DOS or windows bios upgrade? Using a USB stick?

Question

I had a few years ago a computer that i updated the bios and it crashed and i lost it. This is why i'm a little worried. I have updated bios since then, but i'm always a little scared doing it. I just read its best to do it through the BIOS (I'm an experienced computer user and do know how to do that) however i have two questions: 1. Is it OK to use a USB stick? I have the dos boot files on a usb stick and the bios update on it. I can just boot into dos (i tested that part, it does boot into prompt) and i browse to it as though C: is the usb stick. Do i have to worry that when the bios update starts it'll disable USB or something? I don't have a floopy drive so i don't know what else i'd do. 2. Is it really better in DOS? I just have the windows 98 dos start disc files Am i just being over parinoid and i should just do it in xp? Thanks! PS: The system is an E1505/6400 inspiron notebook, currently with A08, want to upgrade to A09.

NemesisDB · Answer

on a new dell system it's probably not that much safer in dos than from a stable windows installation.

I believe people have used USB sticks with good results -- and usb floppies for that matter.

Burnable CDs are another classic option.

Amaboknaai · Answer

Just download the BIOS update and save to your HDD and run it. It will reboot your 1505 and install itself. Faultless installation - I have done it countless times with no hitches...you did back up your HDD didn't you?:smileywink:

NemesisDB · Answer

it would be very rare for a bios flash to cause any damage that a hard drive backup could fix...

if the flash fails and bricks the board, a HD backup will not help.

i'm all for doing regular backups in general though

NemesisDB · Answer

how would backing up the HD help?

Amaboknaai · Answer

@Nemesis   If that is a facetious question, I shall treat it with a facetious answer to someone with over 9400 posts...   Computing 101 - Always back up your data before making changes to a stable system.

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