I just received a Dell Dimension 4550 computer and it had a problem. During start up it cannot find the hard drives. I was told it needs a BIOS update, but I am computer illiterate sometimes. I could live with simply hitting the F1 key for the life of this computer but its a machine and I am at the top of the food chain. Can someone point me in the right direction, Please and Thank You.
neoncacher
This must be a used Dimension 4550, as this model was manufactured around 2002/2003
The Dimension 4550 latest BIOS version A08 are
HERE, together with the installation instructions
Read the instructions carefully.
Make certain there's no chance of a power outage [thunder storms, etc,], while flashing the BIOS, as a failed, or corrupted BIOS flash can brick the motherboard.
Yes, its used, my other PC... had to be put down shall we say. Sorry this reply took so long, I am getting married in a week and things are... hectic to say the least. About the update, Can I just jump straight to A08 from A03? Not real sure I want to try something like this, I mean all I have to to is strike the F1 key to fix the problem. I guess my real question is, this wont lead to another problem later on will it? My Thanks to you for any info associated with my problem.
So, when the PC powers on, it stops at F1/F2, and when you hit F1, it boots Windows ok? Check BIOS for any UNKNOWN devices. Check your HARD DRIVE ports ... turn on the first port and turn off all others.
jackshack
6.4K Posts
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October 30th, 2011 14:00
What other text appears on the screen, other than the message "Strike F2 for Setup or F1 to Continue?"
shesagordie
10 Elder
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46K Posts
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October 30th, 2011 14:00
neoncacher
2 Posts
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November 12th, 2011 02:00
Yes, its used, my other PC... had to be put down shall we say. Sorry this reply took so long, I am getting married in a week and things are... hectic to say the least. About the update, Can I just jump straight to A08 from A03? Not real sure I want to try something like this, I mean all I have to to is strike the F1 key to fix the problem. I guess my real question is, this wont lead to another problem later on will it? My Thanks to you for any info associated with my problem.
shesagordie
10 Elder
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46K Posts
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November 12th, 2011 06:00
neoncacher
You should be able to upgrade to BIOS version A08 without any issues.
Also, try running Dell Diagnostics extended test, to check for any hardware issues.
The instructions for using Dell's Diagnostics Utility, are HERE
Bev.
theflash1932
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16.3K Posts
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November 12th, 2011 09:00
So, when the PC powers on, it stops at F1/F2, and when you hit F1, it boots Windows ok? Check BIOS for any UNKNOWN devices. Check your HARD DRIVE ports ... turn on the first port and turn off all others.