Using PE to flash BIOS / Configure Boot order

[FRANK ZAPPA]

Looking into using PE to build a test environment... the boxes are a mix of Dell, HP & IBM. I would like to use PE to boot the machines and ensure the BIOS revision levels are all consitant.. if they are not I want to flash the BIOS.

Has anyone tried this?

Each vendor supplys their own tools suite to acheive this but I would like to use WMI or similar... the *scriptomatic tool from M/S is nice but returns rather than allows you to change many BIOS options via WMI calls...

Anyone on this ???! Please?

Recap

Use PE to auto configure boot order & flash bios if possible

[likuidkewl]

I have had bad luck using 32bit programs to flash the bios. Just 2 weeks ago one at the big one.

I would check them with PE/DOS then use a DOS boot disk or boot cd to flash it.

Just my .02

[Martin Zugec]

About Dell systems - download DCCU (Dell Client Configuration Utility) for changing registry settings. Dont know if HP/IBM provide with something similar

EDIT: Sorry, of course I mean not registry settings, but BIOS settings + version

[jaclaz]

My two cents:

1) Though now it is quite common to find Windows utilities to flash the BIOS, it is evidently safer doing it from a non-multitasking non-network connected single user OS as DOS

2) Why would the two main BIOS manufacturers have a DOS program to flash their BIOSes?

jaclaz

[getwired]

Not sure what backing you have for point 1. Updating a BIOS from Windows, if done right, can be as reliable if not moreso than DOS.

[jaclaz]

Not sure what backing you have for point 1. Updating a BIOS from Windows, if done right, can be as reliable if not moreso than DOS.

The only backing I have is that the ONLY problems in flashing BIOS I ever knew/read of derive from people who used Windows based software to flash BIOSses.(apart from catastrophic issues of power shortages/surges WHILE flashing BIOS)

These could be of course due to either:

a ) badly written Windows programs

b ) the fact hat probably less experienced users prefer to use the Windows GUI

To the above info I summed up point #2 in my previous post, and the good ol' saying:

"If ain't broken DO NOT fix it"

(and this could be my third cent, DO NOT flash BIOS unless it is needed)

jaclaz

[FRANK ZAPPA]

Thanks for responses.

The PE environment is 32bit.. the dos apps don't want to know.

Yep the Dell apps are an option.. to be honest as most vendors seem to differ perhaps a WMI script to cover all harware variants would be best?

Any WMI boffins out there?