do I really need to upgrade BIOS?

Question

My Latitude Cpx-J currently has the Latitude C800 system BIOS number A05. I want to upgrade the OS from Windows 98/SE to Windows XP Pro. Upon reading Dell's upgrade instructions, it appeared that I should upgrade my BIOS. OK -- except for reasons I can't figure out, the upgrade won't install. I tried going to A23 and it stopped with the error saying it couldn't get the necessary info. So then I thought perhaps I should make incremental upgrades. Tried A17 but it said it couldn't upgrade in a "protected system" -- which I took to mean that even though I'd disable my anti-virus, it was still somehow protecting something. So I uninstalled the anti-virus and tried again. Same result. Next I tried A06 (with the anti-virus uninstalled) and I still got the "protected system" message.

At this point, I'm wondering...can I just install WinXP Pro and forget about upgrading the BIOS? If I have to upgrade the BIOS, any ideas what I could try to get the install to work? If it matters, I don't have the battery installed; am running on AC.

Thanks! -- Helene

scott_122 · Answer

A bad BIOS flash can result in a destroyed computer, so the bottom line is install Windows XP first, and see how it runs.  The worst that can happen is XP won't work properly, and you will have to format again.  If your BIOS flash goes bad, your done.  I've  NEVER heard of needing a bios flash for a new OS.  BIOS flashing is to fix little bugs, and to allow your motherboard to accept newer CPU's.  Do not flash the BIOS, just install XP. Message Edited by scott_122 on 05-29-2004 02:58 PM

hfj2003 · Answer

Thanks a lot for your reply. You put into words exactly what I was thinking. Frankly, I just didn't know enough about BIOS to know how important it was to update it or not, but intuitively it just seemed like something I didn't really want to do unless absolutely necesary.

hfj2003 · Answer

Not yet. I used Dell's PrepTool to see what, if anything, needed to be upgraded before installing WinXP and that's when I saw the recommendation to upgrade the BIOS. My plan had been to use Partition Magic to reformat the hard drive and do a clean install but the first order appeared to be to flash the BIOS according to the PrepTool. In retrospect, I'm glad I ran into the problem that I explained above because it sounds like I could have ended up with a far greater problem.

Now, I'll just make sure all my data is backed up, do a clean install of WinXP, re-install all my other programs, and restore my data. With luck, it should only take about 1/2 day. Sound about right to you?

Thanks,

-- Helene

scott_122 · Answer

Have you tried to install XP?  I really think it will go quite easily.

scott_122 · Answer

Yes, a good clean install will insure you will have the least problems. If I were you I would view the changes made in the latest bios. For example, on my self-built desktops, if I'm going to a higher CPU, and a bios is required so my motherboard recognizes the latest CPU, then that is a valid reason to flash the bios. If Dell's latest bios (or any newer one's then the one you have) says something like it makes your laptop work with XP, then that is a valid reason to flash, however I've never seen any system in need of a bios flash to make it work with XP.

Just boot from the XP CD, delete your partision, and create a new NTFS partision. After that format (non-quick method), then install. It shouldn't take more then 45 min. After that go to Dell, and download all the XP drivers for your laptop, then install them. You will like your laptop much better. The only recommendation, is make sure you have 256K of RAM, because anything less will result in excess hard drive ratcheting, and slow performance.

hfj2003 · Answer

>>make sure you have 256K of RAM<<

Ouch...I only have 128K. Hmmm...guess I better look into upgrading the memory. As the saying goes...If it's not one thing, it's another!

>>boot from the XP CD, delete your partision, and create a new NTFS partision<<

Didn't know I could do this from the XP CD. That's why I going to use PM but this sounds easier. Thanks for this tip.

-- Helene

scott_122 · Answer

You can still install XP with 128 megs, but it will be a little slow.  As far as doing it from the XP CD, its really quite easy.  Just boot drom the CD, and XP walks you through it, step, by step.  Take the dive, and just do it.  Its not that bad.

hfj2003 · Answer

>>Take the dive, and just do it. Its not that bad. <<

Yeah, I will.

I'm more confident around desktops -- popping them open, installing new hardware, re-partitioning hard drives, etc. -- but I don't understand "the workings" of laptops as well so they make me a bit more cautious.

I truly appreciate all your help. Have a good weekend!

Best, -- Helene

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do I really need to upgrade BIOS?

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