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43578
May 29th, 2010 12:00
Vostro 200 bios version 1.0.16 problem
Hi,
Earlier today, i downloaded and executed (via Windows Vista) bios version 1.0.16 for the Vostro 200 (recommed update). This update was not successful and listed an error. Since then, i have shut down the computer and attempted to reboot it so far unsuccessfully.
On reboot, power is supplied into the computer but goes no further. No Dell screen, no bios screen and no output to the monitor. All i get is a singular recurring beep with a gap of a few seconds between them.
My question is, is the motherboard fried or might there be some fix for this issue?
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shesagordie
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May 29th, 2010 13:00
kaytee_james
If the PC is still has a Dell warranty, then contact Dell Technical Support and tell the Techie, that you tried to upgrade the BIOS and it failed.
No warranty, try the following:
Remove the CMOS battery on the motherboard, wait 30+- minutes, replace it and see if the PC starts.
If this does not fix the problem, then the typical remedy is to replace the motherboard.
Bev.
kaytee_james
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May 31st, 2010 10:00
Thanks for the suggestion Bev.
Yes, its a couple of months out of warranty. Unfortunatly, removing the CMOS battery didnt work so i think im goning to have to see if i can get a new motherboard.
Kate
shesagordie
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May 31st, 2010 12:00
kate.
That's a bummer.
A Dell OEM refurbished Vostro 200 motherboard can be purchased from HERE
Bev.
rwalters42
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July 23rd, 2014 15:00
Bev,
I downloaded the BIOS upgrade listed on Dell's web site for the Vostro 200 using my service tag. When I clicked on the file to update the BIOS I got a message that I was trying to update version 1.0.16 with version 1.0.16.
The current BIOS I have is version 1.0.16 with a BIOS date of 09/20/2008. The upgrade file notes say that this file was released on 04/27/2010 and last updated on 11/03/2011.
Therefore, my question is this: If the current BIOS update file has the dates above, why didn't Dell properly name the file? Why is the file name the same as the previous version?
Also, if the BIOS I an currently running is the correct BIOS, will run the latest Intel processors that I have seen listed in others posts? The other posts are after September 2008 and the lists insinuate that it is after September 2008.
Any help would be appreciated.
I would like to run the fastest processor I can afford.
shesagordie
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July 23rd, 2014 16:00
If your Vostro 200 was purchased with either a Core 2 Duo, Pentium Dual-Core or Celeron processor and a 300w power supply, this system usually has a FoxConn G33M02 motherboard, that only supports Core 2 Duo, Pentium Dual-Core and Celeron processors and 4GB of memory.
If you have a Core 2 Quad processor and a 350w power supply, you have the FoxConn DG33M03 motherboard.
This motherboard can be used for both Quad 4 & Core 2 Duo processors and 8GB of memory.
Which motherboard version is installed in your Vostro 200?
rwalters42
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July 28th, 2014 14:00
Bev,
I contacted Dell Support and I got the run around. The BIOS update 1.0.16, with a release date of 04/27/2010 and last updated on 11/03/2011, can't be updated if one already has a BIOS 1.0.16 on the system with a build of 09/20/2008. I do not know nor want to think about using the previous BIOS version of 1.0.15 to then update to version 1.0.16. It just doesn't sound like a good idea.
To answer your question, I have 4 Vostro 200s mini-towers with Intel E2200 CPUs, 2GB RAM, 80GB HDD, two use the built-in VGA adapter and the other 2 have GeForce 9400GT video cards with 512MB, on Foxconn G33M02 motherboards.
I have been trying to see what I can upgrade these to. I got them free from a friend. I would like to use Windows 7 or 8 64-bit on them. There is additional expansion available: additional HDD, a DVD burner and in two of them an add-in video card. Especially since these have a 64-bit dual core CPU and motherboard.
What I really like about these PCs, is that they all can utilize 2 monitors. I can use the VGA built-in adapter or the GeForce card. The GeForce has 2 DVI connections.
Any way, I was hoping to get more info on the BIOS update that is posted by Dell for the Vostro's than what I told by Dell support.
I would like to use one of the Vostros as a server using Linux rather than Windows Server. Is this possible? Is it worth the effort to try to do?