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It's common to see the error message "The selected file is not a valid BIOS" when attempting to update or install your BIOS (Basic Input/Output System). This issue usually occurs when the BIOS file is either incompatible or corrupted during the installation or updating process. The BIOS is crucial for communication between your computer's hardware and software.
In this guide, we will explore four effective methods to address the "Selected file is not a suitable BIOS" issue. Each method offers a unique solution, guiding users through troubleshooting steps to overcome this frustrating error.
How to Fix Selected File is not a Valid BIOS: 4 Ways
As mentioned earlier, the BIOS is a fundamental part of any computer system. It facilitates communication between the hardware and the software. Before we proceed with the solution, it's essential to prepare for this process correctly.
The selected file is not the correct BIOS
1. System Information Check
First, access your System Information to gather details like the system model, BIOS version/date, BIOS mode, and specific motherboard name and model. This data is crucial for identifying the correct BIOS update suitable for your system.
2. Verify the integrity of the BIOS file
Should there be any indication of BIOS file corruption, it's crucial to obtain a valid BIOS file from a reputable source. Additionally, consider temporarily disabling antivirus software to prevent it from mistakenly flagging the BIOS file as a threat and inadvertently deleting it.
Create a system image backup
Protect your data by creating a system image backup. This is crucial for mitigating any potential damage or failures that might occur during the BIOS update process.
By performing this groundwork, you will be able to effectively address the chosen issue (it's not a BIOS error) and proceed with subsequent troubleshooting solutions with confidence.
Method 1: Format the External Hard Drive
One of the main reasons for the "Selected file is not a valid BIOS" error is an incompatible file system on the external hard drive. To establish compatibility between the external HDD and your computer, it's crucial to format the drive to FAT32.
One efficient tool to accomplish this task is the Partition Master Professional utility. It offers a user-friendly and streamlined way of formatting an external drive to FAT32. The tool also provides additional features.
With the Partition Master tool, formatting a hard drive becomes a quick and easy task. Here are the steps to easily format an external hard drive to FAT32:
Step 1. Launch AOMEI Partition Assistant, right-click the partition of the external hard drive/USB/SD card you want to format and choose "Format Partition".
Step 2. Assign a new volume label, file system (NTFS/FAT32/EXT2/EXT3/EXT4/exFAT), and cluster size to the selected partition, then click “OK”.
<Step 3> Click "Yes" in the warning window to continue.
4. Click on the “Execute 1 Task” button on the top-left corner to review the changes, and hit “Apply” to start formatting the external hard drive/USB/SD card.
Features of Other Partition Managers
- Solves the "Boot drive not showing up in BIOS" issue.
- Format hard drive in Windows 10 from BIOS.
- Fix "Default boot device missing or boot failed" on Windows 10/11.
Given its user-friendliness and versatility in disk management tasks, we highly recommend users try the Partition Master tool. This is a reliable solution for formatting their external hard drive and potentially resolving BIOS compatibility issues.
Method 2: Update the BIOS with the Correct File
Using an incompatible or corrupted file for the BIOS update can also cause the "Selected file is not a valid BIOS" issue. This method requires acquiring the exact BIOS update file that's compatible with your specific hardware configuration. Following the correct update procedure usually resolves compatibility issues and ensures a proper BIOS installation.
Step 1: Format the USB drive as FAT32
Use the tool Partition Master to easily format your USB drive to the desired FAT32 format. Follow the instructions in Method 1 above.
Step 2: Download the correct BIOS file from the manufacturer's website
After formatting the USB as FAT32, the next task is to acquire the correct BIOS file. It's crucial to have the right BIOS file that matches your motherboard model when updating it. Refer to your computer documentation to find the exact model and manufacturer of your motherboard. Then, visit the official website of the motherboard manufacturer and locate the support or downloads section.
Phase 3: Update the BIOS
With the proper BIOS update file in hand, you're ready to update your computer's BIOS. Now that you're prepared to update the BIOS:
Insert the USB with the correct BIOS file, and boot your computer.
Step 2. Press F10, F12, or F2 to enter the BIOS.
Step 3: Boot from the target USB drive.
Step 4: Select the correct BIOS file and confirm the action.
The BIOS update process will take 2-3 minutes. When it's done, restart your computer. For more detailed steps, you can refer to this full guide:
[Quick & Easy] How to Update BIOS with USB in 2024
This article includes two feasible methods to update BIOS using a USB, including BIOS Flashback and UEFI settings.
