M40 BIOS update

if you have a Toshiba M40, which is the Canadian model, there was a BIOS update released on May 31. It will upgrade the default BIOS 1.0 to 1.2. There is only one set of drivers for the JM3 and YP3.

they can be downloaded from the support section at www.toshiba.ca.

there was no BIOS update for the US verion, M45.


and if you have to ask; yes, a BIOS update is important and necessary. just make sure to turn off all programs, the screen saver, and plug-in to the AC adapter. use an uninterruptible power supply if you have one.

 

If its not broken, why fix it? Unless there's some critical issue like a design/programming flaw. Windows Updates are different because they contain security patches. I've heard too many stories of people trying to upgrade their BIOS, screw up somehow, and corrupt the whole system (or just wont boot).

 

As Sky indicated, BIOS updates are not 100% necessary for your notebook to continue operating. If the BIOS was released to fix a certain problem, then an update might be in order, but not if you are not exhibiting the problems the updated BIOS fixes. Manufacturers usually post on their site to only update is you're exhibiting problems. So, I'd only recommend a BIOS update when needed, not just because it's available.

-Vb-

 

"if it's not broken, why fix it"....

as if I have to explain something so simple. I mean, I guess most people don't even know what a BIOS is or what it stand for.

first of all your Basic Input-Output System is what your computer needs to operate. without it, it's just dead-weight. it'll tell the computer at what speed all of your components should run, how much power they need, what features it can use, etc, etc. that's why if something goes wrong during a BIOS flash, your computer may refuse to boot afterwards - the instructions that tell the system how to start-up has been corrupted.

so, why would you want to update your BIOS when you're not having any problems?

that's because an update, not just BIOS, but almost all updates isn't created just to fix current problems. they prevent future problems and increase compatibility with new technologies.

ask someone why they bother to keep installing new drivers for their video card. it's not because their video card has a problem or it doesn't work, the new set of drivers(instructions, like the BIOS) will allow that video card to run more efficiently, which ultimately increase the speed and performace.

you dont NEED to update anything that currently works, but you're also limiting the full potential of that hardware/software.

Sky, you say you've heard too many stories of people screwing up their systems upgrading their BIOS?

I have two words for you: USER ERROR. it's not a lottery game where the BIOS suddenly decides, "I think I'll screw up this guy's computer today". the problem is the user who refused to carefully read and follow instructions provided for them.

why update when there's no problem?

why buy extended warranty? why change the oil in your engine? why worry about Earth's pollution level? why get vaccinated for diseases? why worry about problems that haven't occured yet?



~


The surest sign that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe is that is has never tried to contact us.

 

Just wondering, does anyone know what the bios update is for? This piece of information can help people decide whether to update their bios or not.

I've read of stories in the past where people had poorer performance or more problems with their wireless routers after upgrading to the latest firmware. So now I'm always weary about firmware and bios upgrades, especially because they cannot be "undone". If what it fixes is significant/important, then it's probably worth the risk to update. But if it's not important, then I may download but hold off the update until I need it.

In any case, thanks 100 eyes for informing us about the update!

Nestor

 

hey, guys, i have just bought a m40-jm8 series, it comes with a bios of version 1.6, sounds weird, doesn't it. i wonder if anyone of have this version of bios. and can u please tell me if you have any problems with the screen displaying a lot of noise. Thanks!!

 

Hi,

I think your BIOS version is from the States. You can check the toshiba USA site:

http://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/...BV_EngineID=cccjaddfheijkhfcgfkceghdgngdgnn.0

I have an M40-SF3 which has a BIOS version 1.3, and I couldn't find it on any other toshiba download sites. Does anyone know where I can get an upgrade?

Thanks.

 

im not exactly sure what the bios did, but for me... it solved the annoying buzzing noise. After updating the bios from 1.0 to 1.2 the buzzing disappeared. Maybe it fixed other things too. don't know.

well, actually its still there, but its very faint. Unlike before...but this probabbly normal?