2nd May 2002

The BIOS is an important part of your computer. How else could you be aware of stuck key failures? Don't forget about the classic memory parity errors. If you ever get an I/O channel error, you better break out the coffee - 'cause you're in for an all-nighter. Did you know that your BIOS information may actually be sitting in the Registry. It's true! If you have no other way of uncovering this information without a reboot, try this tip. The data can be found in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ HARDWARE \ DESCRIPTION \ System. 'SystemBiosDate' is the date of the installed revision's release. 'SystemBiosVersion' is, naturally, the revision number. Heck, you might even have a 'VideoBiosDate' value, which will provide you with even more sometimes-obscure information. 'VideoBiosVersion' falls into the same category. I wouldn't suggest changing any of these entries - let your system do that. If you have the System Information tool installed, it may pull in this data in a safer environment and easier-to-interpret format. Find out by entering "MSInfo32" through the Run applet in your Start Menu (sans quotes).