ASRock Flashback Feature User Guide
Step-by-step instructions for updating your motherboard BIOS without a CPU.
Introduction
The ASRock BIOS Flashback feature allows users to update the BIOS without powering on the system, and even without a CPU installed. Follow these steps to utilize the USB BIOS Flashback function.
Step 1: Download BIOS File
Download the latest BIOS file from the ASRock website:
Step 2: Prepare USB Drive
Copy the downloaded BIOS file to your USB flash drive. Ensure the USB flash drive is formatted with the FAT32 file system.
Visual Description: A screenshot of the Windows File Explorer's format dialog for a USB drive. The 'File system' dropdown is shown, with 'FAT32 (Default)' selected. The 'Volume label' is set to 'ASRock TSD'.
Step 3: Extract BIOS File
Extract the BIOS file from the downloaded zip archive.
Visual Description: A screenshot shows the context menu for a file in File Explorer, with "Extract All..." highlighted.
Step 4: Rename BIOS File
Rename the extracted BIOS file to "CREATIVE.ROM" and save it to the root directory of your USB flash drive (e.g., drive X:).
Visual Description: Two screenshots illustrating file renaming. The 'Before Rename' view shows a file named 'Z690-Taichi_11.03.ROM' in a USB drive's root directory. The 'After Rename' view shows the same file renamed to 'CREATIVE.ROM'.
Step 5: Connect Power
Plug the 24-pin power connector into the motherboard. Then, turn on the power supply's AC switch. DO NOT power on the system itself.
Visual Description: An image of a computer motherboard, with a red rectangle highlighting the 24-pin ATX power connector slot.
Step 6: Identify Flashback Port
Refer to the User Manual for the specific USB port designated for Flashback. This port is typically marked.
Step 7: Initiate BIOS Flashback
Press the BIOS Flashback Switch for approximately three seconds. The associated LED indicator will begin to blink, signaling the start of the BIOS update process.
Visual Description: A diagram of a motherboard's rear I/O panel. It shows various ports including USB, HDMI, DP, and SPDIF. Two types of USB ports are indicated: 'Type-1' (labeled BIOS) and 'Type-2' (labeled USB). The locations of the 'Flashback LED' and 'Flashback Switch' are clearly marked.
Step 8: Completion
Wait until the LED stops blinking. This indicates that the BIOS flashing process has been successfully completed.
Important Note: If the LED light turns solid green, it signifies that the BIOS Flashback is not operating correctly. Ensure the USB drive is plugged into the designated USB BIOS Flashback port.
