Why and How to Flash Your BIOS - Understanding the Process
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Every manufacturer recommends that you use their BIOS flashing utility. Also, don't forget to read the information that's included and related to flashing in your motherboard's manual. Yes, dig that manual out (or if you can't find it then download it from the manufacturer's website; it's usually available) and read it!
Four of the most common flashers are: AWDFLASH, AMIFLASH, UNIFLASH and AFUDOS (only for ASUS boards). Out of these the UNIFLASH (get it here) is the universal flasher that can usually flash every BIOS; it has awesome compatibility capabilities. Keep in mind that BIOS flashing can be (and is) dangerous, because in the case of a bad flash the data ends up corrupted and your computer won't POST anymore. So I'm recommending wholeheartedly that you use the BIOS flasher that's explained in the manual and provided by the manufacturer of your board. Read the manual, do your research and when you're ready, then and only then proceed to follow the instructions.
After you get your flasher you need the latest BIOS flash file. First find out your motherboard manufacturer's name and your board's exact name and specifications. Visit your manufacturer's website and download the latest non-beta version (betas can be risky and I don't suggest you experiment if you can't fix it if a bad flash happens; we'll discuss that a bit later). These files usually have ".ROM" or ".BIN" extensions. Later on I'm going to call the "latest BIOS file" "newbios.bin."
I'm going to give you examples of how to use UNIFLASH, AWDFLASH, AMIFLASH and AFUDOS. Read them strictly as examples and do not proceed to flash your latest BIOS version before you understand what each option gives and how to use these flashers.
Flashing with UNIFLASH:
A:uniflash.exe newbios.bin
Flashing with AWDFLASH:
A:awdflash.exe newbios.bin /py /sn /cc
Flashing with AMIFLASH:
A:amiflash.exe newbios.bin /A+ /-B /-C /-D /E /-G /I /L /N /R /V
Flashing with AFUDOS:
A:afudos.exe /inewbios.bin
Even though the above commands do work it's always crucial that you read what every command does and understand them. First of all, once you're booted into MS-DOS, execute the flashers without commands and options. Just use a simple "awdflash.exe" or "amiflash.exe"-- then a help screen (which explains all of the available commands and options) will appear. Read that thoroughly before proceeding and follow the instructions.
As a side note, UNIFLASH has a UI (user interface) so it definitely helps beginners. Execute the "uniflash.exe" and the UI will appear and guide you through.
Next: Precautions… >>
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