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Instructions for iFlash BIOS Update

Important Notes:

  • Update the BIOS on your computer only if the newer BIOS version specifically solves a problem you have. We do not recommend BIOS updates for computers that do not need it. You can view all BIOS changes in the Release Notes included on the BIOS download page in Download Center.
  • Before initiating a BIOS update, be sure to read and precisely follow the instructions included in this document. You may wish to print the instructions for easy reference.
  • If a BIOS update process is interrupted, your computer may not function properly. We recommend the process be done in an environment with a steady power supply (preferably with UPS).
  • Before updating the BIOS on the Intel® Desktop Board, manually record all BIOS settings that have been changed (from default) so they can be restored after completing the BIOS update.
  • All images in this example are specific to the Intel® Desktop Board D945PLNM and are for illustration purposes only. You need to select the correct BIOS files for your desktop board.

Instructions for iFlash BIOS Update [printable PDF version]
With the Iflash BIOS update utility you can update the BIOS from a floppy disk, bootable CD-ROM, bootable USB flash drive or other bootable USB media. (Information on how to create a bootable USB device or CD is listed at the end of this document.)

For other BIOS update methods,
click here.

Using the iFlash BIOS update is a two-part process:

Part 1: Create the bootable media (floppy, CD or USB device) containing the BIOS update
Part 2: Update the BIOS of the target computer

If Using a Floppy Disk
If Using a Bootable USB Device
If Using a Bootable CD-ROM


If Using a Floppy Disk
You can use this method if the iFlash files are small enough to fit on a floppy disk and the desktop board includes floppy drive support. You will need a blank floppy diskette.

Part 1: Create the bootable media (floppy) containing the BIOS update

1. Download and save the iFlash BIOS Update file to a temporary directory.



2. Insert a blank floppy diskette into the floppy drive.

3. Double-click the *.EXE file to begin the iFlash BIOS update process. Press “y” to extract necessary files to the temporary directory.


4. After the extract is complete, the following files will be present in the temporary directory:

5. Double-click the RUN.BAT file. Follow the prompts to create the bootable floppy.


Part 2: Update the BIOS of the target computer

1. Boot the target computer with the floppy disk in the floppy drive. The BIOS update process will begin automatically.

2. On the welcome screen, press any key to continue.

 


3. You’ll see the status of the BIOS update as shown here. DO NOT shutdown or power off the computer at any time during the update process.


 


4. Once the update is completed, remove the floppy disk from the drive and press Enter to restart the computer.

 


If Using a Bootable USB Device
You can use this method if the iFlash files are too large to fit on a floppy disk or if the desktop board does not include floppy drive support. You will need a bootable USB device, such as a USB thumb drive or USB external hard drive. (Information on how to create a bootable USB device is listed at the end of this document.)

Part 1: Create the bootable media (USB Device) containing the BIOS update

1. Download and save the iFlash BIOS Update file to a temporary directory.


 

2. Double-click the *.EXE to extract necessary files.

3. Double-click the SW.EXE file to extract additional files.

 


4. Copy IFLASH.EXE and the .BIO file to the bootable USB device.

 

5. Configure the BIOS of the target computer to boot to the USB device:
a. Press F2 during boot to enter BIOS Setup.
b. Go to the Boot menu.
c. Enable USB Boot.
d. Save by pressing F10 and exit the BIOS Setup.

Part 2: Update the BIOS of the target computer

1. Configure the BIOS of the target computer to boot to the USB device:
a. Press F2 during boot to enter BIOS Setup.
b. Go to the Boot menu.
c. Enable USB Boot.
d. Save by pressing F10 and exit the BIOS Setup.

2. Boot the target computer with the USB device connected.

3. At the prompt, type IFLASH /PF XXX.BIO (where XXX.BIO is the filename of the .BIO file) to launch the iFlash BIOS update process. Follow all prompts.


If Using a Bootable CD-ROM
Use this method if the iFlash files are too large to fit on a floppy disk or if the desktop board does not include floppy drive support. You will need a bootable CD-ROM. (Information on how to create a bootable CD is listed at the end of this document.)

Part 1: Create the bootable media (CD) containing the BIOS update

1. Download and save the iFlash BIOS update file to a temporary directory. 

 

2. Double-click the *.EXE to extract necessary files.

3. Double-click the SW.EXE file to extract additional files.

 


4. Copy the .BIO file and IFLASH.EXE to the bootable CD.

 


Part 2: Update the BIOS of the target computer

1. Configure the BIOS of the target computer to boot to the CD-ROM drive:
a. Press F2 during boot to enter BIOS Setup.
b. Go to the Boot menu.
c. In Boot Device Priority, set the CD-ROM drive to be the first boot device.
d. Save by pressing F10 and exit the BIOS Setup.

2. Boot the target computer with the CD in the drive.

3. At the prompt, type IFLASH /PF XXX.BIO (where XXX.BIO is the filename of the .BIO file) to launch the iFlash BIOS update process. Follow all prompts.

