Is Winflash a safe utility to use to update system BIOS?

N

nerr

Limp Gawd
Joined
Jun 19, 2008
Messages
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I didn't order a floppy drive for my system, but I'd still like to update the system BIOS on my DFI Lanparty DK-X48-T2RS, as it apparently fixes an issue that certain DFI boards have with ATI 4XXX cards. Is flashing the BIOS within Windows at all recommended, or should I just spend $7 or $8 on a floppy drive and use that to flash my BIOS instead?
 
Flashing the BIOS in windows is risky, I wouldn't recommend it. Buy a floppy or use a USB key to upfate the BIOS.
 
>_> Y'know, I just thought about the USB thing too... All I'd have to do is format my 1GB USB drive (it's empty anyway), copy the files onto it, and boot off it, right?
 
nerr said:
>_> Y'know, I just thought about the USB thing too... All I'd have to do is format my 1GB USB drive (it's empty anyway), copy the files onto it, and boot off it, right?
Click to expand...

To make a bootable USB drive, download this:
http://files.extremeoverclocking.com/file.php?f=197

Under Format Options, check the box "Create a DOS startup disk" using DOS system files located at... (and download this: http://www.cdrom-drivers.com/drivers/9/9882.htm)

Then put your flashing utilities and bin files onto the formatted disk.

That's how I did it, anyway. :)
 
I tried it within Windows once. Long story short - I had to reset, format, and reinstall.
 
Alright, trying the USB drive method now... but I should let you all know, I have NEVER done a system BIOS flash before. What happens if it goes wrong? CMOS reset to factory settings? And will it clear my overclock settings and other minor tweaks I've made?
 
nerr said:
Alright, trying the USB drive method now... but I should let you all know, I have NEVER done a system BIOS flash before. What happens if it goes wrong? CMOS reset to factory settings? And will it clear my overclock settings and other minor tweaks I've made?
Click to expand...

if it goes wrong then you have a nice new doorstop :D
kidding, most boards now have "dual BIOS" so if one goes wrong it can boot from the other and possibly fix the first...
and yes any settings or OC you may have will be reset back to factory defaults when flashing the BIOS which is good... if the overclock or anything else is having a problem, you don;t want this corrupting your new BIOS.
 
Before flashing your BIOS make sure you backup your important files. I had an older mobo that i flashed through windows. Unfortunately, windows 'hanged' while flashing and i ended up bricking the mobo. CMOS reset will not usually fix a bricked mobo.

Since then, i've always used a floppy.
 
My gigabyte board has "qflash" in the bios and i updated off usb, i didn't have to make the flash drive bootable, just put the bios file on there
 
dont use it, i know over on XS they say under vista or is it XP - it freezes, i think vista 64 - freezes, kills your BIOS and you need to RMA

use a USB stick
 
I've never had an issue with winflash. I use a boot disc though when it's available.
 
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