Helping people with computers... one answer at a time.
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Well, unfortunately, the question itself shows a slight misunderstanding.
Believe it or not, the BIOS is unrelated to Windows.
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The BIOS, or Basic Input Output System, is a part of your computer, not a part of Windows. It's software that's stored within flash memory chip on your computer's motherboard. (Flash memory is normally read-only, but can be reprogrammed with appropriate tools.) Windows, Linux ... or no operating system at all, your BIOS is there as soon as you turn on the machine.
Unfortunately exactly how you update the BIOS varies from one type of motherboard to another, so I can't give you specific instructions. Typically it involves downloading the new BIOS image and an installation program, often in the same file, copying them to a bootable floppy disk, booting from that floppy, and running the installation program.
But it might be different for your computer.
So the best advice is simply to check with the manufacturer of your computer or motherboard. Most likely their support web site will include both the updated BIOS and the instructions you need on how to install it.
Article C2308 - March 18, 2005
Leo A. Notenboom has been playing with computers since he
was required to take a programming class in 1976. An 18 year career as a programmer at Microsoft soon followed.
After "retiring" in 2001, Leo started Ask Leo! in 2003 as a place for answers
to common computer and technical questions. More about Leo.
i want to clear my bios password for acer travelmate 2300 lapttop
Posted by: Mcpathsan at January 18, 2009 7:29 PMI'm sorry but... this has got to be the most useless piece of information i have ever stumbled across.
You have the exact question I would like answering but you simply expand on the question without providing an answer!!
Posted by: Fi at November 2, 2009 5:10 PMdamn, i can fix all your computers, but its easier to fix them than to tell someone how to fix them. too bad AST is dead. i have an Ascentia P series too, and it is a damn fine laptop for its day & age. i lost the cd rom drive somewhere in the last 10 years so i have to use an adapter and put the hard drive in my computer if i want to switch operating systems. i can't figure out what kind of RAM it uses, so i am stuck with 32mb, but at least im not stuck with 16mb and a 133mhz cpu. i can run windows 98 it is just kinda sluggish. i can't find the bios updates though because support for AST has vanished
Posted by: sir fixalot at December 19, 2009 10:20 PMAs always, I find your responses solid common sense (or it seems so when you explain your answers) I note the FAQ's coming up, and the same SENSIBLE, answers being given. Yes, your advice to leave the bios alone except in dire necessity is a sound and complete answer. Out of the ranks of the highly technical experts it is refreshing to find one who is AGAINST unnecessary 'fiddling'!
Regards
David Chapman
Posted by: David Chapman at April 27, 2010 9:37 AMLeo, just a little correction on mystyping:
in the section "You may also be interested in: ..." right after the article, it says "Win's Bios" instead of "Wim's Bios".
Regards and thank you for the article and the link!
{typo fixed, thanks!}
Posted by: Alex at December 26, 2011 12:27 PM