This utility should generally be necessary only if the target machine is being serviced or upgraded with a different processor. If a microcode update needs to be installed, the BIOS displays a microcode error at startup. On rare occasions, supplemental microcode updates may be released, which may be newer than the microcode update that shipped from the factory. This utility may also be used in these cases for field upgrades of the microcode. This utility installs a microcode update only, and does not change the system BIOS image or version. This utility will not replace the installed microcode update with an older revision.

NOTE: To determine the BIOS family and processor stepping, press F10 on the target computer during system Power On to run the Setup Utility, and then select File/System Information. This information can be saved into a text file on a diskette or on a USB flash media device by selecting File/Save to Diskette. In order for a USB flash media device to be recognized by the system, the device must be attached before the computer is Powered On.