Updating BIOS

[patrick3027]

Hey guys,

 

My uncle complained that he had some issues sometimes when he booted up his laptop. I thought I might try a BIOS update, so I checked the Packard Bell UK website for the EN MH36 model, the BIOS information at that point was:

 

dmi.bios.date: 22/12/2008
dmi.bios.vendor: Phoenix Technologies LTD
dmi.bios.version: PBPE2L0N.P07

 

There wasn't a update available on the website, so I checked the website of Phoenix Technologies (http://phoenixbios.com, I had to download a program called BIOSAgentPlus®. After scanning the laptop, it said there was an update available, but I had to purchase the program for 30$.

 

After that I just tried a google search and found this: http://driverscollection.com/?H=EasyNote%20MH36%20series&By=Packard%20Bell

 

I downloaded the "Released: 17 Feb 2009" update but it was actually a downgrade and now I have this BIOS version:

 

dmi.bios.date: 10/08/2008
dmi.bios.vendor: Phoenix Technologies LTD
dmi.bios.version: PBPE2L0N.P05

 

So yeah ... it's pretty messed up. I can't believe manufacturers don't update their website with the latest BIOS updates ("Packard Bell Updater only checks for selected updates or BIOS versions that are considered critical to your PC.") Now I've an older BIOS version with no way to go back ...

 

Can someone help me out?

 

TIA

Edited August 8, 2014 by patrick3027

[The Cool n00B]

BIOS and Drivers are different things. BIOS is built into your motherboard and allows for overclocking, boot priority changes, etc. Drivers tell you OS how to communicate properly. Like with your graphics card, your chipset, etc.

[patrick3027]

OK, sorry for mixing up the two. I've edited my original post.

[The Cool n00B]

Generally, laptops can't really get BIOS updates, and even if they can, actually updating them can be tricky. I don't recommend it. Driver updates are always a better option.