 

Creating a Bootable USB Device
Making a USB flash device into a bootable drive is not as simple as creating bootable floppy disks. Please refer to the documentation provided by the manufacturer of your USB device for information on how to create a bootable USB device. Additionally, you may refer to any of the following websites for tips on creating bootable USB devices. Intel is unable to assist with the creation of bootable devices.

• How to Boot from a USB Device

• HP* Drive Key Boot Utility

• Create Bootable USB Flash Drive

You can also search for additional resources on the web for creating bootable USB devices. Search on “How to create bootable USB drives”.


Creating a Bootable CD
Creating a bootable CD is not as simple as creating bootable floppy disks. Refer to any of the following websites for tips on creating bootable CDs. Intel is unable to assist with the creation of bootable devices.

• Bart’s Way to Create Bootable CD-ROMs

• How to Create a Bootable CD-ROM

• How to Create Bootable CDs

You can also search for additional resources on the web for creating bootable CDs. Search on “How to create a bootable CD”.

 

LEGAL INFORMATION
Information in this document is provided in connection with Intel Products and for the purpose of supporting Intel developed server/desktop boards and systems.

No license, express or implied, by estoppel or otherwise, to any intellectual property rights is granted by this document. Except as provided in Intel's Terms and Conditions of Sale for such products, Intel assumes no liability whatsoever, and Intel disclaims any express or implied warranty, relating to sale and/or use of Intel products including liability or warranties relating to fitness for a particular purpose, merchantability, or infringement of any patent, copyright or other intellectual property right. Intel Corporation may have patents or pending patent applications, trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual property rights that relate to the presented subject matter. The furnishing of documents and other materials and information does not provide any license, express or implied, by estoppel or otherwise, to any such patents, trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual property rights. Intel products are not intended for use in medical, life saving, or life sustaining applications. Intel may make changes to specifications and product descriptions at any time, without notice.


   This link will take you off of the Intel Web site. Intel does not control the content of the destination Web Site.

This applies to:
Intel® Desktop Board D102GGC2
Intel® Desktop Board D201GLY
Intel® Desktop Board D201GLY2
Intel® Desktop Board D5400XS
Intel® Desktop Board D910GLDW
Intel® Desktop Board D915GAG
Intel® Desktop Board D915GAV
Intel® Desktop Board D915GEV
Intel® Desktop Board D915GLVG
Intel® Desktop Board D915GMH
Intel® Desktop Board D915GUX
Intel® Desktop Board D915GVWB
Intel® Desktop Board D915PBL
Intel® Desktop Board D915PCM
Intel® Desktop Board D915PCY
Intel® Desktop Board D915PDT
Intel® Desktop Board D915PGN
Intel® Desktop Board D915PLWD
Intel® Desktop Board D915PSY
Intel® Desktop Board D925XBC
Intel® Desktop Board D925XCV
Intel® Desktop Board D925XEBC2
Intel® Desktop Board D925XECV2
Intel® Desktop Board D925XHY
Intel® Desktop Board D945GBO
Intel® Desktop Board D945GCCR
Intel® Desktop Board D945GCL
Intel® Desktop Board D945GCNL
Intel® Desktop Board D945GCPE
Intel® Desktop Board D945GCZ
Intel® Desktop Board D945GNT
Intel® Desktop Board D945GPM
Intel® Desktop Board D945GRW
Intel® Desktop Board D945GTP
Intel® Desktop Board D945PAW
Intel® Desktop Board D945PDK
Intel® Desktop Board D945PLNM
Intel® Desktop Board D945PLRN
Intel® Desktop Board D945PSN
Intel® Desktop Board D945PVS
Intel® Desktop Board D945PWM
Intel® Desktop Board D946GZAB
Intel® Desktop Board D946GZIS
Intel® Desktop Board D946GZTS
Intel® Desktop Board D955XBK
Intel® Desktop Board D955XCS
Intel® Desktop Board D975XBX
Intel® Desktop Board D975XBX2
Intel® Desktop Board DG31GL
Intel® Desktop Board DG31PR
Intel® Desktop Board DG33FB
Intel® Desktop Board DG33TL
Intel® Desktop Board DG35EC
Intel® Desktop Board DG965MQ
Intel® Desktop Board DG965MS
Intel® Desktop Board DG965OT
Intel® Desktop Board DG965PZ
Intel® Desktop Board DG965RY
Intel® Desktop Board DG965SS
Intel® Desktop Board DG965WH
Intel® Desktop Board DP35DP
Intel® Desktop Board DP965LT
Intel® Desktop Board DQ35JO
Intel® Desktop Board DQ35MP
Intel® Desktop Board DQ963FX
Intel® Desktop Board DQ965CO
Intel® Desktop Board DQ965GF
Intel® Desktop Board DQ965WC
Intel® Desktop Board DX38BT
Intel® Desktop Board DX48BT2

Solution ID: CS-023358
Date Created: 17-Sep-2006
Last Modified: 25-Mar-2008
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