Interactive pre-OS firmware update with repeated disabling of interrupts

1. A method for updating firmware, the method comprising:

soliciting a user to supply at least one user input to modify at least one configuration option for manipulating an update to a firmware prior to loading any operating system;

initiating the update to the firmware prior to loading any operating system;

manipulating the update to the firmware according to the modified at least one configuration option prior to loading any operating system;

proceeding with the firmware update by repeatedly disabling a plurality of interrupts, updating a block of the firmware, and enabling the plurality of interrupts; and

providing progress information about the update prior to loading any operating system, wherein the progress information is repeatedly revised.

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

awaiting the at least one user input prior to initiating the firmware update; and

initiating the firmware update upon receiving the at least one user input.

3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising responding to an interrupt by providing the revised progress information.

4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

launching a setup utility;

displaying a page on a display using the setup utility, wherein the page is customized for firmware updates; and

displaying the progress information on the page.

5. The method of claim 4 , wherein displaying the progress information on the page comprises updating the displayed progress information whenever the progress information is updated.

6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

prior to initiating the update, receiving options related to the update.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the progress information includes a completion percentage.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein providing progress information to a user includes displaying progress information on a screen.

9. A computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to:

solicit a user to supply at least one user input to modify at least one configuration option for manipulating an update to a firmware prior to loading any operating system;

initiate the update to the firmware prior to loading any operating system;

manipulate the update to the firmware according to the modified at least one configuration option prior to loading any operating system; and

proceed with the firmware update by repeatedly disabling a plurality of interrupts, updating a block of the firmware, enabling the plurality of interrupts, and provide progress information about the update, wherein the progress information is repeatedly revised.

10. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 9 , wherein the instructions further cause the computer to:

await the at least one user input prior to initiating the firmware update; and

initiate the firmware update upon receiving the at least one user input.

11. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 10 , wherein the instructions further cause the computer to:

launch a setup utility;

display a page on a display using the setup utility, wherein the page is customized for firmware updates; and

display a prompt on the page requesting the user input prior to awaiting the user input.

12. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 9 , wherein the instructions cause the computer to:

launch a setup utility;

display a page on a display using the setup utility, wherein the page is customized for firmware updates; and

display the progress information on the page.

13. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 12 , wherein displaying the progress information on the page comprises updating the displayed progress information whenever the progress information is updated.

14. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 9 , wherein the instructions cause the computer to:

prior to initiating the update, receive options related to the update.

15. A system for updating firmware, the system comprising:

an interactive firmware update module, configured to

solicit a user to supply at least one user input to modify at least one configuration option for manipulating an update to a firmware prior to loading any operating system,

initiate the update to the firmware prior to loading any operating system,

manipulate the update to the firmware according to the modified at least one configuration option, and

proceed with the firmware update by repeatedly disabling a plurality of interrupts, updating a block of the firmware, and enabling the plurality of interrupts, and

repeatedly revise progress information about the firmware update, wherein the update is initiated prior to loading any operating system, and

a firmware setup module, configured to

request the progress information from the interactive firmware update module,

display a request for input about the update,

display information about the firmware update on a video display, and

repeatedly update the displayed information based on the repeatedly revised progress information.

16. The system of claim 15 , wherein the interactive firmware update module pauses the firmware update in order to process the request from the firmware setup module.

17. The system of claim 15 , wherein the interactive firmware update module is further configured to:

await the requested input prior to initiating the firmware update.