I just downloaded all the drivers for my pc and
one of the drivers was a program to flash the Bios. I just wnated to know , in what circumstances do u need to use it.

Im guessing but I think when nothing else works
and the pc can only boot into DOS.
Is that right ?

Flashing the BIOS means to update it.

An updated BIOS may contain bug fixes, add support for newer CPU models that weren't available at the time the board was manufacturered, add settings that weren't available in previous BIOS versions, etc.

If a flash is performed incorrectly, it can render a board totally useless. Most people feel it falls into the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" category.

"And that's the fishing line, because Sharkboy said so!"

"Im guessing but I think when nothing else works and the pc can only boot into DOS.
Is that right ?"

No, that's not right at all. If the BIOS allows you to boot into DOS, there is probably nothing wrong with it.

Most people will never need to flash the BIOS. In fact, I think it's irresponsible of motherboard manufacturers to supply the flash utilities with a general driver download. These should only be made available via a specific download request.

While a BIOS upgrade may provide added functionality, you need to consider whether or not you actually need the added functions. If you don't need it, is it worth risking turning your machine into a doorstop?

Please let us know if you found someone's advice to be helpful.

I just wnated to know , in what circumstances do u need to use it.
In my life, I've flashed a PC BIOS twice. I did it when one of my cards had compatibility issues with my chipset.

The other was to turn a guy's ASUS Striker Extreme into something other than an overpriced paperweight. Poor guy, it was his first time with building a PC.

If the M/B and the components connected to it are detected and working properly, there is practically no need to update it. As far as I know, most modern operating systems make no or little use of the BIOS program during operation after you turn on your PC, BIOS loads and detects the peripheral components properly.

But it could be a better idea to update the chipset drivers after OS is up and running.

Regards

SuatCINI

"As far as I know, most modern operating systems make no or little use of the BIOS program during operation after you turn on your PC,

From my experience, I believe that is true. The bios was 'at one time' was used a lot by the Operating System, but it seems those days are history.

I disagree with most of the posters here. There WAS a time when flashing a new bios meant possibly asking for trouble or turning your machine into a "doorstop"---those days are over. The new flash utilities are VERY well written and are 99% safe. The major problems occur ONLY during a freakish power outage while preforming the task. I have flashed new bios dozens of times over the last 2-3 years on my machines, and friends, customers etc. Never have had a problem. My advice-Find out in the documentation what the new bios does for you-if it adds some functionality--GO AHEAD and do it!

I think we didn't make our point clear Morley.

Flashing a Bios is fairly safe to do 'if' you take care. However, Bios updates are very rarely needed and they should not be done unless there is a problem and an update is known to fix that problem.