Attn: Dell - Michael C.

Question

Dell Michael C.   In looking up a BIOS download this morning I noticed that Dell changed the download web page design.  When searching for BIOS updates on a specific model you are only presented with the latest BIOS version now.  Gone is the ability to download the previous BIOS versions.  Click here for an example.  Was wonder if this change is permanent or is the download web page still a work in progress with the ability to download previous BIOS versions to be added later?   If the change is permanent I can see a lot of complaints coming from disgruntled owners in the future when a person has problems with a newer BIOS version and wishes to flash back to their previous one.  This potential problem maybe something to pass on to the people changing the download web page.   Thanks!

Warren H. · Answer

Majestic, They still should all be available here .

RoHe · Answer

Michael C.
While you're looking into this issue, please pass along to your colleagues that all downloads for the Dimension 8400 have disappeared. Clicking on any of the category links here does nothing

http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/devices.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&SystemID=DIM_PNT_P4_8400&os=WW1&osl=EN#

Thank you.

Ron

volcano11 · Answer

Warren,

This would be fine if Dell were consistent in naming the files. In the last few years the filenames give little clue as to which system the file is for. Furthermore, there is lots of information formerly on the download pages (fixes and enhancements, for example) that is not easily obtained from the ftp site.

Steve

Majestic · Answer

Warren H., thanks for the link, but I am already aware that older files are still available via the FTP download site.  In fact you can find 'hard to find' files on Dell's Euro and Asian FTP sites that are no longer available on the U.S. site.  My concern was more for the average computer user that visits here.  As Steve pointed out shopping for a download at the FTP site can be rather difficult due to the limited information available.  To use the FTP site successfully it helps to know what you are looking for first.  For the average computer user that is always not possible.      RoHe, the downloads for the 8400 model have re-appeared this morning (Saturday).  I'm assuming Dell is still working on the system.  I also see the 8400's BIOS update includes the 'Fixes and Enhancements' file description, but when checking back on BIOS file for the XPS T that information is still lacking.  Hopefully they will resolve this information gap.

RoHe · Answer

Majestic,
It's 11AM (PDT) Saturday here and I stil can't get the 8400 downloads. I hover mouse over Product Support in upper left corner of a forum page, select downloads and drivers and then choose Dimension 8400 from the lists. It takes me to this page but none of the links there do anything, at least for me.

Dimension 8400 / Microsoft Windows XP / English
http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/devices.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&SystemID=DIM_PNT_P4_8400&os=WW1&osl=EN#

How are you finding them?

Ron

Message Edited by RoHe on 06-25-2005 11:15 AM

Majestic · Answer

RoHe, I used the link you posted in your first message.  I also tried the second link you posted.  With both links I was able to download the A06 BIOS upgrade for the 8400 model.

RoHe · Answer

Majestic,
Ok, this looks like an issue with Netscape 7.2, at least on my machine. With Netscape, if I click a category heading (like video drivers), all it does is go back to the top of that same page. If I click on the + next to a category, nothing happens.

I opened Internet Explorer during the same session and the result is the same as Netcape if I click a category heading, but when I click the + sign, a list of available drivers/downloads appears.

I've always used Netscape on Dell's pages so this appears to be an issue with their latest update to the download site. Hope Dell's techies see this post.

Ron

Message Edited by RoHe on 06-26-2005 10:00 AM

MichaelCretired · Answer

All, I have not been ignoring this.  The honest truth is that I can't tell you much right now.  I have passed this along, it's not being ignored and I thank all of you for your input.

RoHe · Answer

Michael C.

I emailed your web master and got a response that my issue has been fixed and/or could be resolved by clearing my browser cache and cookies. But it isn't. I can only see the available downloads when clicking the + signs using IE6 but not with Netscape 7.2. Netscape gets me to the right page but clicking the + signs does nothing.

Thanks for assisting.

Ron

MichaelCretired · Answer

RoHe, Is this for any BIOS on the support pages or just one in particular.  I'm getting several different outcomes myself.

RoHe · Answer

Michael C.
It's not just when I look for a BIOS update. The problem occurs with all categories of downloads listed. The + signs don't do anything using Netscape 7.2. Just tried it for both Dimension 8400 and Inspiron 1000 downloads, for either XP or Win98, with the same negative result under Netscape. The 'Show All' link at top of the list doesn't work either.

Everything worked OK with IE6 during this same internet session (and with Netscape still running in another window).

Thanks for looking into the issue.

Ron

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Attn: Dell - Michael C.

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