Have encountered same problem.  On my computer it asks for version A20 or higher of BIOS. 

Bigger problem is that I can not get into the BIOS screen.  Hitting F2 on startup does nothing except make the screen flicker faintly.

Been playing email ping-pong with Dell on this for a few days without finding a solution. (See attached excerpts of  exchanges below).

Looks like they need a patch.

TO DELL SUPPORT

 Not making any progress.

Obviously tried to hit F2, which does nothing except give a minor blink to the screen.

Created DOS bootup floppy, but system does not recognize it and goes straight into Windows XP.

Tried to install R63418 as it looked like it would solve the problem, but it will not install on my verion A01 BIOS.  Calls for version A20 or greater.  Alas, there is no BIOS listed for the 5150 on the support website.

Perhaps you could find the later BIOS version for my machine and give me the link?

Anyway, back to you.

Thanks,

 

>From: mobile-pc@dell.com

>Date: Wed 20 Aug 2003 14:57:43 CDT

> 

>Thank you for writing.

>In our commitment to ensure a faster response to you, I will be handling this issue in the absence of the previous technician.

>

> I understand from your mail that you are not able to boot to the system BIOS. I can understand your concerns about it and would certainly assist you with the same.

>>I can understand the frustration and inconveniences this issue might be causing you. I apologize for the issue you are facing and assure you of the required assistance at the earliest possible.

>

>To resolve the issues, I wish to inform you that you need to press the F2 key as soon as the system starts and check the issues.

>

>If the issues are still there, please flash the system with the latest BIOS and let me know the results of the same:

>

>How to flash BIOS:

>http://support.dell.com/us/en/kb/document.asp?DN=FA1033387

>

>Please perform the steps given above and check if the issue persists.

>In case the issue persists, please reply to us with the results of the same and any other symptoms that may be of assistance

> > -----Original Message-----

> > Sent: 20 Aug 03 08:05

> > To: dellmobile@dell.com

> >

> >

> > Dear Sirs,

> >

> > Thanks for info, but F2 or F12 does not allow me to get into BIOS.

> >

> > Not able to run diagnostics either, as that requires FAT32 and my hard disk  is NTFS. Made bootable floppy, but system will not boot the disk as it is a  USB floppy. Tried to run MS-DOS from in Safe Windows mode, but that would not allow me to run the diagnostics program either.

> > Reminds me of the response when someone asks for directions, "You can't get  there from here."

> > Over to you,

> > -----Original Message-----

> > From: mobile-pc@dell.com [mailto:mobile-pc@dell.com]

> > Sent: 20 August 2003 10:26

> > To: Hadj Tayr 

> >  >

> > Please include the following line in all replies.

> >

> > Thank you for writing back to us.

> >

> > Please perform the following steps to troubleshoot the issue.

> >

> > To view BIOS screen

> > Turn on (or restart) your computer.

> > When the blue Dell logo appears, press F2 key immediately.

> >

> >

> > (If you wait too long and the operating system logo appears,  continue to wait until you see the Microsoft Windows desktop.

> > Then shut down your computer and try again)

> >

> > If this does not help, Run Dell Diagnostic Utility to test if  any hardware components in your computer have failed. The following  link will assist you in this regard.

> >

 

http://ftp.us.dell.com/bios/WP65452.iso

BIOS Release Notes

===================================================================
===================================================================

Systems:      Dell Inspiron 5150 Series
Version:      A23
Build Date:   08/19/2003


ATI Radeon 9000 Video BIOS version is 8.007.039.002
Nvidia GeForce FX Go5200 video BIOS version is 4.34.20.34.B2


Isues Fixed:
1. Prevent the system from registering a power button press when the lid is closed.

The BIOS release has been validated on the following operating systems:
1.  Microsoft Windows XP

===================================================================
===================  End of A23 Release Notes =====================
===================================================================

Systems:      Dell Inspiron 5150 Series
Version:      A22
Build Date:   08/12/2003


ATI Radeon 9000 Video BIOS version is 8.007.039.002
Nvidia GeForce FX Go5200 video BIOS version is 4.34.20.34.B2


Isues Fixed:
1. Fixed the issue were some LCD panels will bloom during a cold boot.

The BIOS release has been validated on the following operating systems:
1.  Microsoft Windows XP

===================================================================
===================  End of A22 Release Notes =====================
===================================================================

Systems:      Dell Inspiron 5150 Series
Version:      A21
Build Date:   07/21/2003


ATI Radeon 9000 Video BIOS version is 8.007.039.002
Nvidia GeForce FX Go5200 video BIOS version is 4.34.20.34.B2


Isues Fixed:
1. Fixed the issue where the system would occasionally lock up when
   resuming from stand by with a USB keyboard attached.


The BIOS release has been validated on the following operating systems:
1.  Microsoft Windows XP

===================================================================
===================  End of A21 Release Notes =====================
===================================================================

Systems:      Dell Inspiron 5150 Series
Version:      A20                      
Build Date:   07/16/2003               


ATI Radeon 9000 Video BIOS version is 8.007.039.002
Nvidia GeForce FX Go5200 video BIOS version is 4.34.20.34.B2


Initial release of the BIOS


The BIOS release has been validated on the following operating systems:
1.  Microsoft Windows XP

===================================================================
===================  End of A20 Release Notes =====================
===================================================================

Somms,

Thanks for the reply. You know, I've looked at that FTP page before, how do you know what mods are for what machines? I mean, is there a listing somewhere of all the updates available by model? The one that is served up for my service tag, or a generic 5150, does not list any bios updates, even though it's apparent from your post that there have been several. Also, I'm new to Dell - having used Toshiba and HP for years. If one installs the A23 Bios, does it contain all the previous updates as well?
Thanks for your help.

Tim

You may want to take another look at the I5150 support page.  This FlashBIOS update should be listed for you.

Thanks, you were right. It was there this time.

Tim

Solved my problem of not being able to use F2 to get into system bios.

Created bootable CD with flash BIOS ver A23. The key was to remove temporarily the hard disk to enable CD to boot rather than hard disk.

 Ver A23 now allows me to use F2 or F12 and have put back hard disk and all works as it should.

 

i bought my 5150 about three weeks ago. i was told to update the bios to a23. what exactly does the update do? does it solve the speedstep flaw in windows xp? (windows xp doesn't report the correct cpu speed. from what i understand, many 5150 owners downloaded speedswitch xp in order to fix that.)

thanks.

never mind. i found the answer on the other board. a23 will fix the problem that i was talking about.

http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=insp_bios&message.id=19942&view=by_date_ascending&page=3

I had problems with my speed being too slow with A03 (1.6G).  I downloaded the A23, made a floppy image, copied the flash executible and made a bootable CD.  Flashed to A23 and then to A26.

All is well. 

I will send you the CD image to flash to A23 if you want.

Best regards,

Steve Link

Inspiron 5150, 3Ghz (now)