bios flashing

[buildingacomputer]

I just got my EPOX 8KTA+. It has an old bios, the oldest among those posted on their web site. The site recommends not to flash bios unless a problem occurs. However, apparently, this old bios had an SDRAM stability problem which was fixed in new bioses.

I just tested the system with MoBo, Graphics card, and PC133 memory stick. I was able to enter bios setup.

I did a key word (BIOS FLASH) search of this forum and read all. Apparently, even experienced people had trouble.

My question is:

Is bios flashing a matter of following instructions? Or do things go wrong even though the instruction is followed step by step?

Thanks.

 

[AC]

I haven't had any trouble flashing the bios on my computers. The main concern is that you must be certain of what you are doing, since there is no way of reversing mistakes.

Tips:
1) Make certain that the bios file is designed for your motherboard model and version
2) Read the bios flashing program instructions and heed all the warnings
3) It is a good idea to make a backup of your current bios, so have some formatted disks on hand
4) Some motherboards require you to set a jumper to enable flashing
5) Write down all the settings in your current bios
6) All you should need is the OS boot disk, bios flashing program, and bios file
7) After you start the flashing, be certain not to reset or turn off your computer as it warns (this will corupt the bios and render it useless which will require your to purchase a new chip)
8) It should take about 30secs
9) When done, reboot, enter the bios setup and restore factory or optimal defaults, then reconfigure the settings to match your old bios

 

[The Rock]

I agreed with AC on all points and will add a few.
1. Download both the latest bios up grade and flash program for your board.
2. If there is an option to save your old bios (usually this is in the flash
program) do so! This insures that if you "screw up" you can "recover"!
Most current MB Bios are relatively easy to update(read "flash&quot and follow-
ing AC's instructions you should do fine. Good Luck!