BIOS update problem with Latitude D800

Why is it that you can only boot in safe mode?

Safe mode is intended to be used for a chance to solve a problem preventing a normal boot, not for risking a BIOS Flash.

A failure of a BIOS Flash can result in no boot at all.  At this point you may have to send it in for service that will not be under warranty unless Tech Support had you Flash.

There are other ways to Flash the BIOS, (by creating and booting to a floppy or a CD)  but I would recommend getting Tech Support involved, considering the risk.

Here is a URL to  the Dell KB on BIOS Flashing:

 

Remember that a software problem can be fixed with keyboard & mouse, a BIOS corruption usually means a screwdriver and solder gun.

Art

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;275678

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Another tack, would be to install two tools from Dell Support, go to:

http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/index.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&~ck=mn

and enter your service tag,  select all and at the top of the list, you should see;

All  /  Latitude D800  /  Microsoft Windows XP  /  English
Select a Device

Applications

Dell Crash Analysis Tool          

 Dell Driver Reset Tool

The Blue printed lines above are direct click on links to the items.  I have used the "Crash Analysis Tool" and it just points out 'drivers' with conflicts,  The second one looks more capable but it was offered after my problems were solved and so I never tried it.

I had gotten 50 of those "Stop Messages" 48 of them = "Driver" 1="Hardware" and 1="RAM" (which was the correct answer) and I had Downloaded and created Microsoft's Memory Checker CD, let it run for 12 hours and it could never spot the problem (which had been a mix of 333/266MHz RAM Modules).

Art

 

Message Edited by Art on 03-06-2005 12:40 PM

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@duke of Earl wrote:

Thank you for the advice on being cautious.  I should have described my problem from the start.  After doing a Windows Update and rebooting I got this stop message: Stop 0x0000001E (0xC000005, 0xBE5F6AB0, 0x00000000, 0x000000) KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED.

After doing some research I learned that this message can be caused by a driver problem or BIOS problem.  Since no driver was specified in the stop message I went to the Dell site and downloaded BIOS A12 to my desktop but could not install in safe mode.  I currently have BIOS A02.  Your suggestion of not risking a BIOS flash in safe mode is good advice.  Do you have familiarity with the stop message and any suggestions?

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One further thought; Even if a System Restore behind the Windows Update does get you back to a normal boot:

A failure of that sort means that there is a high probability of a virus type file preventing Windows UpDate from functioning.

It would be a good idea to go to the AntiVirus/Spyware Board and follow the instructions in the FAQ to place a HJT log there for one of those experts to look at and give you help on removal.

There was one that came out about a year ago and one of the symptoms was keeping Windows UpDate unuseable.

Art

I agree with Art, fix the crash first and don't even consider BIOS flash until you have normal operation restored.  As my father often advises, "When in hole, stop digging".

Windows Update was the last thing you did before the crashes?  It sounds like one of the updates was incompatible or got broken during application, so the best bet is to try rolling back all the last lot of patches.  System Restore should be a good place to begin, otherwise I hope you have a recent backup.

There's another point... why do you need to upgrade the BIOS? If it ain't broke don't fix it...  

I was able to restore my laptop by reinstalling the operating system.  Thanks to those who responded to my origianl message some of your advice was very helpful in diagnosing the problem.

Glad its fixed, sorry you had to take it to that extent, but there are times when that is no doubt, the way to go.

Be sure and keep it healthy with three or so AntiSpyWare's running as well as up-to-date anti-virus, the level of attack is unbelievable.

As for BIOS update, read the release notes and decide if they would add something you would want or need.  A Flash to A_12 will cover all the items in A_2 to A_11 in one stroke, but you can Flash to any lower level you want.  Flashing BACK to a previous version is a little more complicated and must (I think) be done from a Boot Disk.

Art

I am about to do the Latitude D800 A11 to A12 BIOS flash for the express purpose of fixing the "resume from suspend" problem. Has this issue truly been resolved? I have seen some mixed results reported in this forum. Also, I was wondering about the "applies to SP1" reference without a change to SP2. I am assuming that there is no problem and this is just a textual update waiting to happen? Is there any reason NOT to upgrade the BIOS? I have zero problems with this machine since purchase 11/04 except for the resume issue.

All I can tell you is that my D800 (with SP2) had at least an occasional failure to Resume from Suspend until I applied BIOS A_12 in early February.

The problem has not occured even once since and I have used Standby more often than necessary and today, entered Standby and then put it in the D-Port prior to resume and it worked perfectly.

The updated Driver for ALPS also cured an occasional problem with 'mouse freeze' when on D-Port and external USB Keyboard and mouse. Even if you don't use D-Port or USB mouse, the latest ALPS made the touchpad more accurately controlable and closer to the 'feel' of a Synaptecs.:)

Art

Thanks Art. I shall proceed with A12 with confidence and optimism.I'll also update ALPS.