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    two questions about biod updating

    Discussion in 'Toshiba' started by mahmood, Sep 14, 2008.

  1. mahmood

    mahmood Notebook Geek

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    Hello,
    I want to upgrade the bios of satellite U305 but before that I have two questions:
    1) if the update process fail for any reason, is it possible to replace existing version? any recovery or downgrade procedure?

    2) Which method (floppy, CD, windows) is preferable and has less risk?

    Thanks,
     
    mahmood, Sep 14, 2008
    #1
  2. royk50

    royk50 times being what they are

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    as a rule never upgrade your bios unless you know what it fixes AND actually needs it.

    usually there is a recovery option, not familiar with the Toshiba way.
    better go dos way, bootable cd or usb stick (a bit of a pain)
     
    royk50, Sep 14, 2008
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  3. Gregory

    Gregory disassemble?

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    Royk50 is definitely correct about only updating the BIOS if it specifically addresses an issue that is relevant to you. I 100% agree.

    I personally like doing it from within Windows when there is an option for that. Doing it from CD always reminds me of how scared I was the floppy would fail while updating back in the day. (I don't trust floppies.) You're unlikely to run into errors with any method though.

    If there is an error while flashing the BIOS you may or may not have the option to fix it easily yourself. I suppose it could depend on at what point the flash failed. The best bet is to download the BIOS you want to flash to as well as the release you currently have. Have them both ready. (The release you download that you currently have you'll want to put on a floppy.)

    Also make sure to only download from Toshiba's support site. Make sure it specifically states your model in the release info. Also, read ALL support info and instructions prior to updating. Print it so you have it on hand while updating
     
    Gregory, Sep 14, 2008
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  4. Jstn7477

    Jstn7477 Sam I Am

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    BIOS flashing on newer laptops is done through Windows. If the flash fails, then your laptop will most likely be bricked.

    -J.B.
     
    Jstn7477, Sep 14, 2008
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  5. mahmood

    mahmood Notebook Geek

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    thanks for replies. You see I am not sure if the bug fix is realy important or not. for example it says that some battery level calculations has improved and is more accurate. Or it says that sometime in the sleep one of the USB ports are still open and some things like these.

    I have not noticed some bugs yet (for example usb issue in sleep) and I think it is not critical, so I will not risk between fixing non critical problems and a dead system (if update fail)
     
    mahmood, Sep 15, 2008
    #5