BIOS update - can this be accomplished by software download?

[paradoxguy]

My query regards BIOS updating. I have a Dell M1330 laptop PC that I bought used 4 weeks ago. It was originally shipped 12-7-2007. Its BIOS version at time of purchase was A12. Two days ago, on the Dell website, I found and downloaded a BIOS update that apparently updated the BIOS to A15. The download was somewhat slow, but otherwise uneventful, and now every time I boot up the PC, the indicated BIOS version is A15 instead of A12.

I understand that BIOS is particular to the motherboard and is controlled by a chip. I also understand that upgrading the BIOS is generally a laborious process (also called flashing the BIOS) that is risks killing the BIOS completely, involves resetting the BIOS chip directly, and certainly seems more complicated than a software download.

My questions are:

1. Does it seem plausible that I updated the BIOS by simply downloading the appropriate software update?

2. If I did not accomplish the same result as flashing the BIOS, what is (or are) the essential difference(s) between thw two?

3. If I did essentially flash the BIOS by way of software download, was the software BIOS update as risky as a "direct" BIOS flash?

Thanks,
PG

[Steve R Jones]

Dell makes it easy to update aka flash the bios...And it sounds like you accomplished your mission successfully

If you're bored and don't have anything to do, you can go back to Dell's web site and see that they probably also had a "typical" harder boot off a floppy version of the update.

And yes, you could have killed the pc with either method...so keep in mind, that you should on;y flash the BIOS if it fixes an issue you're experiencing.

[stroyal]

If it says A15 then it is a15.
Taking so long, included the installation, If it was just a down load, a BIOS would only take a second or two.

[Chuckiechan]

You mean you missed the churning stomach and prayers that the elecricity doesn't suddenly shut off?

Be happy...

[stroyal]

I always use a battery backup when flashing, but that didn't stop me from downloading the wrong BIOS and installing it, and bricking my computer.
Fortunately it was an ABIT board, and was able to order a new chip.
Last I checked Abit had every chip they ever made, I'm going to miss ABIT.

[paradoxguy]

Thanks for the responses. Obviously, I am still a PC neophyte and appreciate the explanations. The reasons I was skeptical that I had actually updated the BIOS are:

1. the download seemed so easy and I had thought that BIOS flashing was supposed to be much more laborious

2. everything I read about BIOS flashing or updating did not mention a software download as an option, but rather opening the PC to find the BIOS chip and making a direct connection to the chip to update it, with all the precautions about not interrupting the power during the update and the risks of frying the chip

3. I did not experience any stomach-churning or other signs of trepidation while I did the BIOS update by software download; of course this was pure ignorance on my part and I now experience some nausea when I think about how blase I was about such a major operation!

Thanks again,
PG

[GroundZero3]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuckiechan

You mean you missed the churning stomach and prayers that the elecricity doesn't suddenly shut off?

Be happy...

Laptops don't have that issue with the battery installed!

[stroyal]

BIOS flashing in DOS used to be the only way, But several years ago MB manufacturers made it possible to do it from Windows, once you can do that, it is simple to have a down load with automatic install.
I never herd of opening the computer for a direct connection.
The only thing close, is opening the computer to remove a bad BIOS chip to replace with a new one. If you sent the chip back to the MB manufacturer, or 3dr party companies. they could make a direct connection to reprogram it.
Some motherboards have a soldered in chip, if you mess them up, you are in trouble.

[paradoxguy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by stroyal

BIOS flashing in DOS used to be the only way, But several years ago MB manufacturers made it possible to do it from Windows, once you can do that, it is simple to have a down load with automatic install.
I never herd of opening the computer for a direct connection.
The only thing close, is opening the computer to remove a bad BIOS chip to replace with a new one. If you sent the chip back to the MB manufacturer, or 3dr party companies. they could make a direct connection to reprogram it.
Some motherboards have a soldered in chip, if you mess them up, you are in trouble.

I tried to locate the online sources that I read before, but all I succeeded in doing was confirming that BIOS updates can now be accomplished through software applications in Windows. None of the sources I found now mention opening the PC to access the BIOS chip. Perhaps I was hallucinating ...although I still recall a sequence of photos that illustrated accessing the motherboard and locating the BIOS chip, cleaning off old thermal paste, and applying new thermal paste. Perhaps this was for a different application or task.

Anyway, this confirms my ignorance of PCs and their processes . I realize I was truly blase when I updated the BIOS from A12 to A15 and am fortunate nothing untoward happened, especially since I did not create a back-up boot disk for the process. I appreciate all the helpful responses and explanations, they helped me understand the BIOS process better and appreciate the risks and precautions of updating.

PG

[stroyal]

Must have been something like a CPU or a motherboard chipset, there is no thermal past involved with a BIOS chip.

Like GZ said, you have a laptop, that shouldn't loose power when flashing. IMO that is the biggest danger. Of course what I did, updating with the wrong BIOS, is pretty bad also, But most techs aren't that dumb.