BIOS Flash

[dairyman]

I just read about something called 'BIOS Flashing'. Somewhere in a document I read that BIOS flashing increases stability of the system.

Could somebody show me how to flash my BIOS?

Here are my system specifications:
---
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
Version: 5.1.2600 
Service Pack: 2.0 
Location: C:\WINDOWS
Hot Fix: XpsEPSC

System Model: Presario M2000 (PV297PA#ABG) 
BIOS Version: Hewlett-Packard F.14

Intel(R) Celeron(R) M processor 1.30GHz
Version: x86 Family 6 Model 13 Stepping 6 
Speed: 1296 MHz

Domain: MSHOME 
Time Zone: Cen. Australia Standard Time
Connection: Workstation (standalone)
Proxy Server:

Memory: 256 MB
---

Thank you.

[Sakkura]

It can improve things; think of it like upgrading a driver for a graphics card, or upgrading firmware for your CD-ROM drive. However, it can potentially damage the computer so it's best to know what you're doing instead of just jumping into it.

There are a lot of guides to BIOS flashing around; I found one here: http://www.devhardware.com/c/a/Hardware-Guides/Why-and-How-to-Flash-Your-BIOS/

[street1 (RIP)]

Do a read up on the BIOS flash and see what benefits you would get.

If you see no benefits why risk it ?

[dairyman]

OK, but how do I create a CD Boot Disk?
I don't have a floppy disk drive 

[street1 (RIP)]

OK, but how do I create a CD Boot Disk?
I don't have a floppy disk drive 

This question you just asked makes it even clearer to me that you
don't need to attempt a flash.

In my earlier days I ruined 2 computers doing this.

I know how to do it correctly now,but rarely even think about it.

I also found your flash to be downloadable,and can be installed
within windows without rebooting during install,or needing a bootable
CD.

The reference also,goes to flash utility F.22---not F.14 you better be sure.
LookHere

[patio]

Many expensive paperwieghts have been created by an incorrect flash.
You've been warned.

[Deerpark]

Examining what a BIOS upgrade actually accomplishes would be a good idea before even considering an upgrade. Travel to your MOBO manufacturer's website and find out if an BIOS upgrade is available. If one is listed there should be a change log that describes what have been changed. Based on this it's easier to decide if an upgrade is a good idea.

If you need to identify what version your BIOS firmware currently is, give CPU-Z a try. The BIOS version should be listed under the mainboard tab.

[dairyman]

The reference also,goes to flash utility F.22---not F.14 you better be sure.
LookHere

Well when I searched the Compaq website for Compaq Presario M2000, I got dozens of results.
I just picked out Compaq Presario M2000 Notebook PC.

What was I suppose to choose?

[dairyman]

Mainboard tab of CPU-Z:

BIOS
Brand: Hewlett-Packard
Version: F.14
Date: 01/28/2005

Motherboard
Manufacturer: Quanta
Model: 09EC
Chipset: Intel i855GM/GME Rev. A2
Southbridge: Intel 82801DB (ICH4-M)
LPCIO: NS

[patio]

What was I suppose to choose?

This is a prime example of what can go wrong...

[dairyman]

Luckily, I didn't flash the BIOS, I downloaded F.22 !! 

I will be more careful in the future...