Appendix B. Updating POST/BIOS

This appendix contains information about updating POST/BIOS and how to recover from a POST/BIOS update failure.

POST/BIOS

POST and BIOS are the basic layer of software that is built into your computer. They include the power-on self-test (POST), the basic input/output system (BIOS) code, and the IBM Setup Utility program. POST is a set of tests and procedures that is performed each time you turn on your computer. BIOS is a layer of software that translates instructions from other layers of software into electrical signals that the computer hardware can understand. You can use the IBM Setup Utility program to view and change the configuration and setup of your computer.

Your computer system board has a module called electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM, also referred to as flash memory). You can easily update POST, BIOS, and the IBM Setup Utility program by starting your computer using a flash update diskette or by running a special update program from your operating system.

IBM might make changes and enhancements to the POST/BIOS. When updates are released, they are available as downloadable files on the World Wide Web (see the Quick Reference). Instructions for using the POST/BIOS updates are available in a

.txt file that is included with the update files. For most models, you can download either an update program to create a system-program-update (flash) diskette or an update program that can be run from the operating system.

Note: You can download a self starting bootable CD image (known as an .iso image) of the diagnostics program from http://www.ibm.com/pc/support to support systems without a diskette drive.

Updating (flashing) BIOS from a diskette

1.Insert a POST/BIOS update (flash) diskette into the diskette drive (drive A) in your computer. POST/BIOS updates are available at http://www.ibm.com/pc/support/ on the World Wide Web.

2.Turn on the computer. If it is on already, you must turn it off and back on again. The update begins.

Updating (flashing) BIOS from your operating system

Note: Due to constant improvements being made to the IBM Web site, Web page content (including the links referenced in the following procedure) is subject to change.

1.From your browser, type http://www.pc.ibm.com/support in the address field and press Enter.

2.Locate Downloadable files for your type of computer.

3.Under Select your product, choose your machine type and click Go.

4.In Downloadable file by category, click BIOS.

5.Under Download files - BIOS by date, click your machine type.