Updating your BIOS can cut boot times, fix compatibility issues, and improve overall performance--or brick your system if you do it wrong.

Your computer's BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is the first software your PC loads. It sets the stage for your operating system, so to speak, by finding all your PC's various hardware components and letting the operating system know it can use them.

As with any software, your computer or motherboard manufacturer periodically updates the BIOS to fix bugs, add compatibility with new devices, improve caching functions, and make several other hardware tweaks that can speed up your boot time and fix annoying issues. These updates are available at the manufacturer's site. But if you make a mistake in the update process, you risk rendering your PC unbootable. Here's how to make sure your BIOS update goes without a hitch.

Step 1: Identify your current BIOS version.

Use msinfo32.exe--click for full-size image.Check your BIOS version, without restarting your PC, by using msinfo32.exe (as described in the text).The easiest way to find your BIOS version is to open up the System Information app in Windows--just type msinfo32 into the search bar (for Windows 7/Vista) or the Run box (XP), and click System Summary; your BIOS version should now show up on the right under your processor speed. Record your version number (and the date that appears afterwards, if applicable).

Step 2: Check your PC/motherboard manufacturer's Website for BIOS updates.

Most PC manufacturers handle BIOS updates based on your specific line and model, so head over to your manufacturer's support page and check its listings for your PC, because if you download and install a BIOS intended for a different model, your PC probably won't work (although most BIOS updaters are smart enough to notice if you try to install them on the wrong hardware). If there is a BIOS update file available, grab it--along with any documentation it comes with, because often warnings and specific instructions are contained in the Read Me docs.

Those of you who assembled your PC yourself will need to look for BIOS updates from your motherboard manufacturer's Website. If you don't remember your motherboard's model number, you can look it up without opening up the case by downloading and running CPU-Z and clicking on the Mainboard tab.

Step 3: Read the included documentation.

A BIOS screen--click for full-size image.Your PC's BIOS handles a lot of the nuts and bolts.The BIOS updater's Read Me file will most likely include a list of fixes and new functions, often to support new hardware. Updating the BIOS for my Lenovo Thinkpad T500, for example, added support for a new AC adapter and a 1600-by-900-pixel screen resolution on an external monitor; the update also fixed fan speed and Webcam issues that could not have been handled by updating Windows or my specific device driver software.

More important, however, were these notes in the Read Me file: If I was running Vista on my T500, I'd need to make sure that I had a certain patch installed; and if my T500 had a certain graphics card, I would need to update its drivers above a certain version before updating my BIOS. Read and reread your docs, or you might make your PC unable to boot without even knowing why.

Step 4: Update your BIOS.

Most newer PCs have a fairly easy BIOS update procedure: Just download the .exe file from your PC manufacturer's Website, quit all open programs, run the .exe, and let it handle the patch; then reboot. If your PC suddenly shuts down in the middle of the BIOS update, you won't be able to boot up, so make sure you're not running off a laptop battery. Ideally, you're plugged into an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), especially if you're in an area prone to blackouts.

Older PCs, however, might require you to set up your own bootable disk to update the BIOS yourself. You might still be able to download an app that configures a USB thumb drive, blank CD/DVD, or even a floppy disk so that you can boot off of it to update the BIOS, or an ISO image file that can be used in your disc-burning app of choice (if you don't have such an app, try ISO Recorder for Windows XP or the version for Windows 7/Vista) to create a BIOS update CD.

Other systems will have you copy a few files to your bootable disk, restart, and open up the BIOS during startup (typically by pressing a specified key for setup options), and change the boot order so your system looks for a bootable USB drive or CD before loading the OS from your hard drive.

     Ever wonder what goes on in the background or within the computer's system or motherboard once you press the power button on? Which program runs or software runs first?  Let this article take you through the process.

     Once your computer is turned on, its microprocessor found on a single micro chip which functions as its central processing unit (CPU) awaits for its first command. The instruction cannot come from the Operating system since it is stored on a hard disk and the microprocessor would need to be directed to it. This is where the function of the Basic Input/output System or BIOS, pronounced as "bye-ose" comes into play. It is a system soft ware that ensures all programs, chips, hard drives, ports and even hardware are working properly as it powers up your computer and let you start working. 

     It simply allows the microprocessor to communicate with the Operating System and its applications and then detects all hardware (mouse, keyboard) installed or attached to get your computer all ready to start.

Here are the steps that BIOS follows to fire up your computer:

1. confirm your CMOS set up for your computer's settings
2. Initiate interrupt handlers/device drivers
3. Enable  system registers and power operation
4. Conducts power-on self-test (POST)
5. Presents the system's settings
6. Decides on which devices are bootable
7. Begins bootstrap sequence

     BIOS primarily checks information kept on a tiny 64 byte (RAM) chip found on a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS). It displays pertinent information particular to your system's default settings which can be modified by the user or as deemed necessary by BIOS. 

