need advice on bios flashing

[Evander]

I am looking to update the bios on my Acer Aspire 5570z laptop from 1.3505 to 1.3508


Acer readme says to use the Winflash (actually I believe it's called WinPhlash) utility to do this. The bios file has the .wph extension

First off where can I find the newest Winplash? I can't find an official homepage for this software (it's mentioned on Phoenix's website, but no download location). There are lots of varied older versions floating around, but I want the newest version.

Secondly, I have Vista installed- is it better to run in safemode instead of normal boot? I understand there is also a DOS version of WinPlash. I am thinking it might be better to update the bios from DOS (once had Windows XP kill a DVD firwmare flash...), but am not sure how to do this (I know from the old win9x days how to make a bootable floppy but not sure about modern times, where I don't even have a floppy drive). Or is there some better way (or better flash utility) to flash the .wph file?

I believe I have a failsafe incase the firmware flash fails:
http://www.theeldergeek.com/fo...ex.php?showtopic=21209
This method is specific to Phoenix BIOS's and requires a usb floppy, and I just won a used NEC one from an auction to use just in case (was only $5)

 

[corkyg]

The normal process for laptop BIOS upgrades is to go to the OEM's website. In this case, Acer. There you should find the latest BIOS recommended for your model along with exact instructions on how to apply it.

The old bootable floppy is yesterday's news. Today it can be flashed with Winflash or something similar or a bootable CDR.

In general, I would never try to upgrade a laptop's BIOS unless there was a specific objective in mind and a recommendation to do so by the OEM.

 

[Markbnj]

I don't think I would worry about safe mode. Just make sure the flash utility is certified for Vista. Safe mode does offer the benefit of reducing the number of things that are running that might crash the system during the flash, but if your system is stable that is a pretty low risk anyway.

 

[George P Burdell]

Originally posted by: corkyg
In general, I would never try to upgrade a laptop's BIOS unless there was a specific objective in mind and a recommendation to do so by the OEM.

Agreed.