My system is more than 5 years old.I want to check that my BIOS is latest version for my motherboard (genuine Intel) How do I go about doing that ?Really need an idiot guide for the process starting with how do I check my existing BIOS version ? Thanks Keith

Updating bios just for the sake of it is a dangerous practice. If your system is not having any problems then leave it alone. If you do have problems such as inability to recognize a larger harddrive or incompatibility with a particular newer piece of hardware such as NIC or modem etc, and the maker's website indicates a bios update is available to address the problem then you should consider the risks/benefits. If a bios flash goes wrong you can completely trash your motherboard. If you still want to proceed with this exercise then start by downloading Everest Home Edition from lavalys.com. Instal and run it and it will give you info on your system components including motherboard model and bios version. Once you have that info you should carefully research bios updates from the motherboard manufacturer. Flashing the bios is done using a bootfloppy that has to contain both the flash utility and new bios file. If any power failure or surge or error occurrs during the flash process, you're toast. The motherboard may or may not have a jumper that needs to be moved to "Unprotect" the bios so that you can perform the flash. You will also be given an opportunity to save a backup of the original bios. Do so. If the new bios doesn't work properly you should be able to re-flash back to the old version. I repeat. Unless your system has a problem that can only be resolved by a bios update then DON'T DO IT. Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him to fish and his wife will never forgive you.

SlowRambler, on mine, BIOS information is printed onscreen at bootup (manufacturer, version, etc.). Yours? Seems to me that if your MB mfgr. has a website, the pertinent info for that particular board outta be there. As for editing it? Dunno. HTH. Ed in Texas.

Thanks Richard 59 and Ed.I shall follow the good advice and leave well alone.If it aint broke dont fix it eh ? Keith