Bios Updates

[tnaser]

Just a general query on updating any bios.
I have a computer, an HP on which I am running WindowsXP - the motherboards manufacturer has an update which is not available from HP itself.
What, if anything, will I lose from my present system if I go ahead with the update?

 

[jitpublisher]

THE GOLDEN RULE OF BIOS UPDATING.
Unless you are having a specific problem, and a BIOS update has been released that has been written to cure your specific problem, there is no need to update your BIOS.
Your BIOS is truely and genuinely best left alone....if it ain't broke, don't try to fix it.
A bad or botched BIOS update can, and most of the time will, leave you with a completely dead motherboard, which can only be fixed by obtaining a new BIOS chip if the chip is removable, or a whole new motherboard if it is not.