bios id check error: step-by-step fix guide
bios id check error is an issue that has been encountered by a lot of PC users when updating their motherboard BIOS. This mistake usually manifests itself when the system finds out that the BIOS firmware file is not compatible with the motherboard model or revision. Consequently, the process of updating the BIOS is discontinued so that severe hardware harm can be avoided.
This may be an annoying error to gamers and PC enthusiasts who update firmware often to enhance compatibility or performance. An unsuccessful BIOS update can deny you the chance to install new processors or correct bugs in the system as well as activate advanced features.
Luckily, the error of bios id check can be readily corrected as soon as you know the cause. The problem is in the most cases because of incompatible BIOS file, wrong motherboard version, corrupted USB drive or old-fashioned firmware.
This step by step guide will inform you about the meaning of bios id check error, reasons why it occurs, and how you can safely fix this error without breaking your motherboard.
What Is BIOS ID Check Error?
The error of the bios id check comes up in case of BIOS update when the firmware utility validates the BIOS file that must be installed. The motherboard validates the BIOS file to the hardware identification code stored in the firmware of the system.
Failure to have the right BIOS file to the right motherboard model causes the system to abort the update and it shows the bios id check error.
This is a protection measure that is put in place to ensure that the user does not install the incorrect BIOS firmware. Installation of not compatible firmware may cause permanent damage of the motherboard or even render the system unusable.
This verification is also performed in modern motherboards so that people can only install the right version of the firmware to the system.
Why BIOS Updates Are Important for Modern PCs
It is worthwhile to know the reasons as to why updates in the BIOS are essential before correcting the mistake.
BIOS updates enhance the stability and compatibility of the system as well as its performance. Most of the motherboard producers update their BIOS to ensure compatibility with the latest CPUs, better memory compatibility, bugs, and better security.
Players and computer constructors usually install updated BIOS to get new processors supported or access more features on the motherboard.
A successful BIOS update can:
- Improve system stability
- Support newer CPUs
- Resolve hardware incompatibility problems.
- Improve RAM compatibility
- Enhance system security
- Resolve boot errors
But when the wrong BIOS file is used, the system will halt the update and the error will be bios id check.
Most Common Causes of BIOS ID Check Error
Knowing the source of the issue, you can correct it in a short period of time. The following are the most widespread causes of the bios id check error.
Incorrect Motherboard Model
There are numerous models with similar names of motherboards. In case you download BIOS of the wrong motherboard model the update utility will realize that there is a mismatch and the error will be shown.
This problem can be explained by even minor variations of model numbers.
Wrong Motherboard Revision
Other motherboards have alternative revisions of hardware including Rev 1.0, Rev 1.1 or Rev 2.0. Different BIOS firmware might be needed each time the revision is made.
In case you install a BIOS that is made to support a different revision, the system will not accept it.
Using an Incompatible BIOS Version
Other updates of BIOS cannot be performed without installing a middle version. The system can cause the bios id check error by attempting to go directly to the latest version.
Corrupted BIOS Download
In case the BIOS file gets corrupt in the process of download, the verification will not succeed and the system will not accept the update.
Incorrect USB Drive Format
Majority of the motherboard makers demand that BIOS updates be made using a FAT32 formatted USB drive. The BIOS utility might not recognise the file properly in case the USB drive is of another format.
BIOS File Renaming or Modification
Other users change the name of BIOS files or alter their contents. This may result in a failure in the process of BIOS ID verification.
How to Fix BIOS ID Check Error (Step-by-Step)
Considering that it is now time to discuss the best ways of correcting the bios id check error without any trouble.
Verify Your Motherboard Model
The first thing to do is to ensure you have the right motherboard model fitted in your PC.
The model of the motherboard can be checked in a number of ways:
- Look at the motherboard box
- Check the motherboard label
- Windows Open System Information.
- Use CPU-Z software
After getting the right model, turn to the official Web site of the manufacturer and grab the BIOS file that is specific to that motherboard.
The error of bios id check is usually fixed by simply using the appropriate BIOS file.
Check the Motherboard Revision Number
Revision numbers are frequently printed on the PCB by the motherboard.
Common examples include:
Rev 1.0
Rev 1.1
Rev 1.2
Although the name of the motherboard might appear the same, a different firmware might be needed for each version.
In case you download the BIOS file of the inappropriate version, the verification of the BIOS ID will not be successful and the error will be presented.
