How do you update BIOS? (SOLVED)

[jp734]

There is a critical bios update for my motherboard and I downloaded the .exe file. I installed flashrom but it's not compatible with the motherboard. When I ran the command, I got:

Code: Select all

Found chipset "Intel B75"
Enabling flash write... Error accessing ICH RCRB, 0x4000 bytes at 0x00000000fed1c000
/dev/mem mmap failed: Operation not permitted
FAILED!
FATAL ERROR!
Error: Programmer initialization failed.

I also tried using FREEDOS. Was able to install 1.0 version on a flash drive and successfully booted from it but it will not show the bios update file I copied to the flash drive.

Any suggestions? Thanks in advance. Have a great day.

[Jasper]

I have always flashed devices outside of the OS.

Manufacturer's will provide tools that allow you do this as well as making a backup of the existing firmware.

Can you not boot up and do this from within the BIOS settings itself?

[jp734]

Unfortunately I don't have that option in BIOS but I was able to figure it out. It took me a good while though to remember that I have to type b: , c: , d: etc.... to change drive. [ sure brings back memories ]

When I got to d: drive, there it was, the bios update .exe file. Ran it, reboot, checked BIOS....UPDATE SUCCESSFUL!

This experience taught me lessons about flashrom, unetbootin, freedos and biosdisk. A Win! Win!

[Doggy]

For the flashrom error, try running the utility as an administrator and temporarily disabling antivirus software.

Regarding the FreeDOS issue, ensure the BIOS update file is in the same directory as the utility and in an accepted format.

If it still doesn't work, check your motherboard's documentation or contact the manufacturer's technical support for further assistance.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

[rockedge]

It took me a good while though to remember that I have to type b: , c: , d: etc.... to change drive. [ sure brings back memories ]

I read the post earlier and it didn't dawn on me to mention that you'll need to use DOS commands to navigate too and start the update installer .exe

Sorry about that.

I made a boot-able 2 G USB flash drive that starts a DOS operating system for doing BIOS update/upgrade. I copy the update .exe onto the DOS USB drive so it is already on partition c:

makes it possible to use it on more than 1 machine, just change the update installer.

[jp734]

Its all good @rockedge . Sometimes it's good for you not to be given the answer. It makes you think.

Its all part of the fun in computing.