How to upgrade your system BIOS using FreeDOS

onebuck · 06-11-2017, 10:22 AM

Hi,

If you are like me and do not retain Microsoft Windows on all your hardware and need to upgrade BIOS then; How to upgrade your system BIOS using FreeDOS

Quote:

Upgrading your BIOS can seem tricky for free software users, but it doesn't have to be.

Posted 08 Jun 2017 David Both Feed
It is not often that most of us need to update the BIOS in our host computers.

In fact, most motherboard manufacturers, including Intel, recommend against upgrading BIOS unless there is a specific problem that an upgrade to a specific BIOS level will fix. Most sysadmins also would agree that "if it is not broken, don't fix it." Upgrading BIOS just to get to the latest level is counter-productive in terms of the time it takes, but also can cause problems that did not previously exist.

Good article.
Hope this helps.
Have fun & enjoy!

jefro · 06-11-2017, 02:27 PM

Good way to do it.

To get off zero reply and offer one last tip.

My opinion of a bios update is that it is last resort or to fix an issue directly stated in bios version change log that is affecting the system. I know they have improved the process over the years and you hear people say they do it all the time.

hydrurga · 06-11-2017, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jefro

Good way to do it.

To get off zero reply and offer one last tip.

My opinion of a bios update is that it is last resort or to fix an issue directly stated in bios version change log that is affecting the system. I know they have improved the process over the years and you hear people say they do it all the time.

Indeed. People may say that they do it all the time, but a borked BIOS upgrade is one of the quickest ways I know to brick a computer. Always, as you say, to only be done if absolutely necessary and, even then, with appropriate caution.

onebuck · 06-11-2017, 05:25 PM

Hi,

Intel Notes for BIOS update;

Quote:

Update the BIOS on your computer only if the newer BIOS version specifically solves a problem you have. Intel does not recommend BIOS updates for computers that do not need it. You can view all new BIOS fixes in the release notes included on the BIOS download page in Download Center.
Downgrading the BIOS to an earlier version is not recommended and might not be supported. An earlier BIOS version might not offer support for the latest processors, bug fixes, critical security updates, or support the latest board revisions currently manufactured.
Before initiating a BIOS update, be sure to read and precisely follow the update instructions. You can open and print any PDF file from the online instructions table below for easy reference.
All images in the examples used in the instructions are for illustration purposes only. You need to select the correct BIOS files for your desktop board.
If a BIOS update process is interrupted, your computer might not function properly. Intel suggests the process be done in an environment with a steady power supply (preferably with UPS). If you have system issues after updating your BIOS version, see Troubleshooting BIOS Issues.

Update of BIOS is not recommended but to only upgrade if the update will solve a known issue.

Hope this helps.
Have fun & enjoy!