     A typical PC will show you a CMOS set-up dependent on their BIOS manufacturer with several options such as:  System Time/Date; Boot Sequence; Plug and Play; Mouse/Keyboard; Drive Configuration; Memory; Security; Power Management and Exit.   Hitting a key or combinations like "Esc," "Del," "F1," "F2," "Ctrl-Esc" or "Ctrl-Alt-Esc" will allow you to go into the CMOS set-up screen. Although, you can alter your computer's custom settings take extra precaution in doing so to avoid any system issue that may arise.

     Acting as an interpreter between the operating system and its components or hardware are the Interrupt handlers. To cite an example, this type of software enables the CPU to know which key you pressed on the keyboard via signals and passes it to the Operating System. While, device drivers detect components attached to your computer such as   keyboard, hard drive, floppy drive and mouse. 

     BIOS may also perform a power-on self-test (POST) to confirm that all hard ware or components are functioning. It will then eventually try to launch the Operating System as determined by the boot sequence - the order in which BIOS will begin loading the Operating System.

     It's amazing to note that a simple process such as turning on your computer requires a series of steps to make it work. It'll start from the microprocessor receiving its first command to initiating the sequence of booting the operating system to powering all computer hardware or components which are made possible by this one essential software known as, BIOS.

     Have you experience turning on your computer and nothing appears on your screen? To your surprise you start hearing beep sounds? You start wondering what is that sound, and you start to panic. Your computer is trying to communicate to you through those beeps. As a computer user, you should learn to interpret each beep sound.

     Beep codes are installed/programmed in your Basic Input Output System (BIOS). It is a unique chip in your motherboard. Even though we have different computer manufacturers, we only have few BIOS manufacturer. AMI and Phoenix are the most common used nowadays.

     Power-on-self-test (POST) is handled by the BIOS designed to utilize assigned peripheral devices. During computer start up, it should authenticate the integrity of the BIOS code, measure and validate system memory, and create the system settings needed by the Operating System. BIOS start its POST when the CPU is reset.

      When you turn on your computer, you will hear one short beep. Your computer is saying it is ok, it is working well. The computer system is okay.
Listed below are the standard beep code meaning for AMI and Phoenix.

AMI Beep Code Meaning

Continuous beeping - A problem with the memory or video.

1 beep - DRAM refresh failure

2 beeps - Memory parity error.

3 beeps - Base 64K RAM failure.

4 beeps - System timer not operational.

5 beeps - Processor failure.

6 beeps - Gate A20/keyboard controller failure.

7 beeps - Virtual mode exception error.

8 beeps - Video memory error.

9 beeps - ROM checksum error.

10 beeps - CMOS checksum error

11 beeps - Bad cache memory.

1 long beep, 2 short - Failure in the video system.

1 long beep, 3 short - A failure has been detected in memory above 64K.

1 long beep, 8 short - Display test failure.

Phoenix Beep Code Meaning

 

The "-" between each number below indicates a pause between each beep sequence.

1-1-3 CMOS read/write failure
1-1-4 ROM BIOS checksum error
1-2-1 Programmable interval timer failure
1-2-2 DMA initialisation failure
1-2-3 DMA page register read/write failure
1-3-1 RAM refresh verification failure
1-3-3 First 64k RAM chip or data line failure
1-3-4 First 64k RAM odd/even logic failure
1-4-1 Address line failure first 64k RAM
1-4-2 Parity failure first 64k RAM
2-_-_ Faulty Memory
3-1-_ Faulty Motherboard
3-2-4 Keyboard controller Test failure
3-3-4 Screen initialisation failure
3-4-1 Screen retrace test failure
3-4-2 Search for video ROM in progress
4-2-1 Timer tick interrupt in progress or failure
4-2-2 Shutdown test in progress or failure
4-2-3 Gate A20 failure
4-2-4 Unexpected interrupt in protected mode
4-3-1 RAM test in progress or failure>ffffh
4-3-2 Faulty Motherboard
4-3-3 Interval timer channel 2 test or failure
4-3-4 Time of Day clock test failure
4-4-1 Serial port test or failure
4-4-2 Parallel port test or failure
4-4-3 Math coprocessor test or failure
Low 1-1-2 System Board select failure
Low 1-1-3 Extended CMOS RAM failure

IBM Beep Code Meaning

1 short beep - Normal POST - system is OK
2 short beeps - POST error - error code shown on screen
No beep - Power supply, system board problem, disconnected CPU, or disconnected speaker
Continuous beep - Power supply, system board, or keyboard problem
Repeating short beeps- Power supply or system board problem or keyboard
1 long, 1 short beep - System board problem
1 long, 2 short beeps - Display adapter problem (MDA, CGA)
1 long, 3 short beeps - Enhanced Graphics Adapter (EGA)
3 long beeps - 3270 keyboard card

To know further on the beep codes of each manufacturer, visit their web sites for updates.