Always have the BIOS file corresponding to the version that is printed on your motherboard.
Download BIOS From the Official Website
Do not download BIOS files off the third-party sites.
Always should you use official support page of your motherboard manufacturer like:
ASUS
Gigabyte
MSI
ASRock
Manufacturers release certified firmware files which are compatible to your motherboard model and revision.
The external sources of BIOS files have a higher probability of compromised and unsuitable versions.
Use a FAT32 Formatted USB Drive
Some of the BIOS update utilities insist on reformatting the USB with FAT32.
Follow these steps:
- Plug the USB in your computer.
- Right-Click the USB drive in File Explorer.
- Select Format
- Choose FAT32 as the file system
- Transfer BIOS file to USB disk.
An appropriately mounted USB drive is one that will make the BIOS update utility correctly read the file that contains the firmware.
Reset BIOS to Default Settings
The improper settings of the BIOS can occasionally cause interference in the firmware updates.
The bios id check error can be solved by resetting BIOS to default settings.
To reset BIOS:
- Restart your computer
- Boot into BIOS set up (typically, by pressing DEL or F2)
- Use Select Load Optimized Defaults.
- Save changes and restart
This reinstates factory environments and eliminates configuration wars.
Clear CMOS
In case of the error, it is possible to reformat CMOS and reset the motherboard firmware.
CMOS contains settings of BIOS and clearing it returns the BIOS to default settings.
You can clear CMOS by:
- Squeezing the CMOS battery out a few minutes.
- With the motherboard CMOS reset jumper.
Once CMOS has been reset, again update the BIOS.
Install Intermediate BIOS Versions
Certain BIOS update is necessitated by the need to install previous updates.
e.g. you need to install:
F20 → F30 → F40 → Latest version
Missing of necessary versions can cause the error of bios id check.
There are regular updates to the BIOS and before updating to the new one, always read the instructions on the motherboard support page.
Re-Download the BIOS File
Other times the BIOS file is corrupted when it is being downloaded.
Wipe out the current file and re download the firmware at the official site.
Upon downloading, repeats of the extraction process of the zip file followed by the copying of the file containing a BIOS to the USB drive.
Use Built-In BIOS Update Tools
A range of modern motherboards contain inbuilt BIOS update tools including:
Q-Flash (Gigabyte)
EZ Flash (ASUS)
M-Flash (MSI)
They are directly run in the BIOS environment and offer the safest method of firmware update.
With such tools, chances of mistakes in the update process are highly minimized.
Preventing BIOS ID Check Errors in the Future
It is possible to prevent the error of bios id check by a few simple precautions.
The model of the motherboard should never be ignored when downloading BIOS updates.
Look at the revision number of the motherboard.
Only official BIOS downloads on the manufacturer web site.
Avoid renaming BIOS files.
Preparation The USB drive should be formatted to FAT32 prior to updating.
Read the instruction on updating the BIOS, which is given by the manufacturer.
The major reasons of BIOS updates failure can be avoided by these simple practices.
When You Should Avoid Updating BIOS
BIOS updates are a good thing to have, although they are not an essential thing.
In the case you are already running a perfect system and you are not required to have new support of a CPU or fix bugs, you might not perform a BIOS update.
BIOS update is risky at all times and particularly when there is a power outage in the process of updating the BIOS.
BIOS should only be updated where necessary.
Conclusion
The bios id check error is not as complex as it might seem to be. This mistake is possible since the motherboard determines that the hardware installed does not match with the BIOS firmware file.
The problem can be safely solved by checking the model of the motherboard, downloading the appropriate version of BIOS, formatting the USB disk, and taking the recommended steps of updating it.
Gamers and PC enthusiasts that constantly upgrade their systems will find it useful to learn about the mechanisms of BIOS verification, or they risk hardware issues of serious consequences.
The correct way to start a BIOS update is always to verify the model of the motherboard and its revision number and its firmware version. One can go through the bios id check error and successfully update his system with proper preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
An error of bios id check will be displayed when the BIOS update file does not suit your motherboard model or revision.
This mistake normally happens when you download the incorrect version of BIOS or attempt to install firmware of another motherboard.
No, the system prevents the update in order to save your motherboard to install incompatible BIOS firmware.
The fix is to download the appropriate BIOS file of the motherboard model and put it on a FAT32 USB.
Not all systems have a specific requirement to upgrade their BIOS, though in case of hardware support or bug fixes then it is quite common to upgrade your system.
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