1. Preparation

It is very important to create a safe environment before starting a BIOS update.

• Identify the installed BIOS version:
  The version number and date of the installed BIOS version can be identified relatively easily. If you're not sure, then take a look in the download section on the manufacturers website of your Brand PC, Notebook or Motherboard, to find the BIOS version and BIOS date:
  
  

  AMI Boot screen	AWARD Boot screen	PHOENIX Boot screen

  
  Tip: press the PAUSE key to stop the scrolling boot screen.
• Identify the mainboard manufacturer, type and version:
  This is most often only required if you have bought the mainboard in its original box:
  
  

  Manufacturer: ASUS Type: M2N32-SLI Deluxe Revision 1.03G	Manufacturer: MSI Type: 790FX-GD70 (MS-7577) Version 1.0

  
  On a Brand PC or Notebook you will need instead the model name and serial number, which you can most often find on a sticker on the PC case.
• Download the BIOS-Update files
  From which location do i get the BIOS-Update file and flashtool?
  - If you have bought the mainboard in its original box: mainboard manufacturer website.
  - If you have a notebook or brand PC: notebook/brand PC manufacturer website.
  
  This is a very important decision, because your PC will not work with a wrong BIOS version!
  Watch out for so-called OEM-Mainboards !
• Rename BIOS-Update files: if you intend to update your BIOS with a bootable USB-Stick/Diskette/CD under DOS, you have to rename the BIOS file and flashtool filename (not the filename extension!) when the filename has more than 8 characters! Reason: see 8.3
• Create a Backup: if your manufacturer does not have your current BIOS version on his website. Use the backup function of your flash software, if you are using a rewriteable medium like USB-Stick, Diskette, or Hard disk (with FAT16/FAT32 partition).
• Save current settings: write down or take a picture from your current BIOS-Setup settings if you have changed the default settings, because you will lost these settings during the BIOS update.
• Load default settings: make sure that your PC is not overclocked and disable all tuning settings. Load the default BIOS-Setup settings, called: "Load Bios Defaults" , "Load Setup Defaults" , or "Safe Settings".
• Remove write protection: some mainboards have jumpers to protect before erroneously flashing the BIOS. The jumper position is most often nearby the BIOS-Chip. There should be a layout plan in your mainboard manual, which shows the position of your Bios-Chip and the jumper. Other mainboards have a BIOS-Setup option called "Flash Bios Protection", "Firmware Write Protect", "Bios Guardian" or "BIOS-ROM Flash-Protect", which must be disabled.
• Stop Anti virus scanner, etc.: close all programs (Email clients, AV scanner, Firewalls, Office programs, etc.) which could disrupt Windows or the flash program.

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