BIOS Update Help

[Drache]

I can't find an update for my BIOS anywhere! I downloaded a program called BIOSAgentPlus and it listed that my computer needs 7 updates, everything from my BIOS, Display Adapter, Serial ATA Controller, mouse, Networking Controller, Audio Device, and PCI System Management. Now they can update all these for me but here's the catch they want a $30 year subscription.

I decided to try and look myself for these updates although Im not the best with computers and these sorts of things lol. I looked through a couple sights and cant find an update for my BIOS even though this program says one is available.

The info it gives on my BIOS is:

BIOS Type:   Phoenix-Award
BIOS Date:   September 5th 2007
BIOS ID:   09/05/2007-NF-MCP61-6A61KE11C-00-None
BIOS OEM:   GeForce6100SM-M2 V1.0B 09/05/2007 - 6.00 PG
Chipset:   Athlon 1100 rev 0
SuperIO:   Unknown
Manufacturer:   Unknow
Motherboard:   Unknow

Is it easier to just pay the subscription fee and have it done automatically for me so I don't screw something up?

[Troy]

Your motherboard is made by ECS. Start here (see links for BIOS and drivers):
http://www.ecs.com.tw/ECSWebSite/Products/ProductsDetail.aspx?detailid=820&DetailName=Feature&MenuID=46&LanID=0

That's just your motherboard (chipset) but since nearly everything is included on that board you should be able to upgrade the network, SATA, PCI, and Audio all at the same time. Unless you've installed a video card, you can get drivers for the embedded Nvidia chip here:
http://www.nvidia.com/page/home.html

Troy

[FLG]

Hey Drache,

I've been dealing with comps for quite some time and seen too many Bios updates go wrong causing the person to have to replace the ROM chip (www.badflash.com). If your only updating cause it old and it dosent fix anything or you dont need an update to enable some type of new hardware to be used. I strongly advise you not to do it. Just like anything, if it aint broke dont fix it. The only time i update anything is if there is a problem, or if it has a security issue. Updating your device drivers is fine as it sometimes fixes some bugs or security issues and you can easily roll back to a older driver if need be.

[Drache]

This is why I was wondering if I should just pay the company or not to do it for me.

I have had two problems on the computer (a month apart) not booting up which Ive luckily fixed both times, this is the only reason I was looking into updating my BIOS.

The comp would freeze at "Verifying DMI Pool Data...."

I was told this might be a problem with the BIOS. The way I fixed it was to Boot windows from the CD and run a Defrag and then an error check "scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors" which luckily worked both times.

Im just wondering if this IS a BIOS problem and just waiting for it to happen again. Only reason I was looking into updating the BIOS...

[Charger74]

Drache,

Is this a custom built pc or a name brand???  If it's a name brand, go to their website, they typically have all those updates for free.   I would check out the website posted above for ECS.  Most manufactures do have updates.  I wouldn't pay that subscription until you've exhausted all avenues first.

[Drache]

Drache,

Is this a custom built pc or a name brand???  If it's a name brand, go to their website, they typically have all those updates for free.   I would check out the website posted above for ECS.  Most manufactures do have updates.  I wouldn't pay that subscription until you've exhausted all avenues first.

custom built

[Charger74]

Then definitely go with that linked side above from ECS.  They have updates for the bios and other drivers.  Oh, and don't be afraid to update yours.  If it allows you to back it up, do that first before running the update.   I've updated bios plenty of times and have only have a few problems.  And yes, from many types of manufactures as well.

[Drache]

Ok I decided not to update my BIOS since it doesnt seem to be causing problems. Now Im being told that my drivers for these are old and should be updated:

• NVIDIA nForce Serial ATA Controller
• NVIDIA nForce Networking Controller
• Realtek High Definition Audio
• High Definition Audio Device
• NVIDIA nForce PCI System Management

I've tried searching for the Nvidia ones without much success. Is it worth even worry about updating all these drivers?

[Drache]

I must admit though dialup sucks! 40mb for the Display driver and another 40mb for the Sound driver... 4 1/2 hours for the two drivers 

[Troy]

Don't worry about it. Unless you have a problem or some sort of conflict in your system you won't notice much of a difference at all. Not worth the hassle of downloading those things on dial up.

Troy

[Drache]

Don't worry about it. Unless you have a problem or some sort of conflict in your system you won't notice much of a difference at all. Not worth the hassle of downloading those things on dial up.

Troy

Well Ive already downloaded the display adapter drivers since its needed for my gaming and the sound drivers are almost done. Not sure what the others do though....

[Charger74]

They just fix some minor things and then sometimes help boost performance.  Maybe worth it if you are gaming.