How to Fix “Selected File is Not a Proper BIOS” Error

2024/11/02

If you encounter the error message Selected file is not a proper BIOS while attempting to update the BIOS on your ASUS, Dell, or similar computer, don’t worry. This guide outlines the most prevalent causes of this issue, along with effective solutions to help you successfully update your BIOS without complications.

Error: Selected file is not a proper BIOS

Resolve the Selected file is not a proper BIOS Issue

To address the Selected file is not a proper BIOS error on your ASUS or Dell computer, consider implementing the following solutions:

Check the current BIOS version
Inspect the file for damage
Update outdated drivers
Examine the external drive

For a deeper understanding of these fixes, keep reading!

1] Check the current BIOS version

It’s crucial to verify your current BIOS version prior to making any updates. If you mistakenly believe you have the latest version and attempt to perform an update, you won’t be able to proceed if you’re already running that version. To find your existing BIOS version, follow these instructions:

Enter “system information” in the search box on the Taskbar.
Select the corresponding search result.
Locate the BIOS Version/Date entry.

After identifying your current version, check it against the downloaded file or the source where you obtained the BIOS. If they match, no further action is needed.

2] Inspect the file for damage

If your system has recently been compromised by adware or malware, it is likely that file corruption has occurred. It’s important to note that a BIOS file should remain intact for proper installation. If you suspect the file is compromised, it is advisable to re-download it. Ensure you obtain the file directly from the official website of your motherboard’s manufacturer.

3] Update outdated drivers

Outdated device drivers could lead to the aforementioned BIOS error. Therefore, prior to updating the BIOS, you should ensure that all drivers are up-to-date. Access Device Manager to view installed drivers.

You have two options available for updating:

Visit the manufacturer’s official website for the particular hardware to check for newer driver versions.
Utilize the Windows Settings panel. To do this:

Press Win+I to open Windows Settings.
Navigate to Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates.
Expand the Other updates section.
Check the box and hit the Download & install button.

Once this is completed, you can proceed with the BIOS update.

4] Examine the external drive

Creating a bootable USB drive is a widely used method for updating the BIOS. However, there are important considerations when utilizing a USB drive, primarily ensuring it is formatted in FAT32.

Should the drive be formatted in any other file system, it may seem functional but will not work during the boot process. To format the USB drive as FAT32, follow these steps:

Connect the USB drive to your computer.
Launch File Explorer and navigate to This PC.
Right-click the external drive and select Format.
From the File system dropdown, choose FAT32.
Click the Start button.
Wait for the process to finish.

Alternatively, you can format the USB drive using the Disk Management tool. Here’s how:

Open File Explorer, right-click on This PC.
Select Show more options and then choose Manage.
Click Disk Management.
Right-click the external drive, then pick Format.
Choose FAT32 from the File system options.
Confirm by clicking OK.

After formatting, you can create a bootable USB drive.

Additionally, you may want to run CHKDSK on the external drive; internal issues sometimes exist that CHKDSK can resolve.

Hopefully, these steps will help resolve your issue!

How to resolve Selected file is not a proper BIOS on ASUS?

For ASUS computers, start by formatting the external USB drive to FAT32 to create the bootable media. If the BIOS file is corrupted, it should be re-downloaded. Finally, ensure that all outdated drivers are updated and consider running CHKDSK.

How do I update the BIOS on my ASUS motherboard?

You can utilize ASUS’s official tool, the ASUS BIOS Update Utility, available on their website. This tool will assist you in determining your current BIOS version and checking for available updates. If found, you will have the option to download and install the update.

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