Possible BIOS problem? Not sure.

Hello,

BIOS A07 is the latest version for the XPS 720.

That BIOS will rid you of the error message. You sould follow the required install order for Dell system that I will copy below. Once you get the DSS installed and then the Chipset file, you should be good to go assuming that you have all your latest drivers.

Note: Some devices may not function properly if the drivers are installed out of order.

Install your version of Windows.

Install the following software and drivers in the order listed below.

***** 1.***** Desktop System Software (DSS) or Notebook System Software (NSS) - A vital utility that provides critical updates and patches for the operating system. If you are reinstalling the operating system or updating all the computer’s drivers, it is imperative that this software be installed first.
This is located under the System and Configuration Utilities Category on the Drivers and Downloads page. The DSS or NSS may not be required for some systems that shipped with Windows Vista installed. If your download page has a DSS or NSS file, "It is required".
2. Chipset - Helps Windows control system board components and controllers. This is located under the Chipset Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
3. Video Adapter - Enhances video performance. This is located under the Video Adapter Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
4. Network Interface Card (NIC) - Enhances the network controller for Internet or network access. This is located under the Network Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
5. Audio Adapter - Enables and enhances the audio controller. This is located under the Audio Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
6. Modem - Allows dialup capability. This is located under the Communication Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
7. Wireless Network Card - Enables and enhances the wireless network controller. This is located under the Network Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
8. Touchpad, Pointer, Trackstick, Mice, and Keyboards - Enhances the pointing device features. This is located under the Mouse & Keyboards Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
9. Other Devices
* Bluetooth Module
This is located under the Communication Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
* Dell Wireless Mobile Broadband Cards
This is located under the Communication Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.
* PCMCIA/Smartcard controller
This is located under the Security Category on the Drivers and Downloads page.

Dell drivers and downloads page http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/. Input your service tag number to get the required drivers for your system, 'as shipped'.

NOTE: If your system download page offers a DSS or NSS file in the 'System and Configuration Utilities' Category. And you have already tried to install some drivers, you will need to reboot in Safe Mode to install the DSS or NSS file, and the chipset. Then reboot the system and install the rest of the drivers in the correct order.

Thanks for the quick reply, but can you provide a direct link to the A07 bios? When I try to use my service tag the only bios it offers is something labeled 1.4.1, and on the XPS 720 page only the A06 bios is available. Also, is the bios beta? Just wondering, since it's not on the XPS 720 page and I'm always a bit nervous when dealing with bios.

Hello again,

Here is the direct link to the A07 BIOS  for the XPS 720 system.

No, this is not a Beta.

And just to make sure that we are both on the same page, here is the XPS 720 page that shows all the downloads.

Both pages you link to show only the A06 BIOS. Is the problem on my end? Would I be able to see the A07 BIOS on those pages after I re-install the OS and download all the drivers?

But as for your problem, When you upgraded to 720 from 700, this was a motherboard and CPU swap. Correct?

If so, and I'm not too sleepy tonight, I assume that you used the same hard drive just as it was. Correct?

Again, if so, The DSS and chipset files for the 700 remain on the system, and the new motherboard wants to see a new DSS and chipset combination.

There's a couple more questions I'd like to ask. I didn't re-install the OS after upgrading the processor and motherboard so would an OS re-install fix the problems? Also, do my problems sound serious or are they affecting anything? Thanks in advance.

There's a couple more questions I'd like to ask. I didn't re-install the OS after upgrading the processor and motherboard so would an OS re-install fix the problems? Also, do my problems sound serious or are they affecting anything? Thanks in advance.

Hello again,

I think that your whole issue is related to the Motherboard and CPU change while using the same hard drive install of Windows.

I have no way of knowing if installing a new DSS and/or chipset software will in fact remove the old version. Since Dell writes both of these files ... Maybe not.

The worst thing that I can advise you to do, is to completely reinstall your system, 'just because' there is some issue. :emotion-16:

Many will suggest this as a fix, and I am sure Dell support will tell you to do it just to be able to close their support file with you. You need to decide yourself if what you perceive as a problem is enough reason to 'do the deed'. Do I think that a clean install will fix your problems? Yes to high degree of certainty.

Well, I guess I'll be doing a clean install after I buy Vista 64 since I've been wanting to get a 64-bit OS anyway. Thanks for your help.

Do a repair instead of a clean install, followed by the latest chipset drivers from the Dell sight for a XPS 720.  I upgraded my Dimensions E510 using an optiplex 755 motherboard, with an e8200 and 2G's of DDR2, so far so good but I did have a codec problem with windows media player, since the hardware change made windows think I was violating copywrite laws...  if you have something similiar try the site below.

good luck

Captncarb

DRM Migrate EXE - Media Technology