how to update the BIOS

Question

It's probably a dumb question, but I've never updated the BIOS before.  I've a I6000 and thinking about updating the BIOS to see if it can 'fix' the fan issue most are seeing.  Do I just download the .exe off the Dell support site, and double click on it?  Is there any parameters that I need to enter during the update?  Anything else I should know?   Thanks, Albert

leduke30 · Answer

If you have a floppy drive,download it and unzip it to a DOS bootable floppy. Run it it in DOS; I will not advise you to run it from windows.

NemesisDB · Answer

If your windows installation is stable (that means it doesn't crash often, shutsdown properly, isn't infected with nasty viruses and the like) then you'll be fine double-clicking the file from windows.   On the very, very remote chance that something goes wrong it will be covered by warranty.   I have never had a windows (or any other type) of bios flash fail ... and very few people with newer dell systems have problems running the update from windows

bacillus · Answer

I'm with leduke30 on only flashing in pure dos!

NemesisDB · Answer

heh, you haven't seen my USB floppy drive then ;p   it just loves to eat disks at the worst possible times

leduke30 · Answer

That 'disk eater' may be fed the wrong brand of diskettes. I went through an entire 10 pack of Memorex diskettes one day trying to make a W98 Boot Diskette. without success. After trash-canning the lot, I went to Fry's Electronics and bought a 10-pack of their GQ generics. I stiil use the boot disk I made with one of those 2 years later and the other 9 are around here somewhere as made diskettes, plus I have gone through 2 more 10-packs of GQ's since.  No, I don't work for Fry's:smileyvery-happy: Message Edited by leduke30 on 05-04-2005 02:23 PM

boppo · Answer

well there is only one version of the bios and you download it and double click on the exe and it will reboot your system and update your bios before it goes in windows.

Bay Wolf · Answer

My vote is to use pure DOS also.  I can boot form the USB memory key and I use that to update my BIOS - from DOS.

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how to update the BIOS

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