BIOS updates have always been risky.
In the 'olden days' the BIOS chips were replaceable. If you messed one up,
you might be able to get another chip, flash it to the BIOS version desired,
then plug it in the board. The newer ones are usually non-replaceable and
the whole board is toast if the BIOS flash fails.
Any technician who tries a BIOS flash from a remote connection should be
moved to the mailroom.
I know there is supposedly software that will flash the BIOS from within
Windows, but I don't trust it.
I always make at least 2 copies of the BIOS that I have downloaded.
I prefer to do it from a Floppy, even if I have to install one.
During the process, it should allow you to save the old BIOS (which is much
harder to do when flashing from a CD) then install the new version.
By saving the old, you can then boot from that floppy and restore the old
one if the new proves unstable.
But if the new BIOS doesn't fix a problem with machine function, there is no
need to take the chance on it.
--
A Professional Amateur...If anyone knew it all, none of would be here!
CarGodZeroOne@hotmail.com
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"CB" <CB@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:0B27129C-B0F9-4162-9A29-6CDA20BAC94F@microsoft.com...
>I have read on many websites and in many discussion groups that one should
> not update the bios unless there are problems with the existing bios. In
> other words, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". However, shortly after
> receiving my new computer (Vista Premium preinstalled) I received an email
> from Dell telling me to update my bios. I updated the bios and everything
> was
> OK.
>
> I recently received another email from Dell telling me that the bios
> needed
> updated again so I went to support.dell.com and downloaded the bios
> update. I
> tried to install the bios update but the application would not work. I
> called
> Dell technical support. The Dell support rep took control of my computer
> via
> "remote assistance" and attempted to flash the bios. During the process
> the
> current bios was erased but the updated bios would not install. At that
> time
> the Dell rep decided to restart my computer. I told him that the current
> bios
> had already been erased and I didn't think it would be a good idea to shut
> down the computer. He informed me that everything was OK and proceeded to
> shut down my computer.
>
> Of course, as I suspected, with no bios the computer would not operate. He
> then told me to boot again and keep pressing the F12 key, which I knew
> would
> not work since I had no bios. He then instructed me to insert the
> installation DVD and boot the computer but I knew this would not work
> either.
>
> My motherboard was fried during the bios update flash. Wasted, kaput,
> trashed. However, Dell is sending a technician to my home to replace the
> motherboard. The third-party technician told me two things: (01) Never
> update
> the bios unless there is a problem and (02) the Dell technical rep was
> very
> ignorant of the consequences of his actions.
>
> The majority of readers of this newsgroup undoutably know that one should
> not update the bios if it is working properly. I also was aware of this.
> However, Dell instructed me to update it anyway and I was stupid enough to
> listen. This post is for the uninformed who don't know the consequences of
> updating the bios. I am still kicking myself in the ass for taking Dell's
> advice.
>
> I am more fortunate than others regarding this matter because I have three
> other computers to use while my new computer is being repaired. I think
> the
> motherboard was fried during the flashing of the bios, not due to the
> shutdown. The Dell computer's motherboard was destroyed by A Dell update.
> I
> don't understand why Dell would want anyone to update their bios when they
> know fully well what the consequences can be.
>
> I have two suggestions: If your computer is under warranty and the
> computer
> vendor wants you to update the bios you should update the bios. Once
> enough
> motherboards are fried and the vendor has lost a substantial amount of
> money
> they will reconsider the value of needlessly updating the bios. Secondly,
> if
> your computer is NOT under warranty you should not update the bios
> regardless
> of what the vendor tells you.
>
> Have a nice day.
>
> C.B.
>
>