hey thanks for the reply,
http://support.gateway.com/support/d...pe=&mfg=&bios=
is where i got the update after searching my model (mx3701), which isn't listed on their website as supported by the bios i updated it with, but in the readme ->
http://support.gateway.com/support/d.../bios/8305.txt
it says "Applicable Part Numbers
1014142R - Gateway MT3705
1014201R - Gateway ML3706
1013971R - Gateway MX3701
2905898R - Gateway MX3702"
so i should be fine. the flash backed my old bios up and updated from XP perfectly and i can enter the bios and the version no checks out.
again it said the update was only for vista but it shouldn't matter what os you flash your bios with so that makes no sense..
the bios is soldered on, 48 pins in total so if worst comes to worst i guess i could go to a place that replaces them with a socket etc.