An updated BIOS system will make sure you have the most up-to-date system possible with your configuration.
Your computer's BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is a critical component to the operation of your computer. This is the system that gathers all of the information about your installed hardware components and allows your system to use them. Motherboard manufacturers periodically update the BIOS system in order to increase compatibility with new hardware and offer faster computing speeds. These updates can be downloaded from your motherboard manufacturer's site in order to ensure you are running the most efficient system possible for your PC.
Instructions
1. Find your current version of BIOS. In Windows XP systems, go to the Start menu, click Run and enter "msinfo32" and click System Summary. In Windows Vista and Windows 7, click the Start menu and enter "msinfo32" into the search box. Open the program and click System Summary. For systems older than Windows XP, click the Start menu, select Run and enter "winmsd" into the box to access the System Summary menu. Your current BIOS version number will be displayed in the System Summary box. Write down the current BIOS version listed here.
2. Visit your PC manufacturer's website to find updates. The makers of your computer will have any BIOS updates that you need available on their website, searchable by the make and model of your computer. The model number is found on the product key sticker, and is often marked on the computer case near the manufacturer's name too. If you built the computer yourself, you will have to get your BIOS update from your motherboard manufacturer's website. You can use CPU-Z software to discover who the manufacturer is without opening your tower. You can download this from the Resources section.
3. Read the list of changes made to the new BIOS update. Before you install the update, check out the "Read Me" file that will be included with the download. This will include the updates and fixes that were made to the BIOS software, and also any warnings or incompatibilities that you should be aware of.
4. Install the updated BIOS on your computer. Most new BIOS software is extremely simple to install. Once you have downloaded the update, exit all of your programs and double click the .exe file to launch the installer. Follow the prompts to install your new BIOS. Older systems may require you to place the BIOS file on a bootable floppy or CD and restart the computer to initiate install. Instructions for the install method will be included with the documentation when you download the updated BIOS.
Tags: System Summary, Start menu, updated BIOS, your computer, BIOS software, BIOS system, BIOS update