Bios help. Clueless how to update. Shuttle XPC Prima SX38P2 Pro

[Matt_Stevens]

Gang, I just found out there is a bios update available for my system, or at least I think there is, but I have no idea whatsoever how to update the bios and there are zero instructions on Shuttle's website, other than All the BIOS only can be updated by Shuttle website utilities. (AWDFLASH v8.94) Yeah, thanks. But how? Do I just double click the little utility? What?

I have a Shuttle XPC Prima SX38P2 Pro running Windows XP Pro (32 bit) though I will be updating to Win7 64 bit. The long term problem with the system looks to be addressed in the bios update.

Can someone clue me in on how to update the bios? I need specifics. I have never EVER done it before, so I know nothing.

My system does not have a floppy drive. In my searches I keep seeing "Make a floppy."

I've searched and searched but none of the results ever give actual instructions other than, use DOS or something like that. Uh, yeah, how?

Shuttle's website lists the following...

I'm assuming the top one is the latest one. The utility they say to use is here, but again, no instructions on what to do. Their forum has nothing to help.

When I boot up I believe my Bios (shown top left) shows this: SX38S10L. I say I believe because I am dyslexic and cannot read numbers quickly.After rebooting twenty times, I think I got it. It flashes by in about 1.5 seconds.

What other information should I list here for help?

Thank you.

 

[Matt_Stevens]

I should mention this as well. From my registry, if this helps. Looks like it's the old one.

 

[pcgeek11]

Flashing the BIOS should not be done on a whim. If it goes bad your motherboard is toast. If you don't have a clue and are not having problems don't try it unless you want to risk it.

With no floppy drive you will have to make a DOS bootable USB thumb drive with the Flash Utility and bios files on it and then run the utility from it in DOS.

http://www.devhardware.com/c/a/Storage-Devices/How-to-Flash-Your-BIOS-with-Flash-Drives/

 

[DaveSimmons]

Edit: "The long term problem with the system looks to be addressed in the bios update."

That is a good reason to try this, I'd normally say to leave updating the BIOS alone instead of doing it just because it's there.

 

[Matt_Stevens]

My computer guru friend was over last night and wanted to flash it from windows, but I wouldn't let him. Now when I have dozens of postings all over the net from Shuttle owners who killed the MB's from flashing that way.

Some time this week I will go ahead and try the DOS bootable USB thumb drive angle, maybe. Very nervous about it. I might call Shuttle beforehand.

 

[pcgeek11]

My computer guru friend was over last night and wanted to flash it from windows, but I wouldn't let him. Now when I have dozens of postings all over the net from Shuttle owners who killed the MB's from flashing that way.

Some time this week I will go ahead and try the DOS bootable USB thumb drive angle, maybe. Very nervous about it. I might call Shuttle beforehand.

What is the " Long Term Problem" specifically?

 

[Sephire]

Since you:

1. Not comfortable updating the BIOS

2. No Floppy drive

3. Updating thru Windows may cause problems


I checked your system it looks like the optical drive is IDE (I found your posting from Shuttle forum) and its running in PIO mode. Lets bypass the BIOS updating and just replace the drive with a SATA drive. They cost around $20. Get your tech friend to replace it for you. The BIOS will automatically set the configurations for you.

Done.

 

[Matt_Stevens]

I can replace it myself no problem and believe it or not, last night, I did just that. But in XP, it still burns slow as sh**.

However, I have installed Win7 on a drive and when I slapped that drive into the system, I got normal speeds for my burn. So if I have Win7 and an SATA drive, I am good.

That means I'm good.