[CLOSED] Updating BIOS Under Linux.

[chris_debian]

Hi, all.

I've got an old NEC Powermate workstation and would like to angrade the BIOS. Now this is simple enough on a Sun box, but on an x86 box, all the software seems to be written for Windoze. I've found a fairly up-to-date tutorial

http://www.linuxinsight.com/how-to-flas ... drive.html

but my problem is that it looks like I have to use a Windows tool to check the manyufacturers site for updates!!

The BIOS manufacturer's website http://www.phoenix.com/pages/bios-updat ... supportcom redirects to a 3rd party:

http://biosagentplus.com/scan/

Now the problem with this is that I can't even find the version of BIOS I need, never mind install it. My current BIOS tells me that the version is:

Pheonix Award BIOS W6792VP2 V2.2 011904 09:36:32

Has anyone else had problems finding the BIOS update and managed to find a way of identifying it? I can live with the INSTALLING it bit, as I think that is achievable.

Many thanks for any help.

Chris.

[Lanser]

Hi Chris. Couple of thoughts here. Phoenix will have provided the core BIOS to NEC. NEC engineers will have customised the BIOS to suit the specific model build.
NEC will then issue any updates / improvements for that specific machine build. Do not attempt to install any BIOS updates that are not specifically released for that specific machine type / model.

As I recall, NEC used self updating executables (.exe) files as well as the Win based updates. Check the support website and download the latest ver, then boot from a DOS floppy or DOS USB image to execute.
I would suggest you consider the "if it is not broken, don't fix it" approach with old or uncertain bios upgrades. Is there a specific issue you are trying to fix ?

Lanser

[chris_debian]

Hi, Lanser.

I'm with you on the BIOS upgrade (don't) philosophy. I was having problems booting some CDs and wondered whether booting from USB stick was available in a later BIOS version. As you need to be in a Windows environment to even check what is available, I will leave it alone.

Thanks for your help.

Topic closed.

Cheers,

Chris.