longer supports it or
is out of business, purchasing and installing a new motherboard. But its
your choice and your headache if the update/flash process doesn't or you've
flashed with the wrong BIOS/CMOS.

--

Star Fleet Admiral Q @ your Service!

http://www.google.com
Google is your "Friend"

 

[Ken Blake]

In

I found a BIOS update for my system, but I don't know how to
install
it. It is a .bin file (ak31s20p.bin to be exact). I was told to
make
a bootable floppy and do it that way, but the instructions that
were
given, are for .exe and .rom files. Does anyone have any idea
on how
I can install this file? Thanks.

First of all, why do you *want* to install it? if it's simply
because you found it--because it exists-- I strongly recommend
that you do *not* install it.

Although a BIOS upgrade normally goes well, it is not without
danger. If something goes wrong while the upgrade is an progress
(for example, a lapse in power) you can be left with no BIOS at
all, and an unbootable computer.
Do a BIOS upgrade if you need to--because you are having a
problem that the new version is known to fix--not just because
one is available.

 

[Guest]

For years I have read postings warning people not to update the BIOS unless
they have a reason. While I suppose there is some risk in performing the
update, I do not see a problem. I have updated hundreds of BIOS' and have
only run into problems twice. I was easily able to reset those BIOS' by using
the reset jumper (most if not all motherboards can be reset).

While doing the update, you will see a warning stating that you should not
shut off the power so there maybe a risk if you lose power. So don't update
your BIOS during a thunderstorm.

Here's what you need to do.

Make sure that you have the right update for your board.

Format a floppy disk as an MS-DOS disk. From the bin file you described, I
would say it is for an ABIT motherboard. You need to go to their website and
download a program named AWDFLASH. Copy that file and the bin file to the
MS-DOS diskette and boot the PC from floppy. At the DOS prompt, type in
AWDFLASH. Once in the AWDFLASH program, follow the directions. At some point
you will have to type in Ak31s20p.bin. You will probably be asked if you want
to save the original BIOS info. Save the existing info and then run the
update.

Remember that there is some risk so take that into account. Overall, it's
easy to do.

 

[Ken Blake]

In

For years I have read postings warning people not to update the
BIOS
unless they have a reason. While I suppose there is some risk
in
performing the update, I do not see a problem. I have updated
hundreds of BIOS' and have only run into problems twice. I was
easily
able to reset those BIOS' by using the reset jumper (most if
not all
motherboards can be reset).

I agree that the risk of problems is slight. However it's not
zero. I don't suggest that one should never update the BIOS. I do
suggest that there's no reason to take *any* risk unless you've
identified a benefit. That's why I say "Do a BIOS upgrade if you
need to--because you are having a problem that the new version is
known to fix--not just because one is available."

While doing the update, you will see a warning stating that you
should not shut off the power so there maybe a risk if you lose
power. So don't update your BIOS during a thunderstorm.

The risk of a power failure is certainly greater during a
thunderstorm. That, however, does *not* mean that the risk of a
power failure is zero if there's no thunderstorm. Certainly don't
do it during a thunderstorm. But don't do it all unless you've
identified a good reason to do it.

 

[MAP]

I found a BIOS update for my system, but I don't know how to install
it. It is a .bin file (ak31s20p.bin to be exact). I was told to make
a bootable floppy and do it that way, but the instructions that were
given, are for .exe and .rom files. Does anyone have any idea on how
I can install this file? Thanks.

http://www.badflash.com/

 

[Alan Smith]

email them.

Don't try any way other than the way they recommend- remember you can
totally disable the computer if it fails.

This also begs the question- What will you gain by doing the upgrade? If
there is no definite benefit to be gained don't do it.

 

[Alan Smith]

What will you gain by the upgrade?

Well most of teh replies on my previous thread were how to find the
updates.
Once I gotone, it was a matter of installing it. It said to make a MS-DOS
bootable floppy and copy the bin over and try it, but it can't recognize
the
file. Most of the instructions were for flash and exe files, so that is
why I
am stuck.

 

[Guest]

I see your point but if the guy has an Abit motherboard, it is probably a
built machine. If it's in warranty, the manufacturer will fix it for free in
most cases. I actually updated my BIOS last week and a thunderstorm just
started. The lights flickered but the update ended up being successful. Maybe
just luck but I think motherboards are just better than the old VX-97 200MHz
days. And as MAP worte, worst case, you can pay $25 to have the board
reflashed (if it's outta warranty or the manufacturer won't fix it).

For what it's worth, I just have a problem with a machine that isn't
completely updated.

 

[Richard Urban [MVP]]

You need more than just the bios file. You also need the installer and
"instructions". I have never seen a manufacturers web site that allowed bios
update downloads that did NOT also have this additional program and the
instructions on how to use it.

As stated before, get a professional to do it for you. If you mess up, you
may be posting here inquiring how to install a new motherboard.

--
Regards,

Richard Urban
Microsoft MVP Windows Shell/User

Quote from: George Ankner
"If you knew as much as you think you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!"

 

[Guest]

Ahhh thank you uggabugga! I needed Awdflash, something mentioned that but I
wasn't sure what it meant. I downloaded it, added it to my floppy, followed
the instructions, and voila, all done. I updated, because I got a message
that said something along the lines of "It has been over 2 years since you
have updated bios, it is recommended that you do so." So I did. Thank you all
for your help.