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What should you do before flashing the BIOS?

  1. Update the operating system

  2. Backup CMOS settings

  3. Disconnect all peripherals

  4. Increase system RAM

The correct answer is: Backup CMOS settings

Backing up CMOS settings before flashing the BIOS is an important precaution. The CMOS settings store critical information such as system time, hardware configurations, and boot sequence. If something goes wrong during the flashing process, whether due to a power failure, incorrect file, or other issues, you risk losing these settings, which can prevent the computer from booting properly or functioning optimally. By backing up these settings, you ensure that you can restore your system to its prior configuration if necessary, thereby maintaining stability and functionality. Updating the operating system, disconnecting all peripherals, and increasing system RAM are not directly related to the task of flashing the BIOS and may not prevent issues during the flashing process. While keeping the operating system updated can contribute to overall system performance, it does not influence the BIOS flashing specifically. Disconnecting peripherals might help in a more controlled environment, but it isn't a necessary step for flashing the BIOS itself. Increasing system RAM is irrelevant to the BIOS update process as it does not impact the BIOS functionality or the flashing procedure.