BIOS update question

[delekhan]

OK, my motherboard type is Foxconn M61PMV and I want to update my BIOS.

Official BIOS updates are here: http://www.foxconnchannel.com/ProductDetail.aspx?T=motherboard&U=en-us0000412

but I cannot run them because they are all 32-bit applications and my Windows is 64-bit.

So I was wondering if I can install 32bit OS and then install those updates and then delete that 32-bit OS. Will than those BIOS updates be deleted as well or will they stay installed? Or is there some more civilized way of installing those 32bit updates on 64-bit windows?

Thanks.

 

[VincentP]

You can run a 32-bit application on a 64-bit version of Windows.
You will find most programs you use are 32-bit.

 

[delekhan]

I don't know, I can't run any of these updates. These are all RAR files with an .BIN and an .EXE file. And when I double click .exe file I get this error:

"The version of this file is not compatible with the version of Windows you're running. Check your computer's system information to see whether you need an x86 (32-bit) or x64 (64-bit) version of the program, and then contact the software publisher."

 

[laviniuc]

the bios is saved on a separate chip on the motherboard. you can update it from a flash pen drive too but as said, you can do it in a 32bits windows too, it should run.

also, is there a reason for the update? you should not try to update it unless you have a good reason. it's a bit risky and you can brick your motherboard in the process (if the version doesn't match or you get a sudden power out while writing)

 

[VincentP]

Have you extracted the files to a directory before attempting to run the exe?
Right hand click and "Run as administrator"

 

[delekhan]

@VincentP: Yes I have, and I have tried running it as administrator and it still shows the same error.

@laviniuc: No specific reason, I just know that my motherboard is 4-5 years old so I guess my BIOS could be a little outdated.
Those updates are on their official site (they are under tech support tab), so I think they should work. There is some AGESA driver update so I guess I should try to update it. Other BIOS updates I don't intend to install, but I can't run them either.

 

[delekhan]

the bios is saved on a separate chip on the motherboard. you can update it from a flash pen drive too but as said, you can do it in a 32bits windows too, it should run.

also, is there a reason for the update? you should not try to update it unless you have a good reason. it's a bit risky and you can brick your motherboard in the process (if the version doesn't match or you get a sudden power out while writing)

Can you explain a liitle more how can I update it from a flash drive? Why should it work on flash and not on hard disk?

 

[laviniuc]

from flash you boot into a separate os basically that's designed to do only the bios writing. there should be a how to on the download section of the motherboard, it depends on each manufacturer.

but if you have no problems (instability/resets/shutdowns) and if you don't plan to update cpu, gpu, ram there's really no reason to update it. as i said it's risky and you can brick your motherboard. you should update the bios only if you have problems. never before or without a good reason (as in, support for newer cpu-s/gpu-s).

 

[VincentP]

There is a file flash.bat in the update, this is what you should be running.

The latest bios version on the website is P10, released 12-July-2009.
Check what version you currently have by rebooting the machine and reading the version number from the BIOS messages.

 

[delekhan]

Yes there are some with flash.bat file, but in the the update in which i'm interested in (Update AGESA code to 3.3.2.4.) there is none.

BUT,
I think laviniuc is right, I guess I shouldn't touch BIOS without proper reason and it's just too much hassle for me right now, so I will just leave it as it is.

Thanks for your help!

 

[VincentP]

It is probably fortunate you didn't succeed. Check the version numbers on that site.
The update with description "Update AGESA code to 3.3.2.4." is only version P07, released 7th-August-2009.
This is quite possibly older than the version you already have.
You would only install the latest version; P10, released 12-July-2009.
The description on this is "Fix that memory size show error on POST screen when plug 8G memory."