Pre BIOS update Precautions

[Arpit]

HI GUYS

I have P4+128RAM+winxp+ 40GB HDD.I want to update my machine with the
latest version of the BIOS.First of all what are precautions which i
should take before updating my BIOS . Making a restore point in winxp
help in degrading my bios to earlier version if my new bios cause some
problem or should i make a drive image or something which would help if
there is a problem after the BIOS is upgraded.

Hope u guy will help . Thanks in advance.

Arpit.

 

[Og]

1.) Since accidentally screwing up your BIOS results in turning a working
computer into a large door-stop, most computer techs recommend against
updating a BIOS unless you have a specifice problem that a new BIOS version
was designed to fix
2.) A Restore Point is irrelevent -- if you screw up the BIOS , you will
never get to Windows.
3.) Back up your data in case you screw up the BIOS
4.) Use the BIOS flash utility to create a backup of your current BIOS in
case you screw up the BIOS and the screw up is not fatal
5.) Plug your computer to a good, working UPS before you futz with the
BIOS -- if you experience a loss of AC power or a significant voltage
sag/spike during the BIOS flash, you will either have to buy a new BIOS chip
or buy a new motherboard (nowadays it is usually cheaper to buy a new
motherboard than to buy/install a new BIOS chip).
6.) Follow the BIOS flash utility instructions TO THE LETTER.

Good luck,

steve

 

[Gary Tsang]

It goes without saying that you should make sure the bios you are upgrading
to actually supports your motherboard.