Updating the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) of an older ASUS laptop like a 2012 model can seem intimidating at first. With proper steps and precautions taken during this process, however, upgrading can increase compatibility, performance and stability for your system – we will guide you through it safely in this guide so you’re updated in no time!
What Is A BIOS Update and Why Is It Necessary?
Before beginning the BIOS update process, one must understand why doing so is necessary. A BIOS initializer and configured, the BIOS initializes hardware before bootup of operating systems like Microsoft Windows or Ubuntu; by updating, system enhancements, security patches or compatibility can be gained with newly introduced hardware/software systems.
As is often the case for ASUS laptops released after 2012, BIOS updates can provide hardware compatibility improvements or fix bugs that have surfaced since their original release. An upgrade could also benefit you when switching up hardware components or updating operating system versions, but you must remember that an improper BIOS update could render your machine completely inoperable; be cautious! It is critical that each step be followed precisely or you risk irreparably damaging it!
How Can I Prepare for BIOS Update?
Before embarking on the BIOS update process, there are certain essential preparations you must make beforehand to guarantee its smooth execution without the risk of harming your laptop.
Be sure to Save Your Files Before Undergoing System Updates: Before performing any system upgrade or BIOS update, always back up any crucial files and data that are vital to you. Even though BIOS updates typically don’t impact user data directly, in case they go awry they could require you to reinstall the operating system or even operating system applications altogether.
Secure a Stable Power Source: To successfully update the BIOS on a laptop, it should always be connected to an outlet and charging. Otherwise, battery failure during this process may lead to serious consequences, possibly including bricked devices.
Downloading the Appropriate BIOS File (303 File): To find your laptop’s BIOS update version, navigate to the ASUS Support Website and search by Laptop Model name or number before downloading its associated FAT32 USB drive containing its BIOS update files from the ASUS Official Support website.
Before updating, make sure your BIOS version can be verified by entering its setup menu – either pressing F2 or DEL during boot up and accessing this area or entering BIOS setup directly via rebooting and entering through the BIOS setup menu directly. In either instance, note down what version your current BIOS was to compare after an update is implemented.
How Can I Update BIOS With the 303 File?
Now that your system has been prepared, it is time to update the BIOS using the 303 file. This involves downloading an update file, creating a bootable USB and running the BIOS utility as instructed to perform this update.
Step 1: Construct a Bootable USB Drive To install this update, you’ll require a bootable USB drive. Format it using FAT32 formatter before copying over 303 BIOS files to its root directory of USB drive ensuring no other files exist on it to avoid potential problems.
Step 2: Entering BIOS Setup To access the BIOS setup, restart your ASUS laptop while pressing F2 or DEL during bootup to enter it. From here, navigate to either Advanced or Tools (depending on your laptop model) tabs, and look out for EZ Flash Utility as this tool was designed specifically to facilitate BIOS updates – its instructions will guide you through it all!
Step 3: Conduct the BIOS Update Once in the EZ Flash Utility, navigate to where you saved your BIOS file on a USB drive and open the 303 file. EZ Flash Utility should automatically recognize this BIOS file and ask you if you would like to proceed with updating. Following its on-screen instructions is key – do not power off or interrupt this process during its entirety!
Step 4: Reboot and Verify After updating is complete, your laptop should automatically reboot itself. Immediately access BIOS setup again to make sure the update was successful – compare this version against what was noted previously and ensure the 303 file has been successfully applied.
What to Do if BIOS Update Fails
Rarely, BIOS updates may malfunction and lead to system instability or an unbootable laptop. Here’s what to do in such an instance.
- Reset BIOS to Default Settings: If your laptop is behaving irregularly post-update, one way of fixing any potential issues caused by incorrect configuration during an update may be restoring its default BIOS settings. Enter BIOS setup and locate the Load Default Settings option before performing a reset; this could potentially solve issues caused by misconfiguration during the upgrade process.
- Recover from a Failed Update: Should your system refuse to boot up at all, ASUS laptops offer an inbuilt BIOS recovery feature that allows for the application of updates again using USB drives and EZ Flash Utility as indicated earlier in this guide. Please follow all procedures outlined earlier to attempt another attempt at updating.
- Professional Advice: If your laptop remains nonfunctional after multiple attempts at recovery, seeking expert help might be best. They may help flashback the BIOS update or resolve any other hardware-related issues during installation that have led to troublesome performance issues.
Precautions to Consider During BIOS Update
To avoid problems during BIOS updates, follow these guidelines:
- Do Not Interrupt an Update: Once an update process begins, do not press any keys, turn off your laptop, or remove a USB drive as this could disrupt its progress and potentially cause irreparable harm to your system.
- Double Check the BIOS File: Any BIOS update you download fits specifically with your laptop model; using an incorrect file could wreak havoc and even destroy its motherboard.
- Follow ASUS Instructions: It is always wise to refer back to ASUS’ official guidelines and FAQs to get model-specific guidance for your laptop. This ensures you follow the appropriate process and prevent any mishaps along the way.
Conclusion
Updating the BIOS on an ASUS 2012 laptop using a 303 file can greatly enhance system performance and stability, especially if hardware issues or compatibility concerns exist. By following the steps outlined herein you should have an effortless update process but be wary to safeguard against possible damage to your system during update processes.
