8.9 Netbook Review

The Asus Eee PC 1000 netbook uses a file called the BIOS image to run through a series of important system checks before the operating system is actually loaded. The BIOS image may need to be changed as a troubleshooting technique if you are experiencing hardware or software conflicts. Upgrading the BIOS to a newer version or downgrading to an older version only requires a few clicks, as the Eee PC 1000 model includes a BIOS update program from the factory.

1. Open the “Start” menu and choose “Turn off the Computer.” Click “Restart.” Hit the “F2″ key repeatedly as the Asus Eee PC 1000 restarts until the BIOS menu loads.
2. Scroll to the “Main” tab. Note down the four-digit number listed underneath the “System Overview” heading, which is the current BIOS version.
3. Press “F10″ and tap “Enter” to restart the Asus Eee PC 1000′s operating system. Navigate to the “Start” menu and select the “Programs” folder.
4. Select the “Asus” folder and click the “Asus Update for Eee PC” sub-folder. Click the “Asus Update” icon.
5. Click the drop-down box at the bottom of the “Select the Update Method” window. Select “Update BIOS from Internet” and click the “Next” button.
6. Click “Auto Select” and choose “Next.” Scroll through the list of available BIOS versions. Click the most recent version if you are upgrading the BIOS, or instead click the version before your current version if you are downgrading to resolve software issues.
7. Click “Next” and “Finish.” Restart the operating system again after the BIOS image is changed.

Tips & Warnings

• Asus offers the BIOS upgrade files directly from its website if you deleted the “Asus Update” program from your Eee PC 1000. Navigate to the Asus download website (see Resources) and click the “Select Product” drop-down option. Choose “Eee Family.” Click the next drop-down menu and select “Eee PC.” Choose “Eee PC 1000/XP” in the third drop-down menu. Click “Search” and choose “BIOS.” Click the option for the BIOS version you want to use. Double-click the file after it downloads and follow the onscreen instructions.
• Changing the BIOS may make your Asus Eee PC 1000 unstable. Prior to changing the BIOS image you may want to transfer your data from the netbook to a USB device or flash memory card. Insert the USB drive into a USB port or a flash memory drive into the memory card port. Choose “Open a folder to view files” and drag any needed files into the open window.