Skip to main content

Unsolved

This post is more than 5 years old

pjb3

39 Posts

6168

August 23rd, 2007 12:00

Dimension 9100 BIOS

My son wants me to update the BIOS on his Dimension 9100 from A01 to A03 so he can upgrade the processor.  I've updated the BIOS on other computers and I read the instructions on the download page but I have a couple of questions.
His 9100 does NOT have a floppy drive.  I have floppy drives I can install temporarly but they are older drives and given how long it takes them to format and write a disk I have questions about using them for a BIOS upgrade since the BIOS file is 511meg.  One option would be to use the floppy and boot to DOS but leave the BIOS update file in C:\ and then change to C: and run the actual BIOS from the hard drive. Another posssiblity is just buy a new floppy drive since they are cheap. 
The Dell instructions also mention doing the update from Windows.  I've always done them from DOS so I have some questions about this method.  Is it best to stop all other programs such as anti-virus, firewall, and all the other junk that starts automatically?  If so, what does everyone recommend?  Would it be better to boot in Safe Mode and run the update there?
Any suggestions or comments are welcome, is there anything I'm overlooking?   I always get a little paranoid when I upgrade a BIOS but I guess the worst that can happen is I have to buy him a new motherboard. 
 

fireberd

11 Legend

 • 

33.4K Posts

 • 

112.8K Points

August 23rd, 2007 16:00

First, updates now are installed from Windows.  The "old" way with a floppy days have passed. 
 
Second, yes - you only want the minimum running so there is no interruption of the BIOS update.  If the update will work in Safe Mode that is the best option.  Follow the Dell instructions EXACTLY and pray that the power doesn't go out while you are doing it (if there is a partial install or an error while doing the BIOS update in most cases the BIOS is corrupted and a new motherbord is required).   If you have an UPS systems, by all means use it when doing the BIOS update (may even be worth it to purchase a small UPS before doing the BIOS update as it will provide constant AC power, even if you get a short power interruption, and it's cheaper than a new motherboard).

Was this post helpful?

View All

No Events found!

Top