Two Questions: How Do I Check the BIOS Version and...

[MrControversial]

How do I check my BIOS version? Secondly is there a good BIOS flashing program that I can use in Windows to update my BIOS if I need to?

 

[Hyperlite]

Both those depend on your motherboard, but as far as the version goes, look around the POST screen when your computer is booting and the version should be listed there somewhere. If not, go into your bios and look around there. As far as flashing from windows goes, i wouldn't recommend it, but i believe there are a few mobo companies that have a program to do it. Its just as easy, mabye easier, to do it out of windows if you have a floppy drive. More than likely, you have an Award BIOS, and they have a "built in" program called Award-Flash that you can use to flash your BIOS. at the bottom of your post screen, there may be something there like "Press F2 to enter Award-Flash." When you download a new BIOS, there should be intructions for extracting to a disk for flashing in awardflash. You may want to look around on your motherboard manu's site and see if they have a program you can use to flash through windows if you really arn't comfortable doing it with a floppy or don't have one, though in all reality, a floppy is probably safer, having taken the variable of an OS out of the equation...i suppose its up to you.

 

[LED]

As soon as the puter boots up...usually in the left hand corner will be codes that reflects the BIOS #.

Some MoBo Manu's have a BIOS upgrade that works in Windows (ie. Abit) so check with their site. You could probably search Google for a 3rd party software that would match the BIOS maker but I still prefer the standard Floppy route when possible.

 

[Monkey muppet]

Originally posted by: MrControversial
How do I check my BIOS version? Secondly is there a good BIOS flashing program that I can use in Windows to update my BIOS if I need to?

Mobo model please - I'll see what I can find for you

 

[MrControversial]

Originally posted by: Monkey muppet

Originally posted by: MrControversial
How do I check my BIOS version? Secondly is there a good BIOS flashing program that I can use in Windows to update my BIOS if I need to?

Mobo model please - I'll see what I can find for you

Chaintech VNF4 Ultra.

 

[muppet]

if it dont say in the BIOS try sisoft sandra
there's a freeware version available

 

[Monkey muppet]

replying using my PDA - sorry 'MrControversial' my HDD just died on me and my back-up PC is going through Memtest, grrrr.......!!!!!

 

[Zepper]

Generally the BIOS version is in the BIOS sign-on screen and will appear on screen during the early part of the boot process. Each mobo maker will have their own Win-based BIOS update utility. If Chaintech has one, it will be on the driver CD or DL from mfr's web site.
. I also saw that you had posted what could have been a legitimate question that apparently got pulled just as I was trying to access it. Anyway, you don't have to have an OS installed on the HD to install any version of Win including Upgrade versions. All you need is a CD from a qualifying earlier version of Win. It must be a "full version" CD or the mfr's Win restore CD. An Upgrade version will NOT upgrade from an Upgrade CD. When you start the Upgrade install, it will ask for the CD if it can't find a qualifying ver. of Win on the HD.
.bh.

 

[JimPhelpsMI]

Hi, Watch the left bottom of the screen real early in the boot. When you see a bunch of numbers show up hit SHIFT/PAUSE BREAK. That should freeze the boot and the screen so you can copy down the numbers you see. That would be the info you need. Jim

 

[Zepper]

Actually most BIOS sign-on screens make the BIOS version much more clear than having to parse the long string at the bottom. On mine it's right at the top left of the screen.
.bh.