Alex Ruben
How to Fix the “Selected File is Not a Proper BIOS” Error
This guide will help you resolve the “Selected file is not a proper BIOS” error you may encounter while updating the BIOS on your ASUS, Dell, or other computers. By following the steps outlined below, you will learn how to verify your existing BIOS version, check for file corruption, update drivers, and ensure your external drive is properly configured for the BIOS update.
Step 1: Verify Existing BIOS Version
To ensure that the BIOS update file is compatible, you first need to verify your existing BIOS version:
- Search for System Information in the Taskbar search box.
- Click on the individual search result that appears.
- Locate the BIOS Version and Date information.
- Check the downloaded BIOS file or visit the website from which you obtained the update to ensure they match. If the versions are the same, there is no need for further action.
Step 2: Verify the File for Corruption
If you suspect that the BIOS update file may be corrupted, you should re-download it:
- Visit the official website of your motherboard manufacturer.
- Download the BIOS update file again to ensure there are no issues with the previous download.
Step 3: Update Outdated Drivers
Outdated drivers can interfere with BIOS updates. To update your drivers:
- Press Win + I to open the Windows Settings panel.
- Navigate to Windows Update.
- Select Advanced options, then Optional updates.
- Expand the Other updates section.
- Check the boxes for any available updates.
- Click the Download & install button to proceed.
Step 4: Verify External Drive
Ensuring your external drive is properly formatted can help prevent errors. To verify the external drive:
- Plug in your external USB drive.
- Open File Explorer and go to This PC.
- Right-click on the external drive and select Format.
- Expand the File system drop-down menu and choose the FAT32 option.
- Click the Start button and wait for the formatting process to finish.
You can also use the Disk Management panel for formatting:
- Open File Explorer and right-click on This PC.
- Select Show more options and choose Manage.
- Click on Disk Management.
- Right-click on the external drive and choose Format.
- Choose the FAT32 option and click OK.
Additionally, consider running chkdsk on the external drive if you suspect internal issues:
- Open the command prompt and enter
chkdsk [DriveLetter]: /fto check and fix any problems on the external drive.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
When troubleshooting the BIOS update process, consider the following tips:
- Ensure you’re downloading the BIOS file directly from the manufacturer’s website to avoid corrupted files.
- Always check for updates to your hardware drivers before executing a BIOS update.
- If encountering persistent issues, consult your manufacturer’s support.
Conclusion
By following the above steps, you should be able to resolve the “Selected file is not a proper BIOS” error efficiently. Keeping your BIOS and drivers up to date is crucial for system stability and performance. For additional guidance on related topics, consider checking other troubleshooting tutorials related to BIOS updates and Windows settings.
