User's Manual

Updating the BIOS

The BIOS is the code transmitted onto your system's Flash ROM. As indicated in this chapter, you use the

BIOS Setup utility to configure your system's software and hardware features. Only use the BIOS update files

for your specific model to update your Versa system BIOS.

Caution

: you only need to update the BIOS if significant improvements or fixes have been made to the

current system BIOS. Your authorised dealer or Support Services representative can help you determine this.

Obtaining the BIOS Update

If you are informed that the default BIOS needs an update, you can access the Web site,

www.nec-

online.com

to obtain a copy of the BIOS update. You will need to download three files:

Winflash.exe, which is the Windows-based utility used to flash the BIOS,

a ROM file, which contains the BIOS settings,

a system file.

Download these files in the same directory on your hard drive, and make sure to note the exact path where

you save them.

Note

: for your convenience, these files may have been stored in a single zip archive. In this case, download

the archive and extract the files in the directory of your choice under Windows XP.

Performing the BIOS Update

Follow these steps to perform the BIOS update.

1. Open the directory where you saved the files downloaded on the internet, and double-click on the

WinFlash

application to open it.

2. On the main screen, in the

WinPhlash Operation

area, select

Backup BIOS and Flash BIOS with

new settings

. This option saves a backup copy of the current BIOS before upgrading it.

3. Click on the

Flash BIOS

button. When prompted, click on

to confirm (if applicable, close any

other software application you may be running).

Note

: the BIOS update will take about 30 seconds; do not use your computer in the meantime.

4. Once the update is finished, your notebook will reboot automatically.

5. When prompted, press

at start-up to enter the BIOS Setup.

6. Press

on your keyboard to load the BIOS default settings.

7. Press

F10

to save current changes and exit the BIOS Setup.

Updating the BIOS