Method 3: Update Outdated Drivers
Updating outdated drivers often resolves compatibility issues related to the “Selected file is not a valid BIOS” error. Follow these steps to update outdated drivers on your Windows computer:
Step 1: On a Windows PC, press "Win + X" to open the Power User menu, then click on "Device Manager." Navigate to the "Display adapters" tab, right-click on the driver, and select "Update driver."
Step 2. Next, click on "Search automatically for updated driver software." If there is an update available, follow the on-screen instructions to update the driver and then check if that resolves the issue.
Method 4: Run CHKDSK on the External Hard Drive
Sometimes, a damaged or faulty USB drive can be the root of the problem. Running the CHKDSK utility can help detect and fix errors on an external hard drive that might be causing the selected file not found BIOS error. You can follow these instructions to use the CHKDSK utility to check your USB drive:
Step 1: First, you need to launch the Command Prompt with administrator privileges. To do this, open Task Manager, then click on "Run new task." In the pop-up window, type "cmd," check the box for "Create this task with administrative privileges," and then click "OK" to run it.
Step 2. Type in "chkdsk [drive letter]: /f" (without the quotes) and press “Enter.” Replace [drive letter] with the letter assigned to your external hard drive. Allow CHKDSK some time to fix any issues it finds on the hard drive, then check if the BIOS issue is resolved.
If you've managed to fix this tricky issue, share your instructions to help others:
Why is the selected file not the correct BIOS?
Confused by the frustrating message "The selected file is not a valid BIOS"? This error can stem from various reasons, and we'll delve into some possible sources. Here are a few potential causes:
- Incorrect or Corrupted BIOS File: Using an inaccurate or corrupted BIOS file during the update or installation process can lead to this error. This prevents the system from correctly identifying or effectively utilizing the file.
- Outdated Drivers: Outdated drivers present in the system might conflict with the BIOS update, which could result in a conflict and display the 'Selected file is not a valid BIOS' error message.
- Damaged or Corrupted External Hard Drive: If the external hard drive used for the BIOS update is damaged or corrupted, issues may arise. This damage or corruption can hinder the accurate reading or execution of the BIOS file, leading to the error.
- Incorrect Format of External Hard Drive: Incompatibility due to an incorrectly formatted external hard drive can trigger this error message. If it doesn't meet the system's requirements (for instance, using a file system that the BIOS cannot read), it can also cause the error.
Here are some posts related to startup issues:
Conclusions
In summary, the investigation into the error message "The selected file is not a suitable BIOS" uncovers several possible causes for this perplexing issue. This error typically arises due to an incorrect or corrupted BIOS file, outdated drivers, or damage to an external hard drive. Resolving these issues will play a crucial role in eliminating the error and ensuring a successful BIOS update or installation.
Among the many solutions, one prominent recommendation is the Partition Master tool. This versatile utility aids in formatting the drive to ensure compatibility with the BIOS update process and offers a range of disk management functions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about selecting the wrong BIOS file
It would be highly beneficial for those seeking further clarification or specific guidance on the issue of selecting an inappropriate BIOS file to find a comprehensive answer. Here is a concise response to common queries regarding BIOS-related issues:
1. How do I reset my Asus BIOS?
To restore the ASUS BIOS, follow these steps:
Step 1. Restart your Asus computer and press the designated key (usually DEL or F2) to enter the BIOS setup program.
Step 2: Press F9 or select the Default option when prompted to load the optimized defaults, then click OK.
Step 3: Next, click “Save and Exit” or press the “F10” key to exit the BIOS setup.
2. How do I fix incorrect BIOS settings?
To correct incorrect BIOS settings, you can reset the BIOS settings by following these steps:
Step 1: Restart your computer and press F2 repeatedly to enter BIOS setup. Here, click “General” on the left, and then click “Restore Settings.”
Step 2: Next, click "OK" to confirm your decision and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
3. How do I reset the BIOS to default settings?
Perform a BIOS factory reset by following these steps:
Step 1: Access the Windows Recovery Environment and go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings. Click on Restart to boot your computer into the BIOS setup.
Step 2. Next, locate and click on Load Default Settings, then confirm by clicking Yes. Wait for the process to finish, and your BIOS will be reset to default.