Re: bios update and registry cleaners
- From: "Kerry Brown" <kerry@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx*a*m>
- Date: Tue, 22 Nov 2005 15:27:14 -0800
Louis Rost wrote:
> On Tue, 22 Nov 2005 06:53:53 -0800, "Kerry Brown"
> <kerry@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx*a*m> wrote:
>
>> Comments inline
>>
>> Louis Rost wrote:
>>> I'm a regular reader of this newsgroup. I've been helped some,
>>> learned a lot and very occasionally try to help others. I do not
>>> claim to be a PC guru but am a bit more than a casual user. I have
>>> observed that bios update and registry cleaners seems to bring a
>>> chorus of advice.
>>>
>>> Bios update: If it ain't broke, don't fix it. It is a complex and
>>> even dangerous thing to attempt. Don't do it. I disagree strongly!
>>> Updating a bios is no more difficult than installing most
>>> applications. It is much easier to update the bios than most video
>>> adaptors. You download the bios update from the manufacturer and
>>> many times simply run the self-extracting exe file and the bios is
>>> updated without exiting Windows. Less than one minute of run time.
>>> Bios updating can prevent problems when installing new hardware.
>>> Case in point. Installed a new WD800J drive on my daughter's
>>> computer for purposes of backup using Norton Ghost 10. Norton
>>> Ghost took about 1 hour 20 minutes for the backup but from prior
>>> experience with similar systems, I knew it should run in 20 minutes
>>> or less. After many hours of trouble shooting attempting to find
>>> out what the conflict was it turned out to be the bios needed to be
>>> updated. Norton Ghost ran in 9 minutes after the update. Many of
>>> the same folks who advocate not updating the bios are quick to
>>> point out that Windows should be kept updated. Same folks are
>>> quick to suggest getting the latest device drivers including video
>>> drivers. Bios updates when obtained from the manufacturer and
>>> installed according to the instructions is no more difficult, no
>>> more dangerous and serves the same purpose: preventing problems.
>>>
>>
>> I have flashed the BIOS on hundreds of motherboards over a priod of
>> many years. It is rare that something will go wrong. When (not if)
>> it does the motherboard is junk until you install a new BIOS chip.
>> Over that period of years and hundreds of motherboards it has
>> happened twice to me. Both times I was following instructions. I
>> have no idea why the updates didn't work. Once I was able to order a
>> new BIOS chip. It took two weeks to receive it. The other time I had
>> to replace the motherboard.
>>
>> Sometimes a BIOS update is needed. When it is needed some
>> precautions need to be taken. Follow the instructions exactly.
>> Before starting make sure the power cord is fully seated at both
>> ends. Make sure there is no chance the power will accidently get
>> switched off. Do not run the BIOS flash program from Windows unless
>> there is no other alternative method available.
>>
>>
>>> Registry Cleaners on Windows XP: Not needed. Don't use them. They
>>> do not improve performance, do not save space and can cause serious
>>> problems. I've used various cleaners often enough to agree that on
>>> my systems performance is not improved, insignificant space is
>>> reclaimed. But they are fun to use once in a while, can be a good
>>> learning tool unless one simply blindly deletes any and every thing
>>> listed. Computers are merely tools for many but for many they are
>>> also interesting and a semi-hobby. Registry cleaners, in my
>>> opionion, falls in the semi-hobby category and interested users
>>> should be instructed how to use them rather than castigated for
>>> even mentioning the subject.
>>>
>>
>> Some registry cleaners can be a valuable tool in knowledgeable
>> hands. All registry cleaners can be easily misused in inexperienced
>> hands. When misused they can cause problems such that a clean
>> install is the only fix. Again, over many years in the computer
>> business I have learned the hard way.
>>
>> The total years of experience for all the regular contributors to
>> this newsgroup must be in the thousands. It is very foolish to
>> ignore that wealth of experience. Both things you mention are not
>> recommended for casual use because they can and do cause
>> irrepairable problems. If you are a hobbiest and want to play go
>> ahead, it is your system. Do not recommend procedures to others that
>> may damage their systems without warning them first.
>>
>> Kerry
>>
>>
>>
> And how did you become knowledgeable? Following advice to not try
> anything because it may cause problem? Or did you get burned a few
> times before taking precautions (UPS, imaging drives, etc.) prior to
> making changes.
>
> I do not ignore the wealth of information in the newsgroup. Nor the
> wealth of misinformation.
>
> I do not recommend that anyone update their bios, nor do I recommend
> use of registry editors. I simply disagree with the attitude too
> often displayed in this news group: 'If it ain't broken, don't fix
> it". No one, not even you, advanced your knowledge of computers by
> taking that head in the sand attitude. Users would be better served
> if told the potential problems, suggested precautions, and not merely
> told "don't do it"
>
> Lou
Lou
I don't disagree that knowledge is learned by making mistakes. Also as you
say their is a wealth of misinformation in newsgroups. I repair computers
for a living and every day I see the results of people experimenting with
their computers. I always try to explain what went wrong and why. After
their computer is repaired I encourage them to phone me if they want to try
something they are not sure of. I encourage them to experiment but ask
first. Posting in newsgroups is completely different from this. I have no
idea who is posting the question and what their experience is. From the
questions asked I have to assume most of the posters are beginners with
little or no knowledge. I answer as if speaking to the lowest common
denominator so as to cause the least amount of harm if something goes wrong.
The posts are archived by Google. A bad post could cause problems for many
users who have never heard of newsgroups. If you have seen my posts about
registry cleaners I usually say that some of the better ones can be a
valuable if dangerous tool. As for the BIOS I discourage anyone from
updating it if they are not experiencing a problem that is addressed with a
BIOS update. The possible consequences are not worth the risk. I won't risk
my computer so why would I enourage others to do so.
Kerry
.
- References:
- bios update and registry cleaners
- From: Louis Rost
- Re: bios update and registry cleaners
- From: Kerry Brown
- Re: bios update and registry cleaners
- From: Louis Rost
- bios update and registry cleaners
- Prev by Date: Re: etc/hosts file as a spam and pop-up blocking tool?
- Next by Date: Re: "Show Desktop" Icon Now On Desktop
- Previous by thread: Re: bios update and registry cleaners
- Next by thread: Re: bios update and registry cleaners
- Index(es):
Relevant Pages
|
