An improved process for updating a nonvolatile memory of a computer system includes selecting a logical area of the nonvolatile memory to update. Protected procedures are copied from one of the selected logical area and an update file. Information from the update file is copied to the nonvolatile memory in accordance with the copied protected procedures. Another method of updating the nonvolatile memory includes selecting at least a portion of the nonvolatile memory to update. Protected procedures including an updated memory map are copied from an update file. Information from the update file is copied to the nonvolatile memory in accordance with the copied protected procedures. An update file to facilitate the improved update processes includes a header section and a update information section. The update information section includes updated code and data for the nonvolatile memory. The header includes a code usage indicator, and offsets to an update table and protected procedures in order to facilitate the update process. The code usage indicator indicates whether the protected procedures are copied from the update file or the nonvolatile memory. The offsets locate the update table and the protected procedures within the update file so that they can be copied to the system memory for use during the update process.