I updated my Windows 98 system to Windows Xp and I was just wanting to know if the net bios that my computer came with date of 1998 can be changed to a newer date and if so, how can it be done? Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Pr_arcangel

"...net bios that my computer came with date of 1998.." Are you referring to the "bios" - details of which flash up on the screen in early part of boot-sequence? If so then quite possibly it can be updated; but if if it ain't broke don't fix it...? In other words, if the system is running OK as is be inclined to leave it well alone? As the system is apparently an HP, that site will (ort'a) have details of bios updates for the motherboard you have. If you must update, then visit their web-site, search for bios updates for your motherboard (enter its details) or enter the actual bios name etc. Flashing/updating the bios is usually done via a dos bootdisk...; the actual update being added to it, or run from separate floppy... The file is usually a zipped item which save to hard-disk; (self-)expand to a floppy etc... Read the instructions VERY carefully first... If you get it wrong... you may trash your system entirely?

Unless you have a compelling reason to flash it, then simply---don't. Many MoBo's have been rendered trash by updating to the wrong version or an incomplete flash. >>>If you get it wrong... you may trash your system entirely?<<< Should read: If you get it wrong you will likely trash your system entirely. If this is new to you (since you referred to it as "net bios", I'll assume it is), then have a professional do it (if it really needs doing at all...)

From all my research etc. over the aeons... the prognosis is - bad news if you don't successfully complete the updatdate/flash; the system will be unrecoverable, and thus a new MoBo will be required.... I put the ? at the end of"... ... trash the system entirely?..." as inevitably there will be someone who will suggest (say...) that it may not be that bad; that "they" have managed to recover a "system damaged/trashed via an unsuccessful flash/update... The ? allows for that "rather remote" possibility in this case... I would echo the "get an experienced "other" to take one thru the process" advice - if not familiar with it; or not too sure about it all... Likewise re-iterate the "if it ain't broke don't fix it..." advice.

If on the other hand you actually are referring to the network protocol netbios, you do not need it installed. Install just tcp/ip. Give a person a fish, they eat for a day. Suggest they internet search and they learn a skill for a lifetime.

Well guys, I apologize for not coming back sooner for the suggestions/answers, but I do apreciate all the replies and the advices. I will listen to the warnings and leave my system alone. It's just that some software I installed on the computer like the Nero Burning program won't work efficiently and when I try to use it it tells me my netbios date is 1998 and that it needs 1999 to work. No big deal, I will just get another program that works with my system, which by the way, is a dinosaur by now, hehehe. I have upated many things but I know there are others I can't. Thanks to all of you for the help rendered, it is highly apreciated. Pr_arcangel

To clarify: netbios is aspect of networking. "bios" is the information stored within a chip on the motherboard and is used in the initial stages to help the system boot-up each time you power up. That info is stored in a small chip - a cmos chip. If Nero is telling you it wants a later version of the "bios"... then it might be worth getting a more knowledgeable chum to help you flash (upgrade) it. If one follows the instruction exactly... it invariably works like a charm. What make PC is this; what make of bios is shown on the screen as system boot up? Beside watching the screen in early boot up you can use various utils to show the bios details. If you go to this site: http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/fi... and download the utility there (siw.exe): and run it from a floppy or usb stick, or from the drive itself... it will detect "everything" on the PC. One of the items listed will be the bios... Then perhaps post the details here and more specific info might be forthcoming as to hwo to safely go about the update?