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TagsinTX

1 Message

7854

January 27th, 2008 07:00

Baking up BIOS

I was considering doing some work on my Dell Dimension 2400 desktop and was told to back up my BIOS before doing that. To do that I need to download a special software. To do that, I have to know what manufacturer made my BIOS chip. No where can I find this information. Not on the system or flashed across the screen during boot. What manufacturer does Dell use? Phoenix or AMI or what? Thanks for your help. Windows XP Intell Pentium 4 2.2Ghz ST = 800SF31

k2nnj1

34 Posts

January 27th, 2008 10:00

You backup data, not BIOS. 
 
Basic
Input
Output
System

eskymi

1.1K Posts

January 27th, 2008 11:00

No need to backup your BIOS.

Did the person you spoke to recommend "flashing your BIOS?" Or, "upgrading."

Message Edited by eskymi on 01-27-2008 07:04 AM

Majestic

2 Intern

 • 

9.4K Posts

January 27th, 2008 12:00

TagsinTX,
 
What the person was probably referring to was backing up all your BIOS "settings" in case they change during the work.  With a Dell there is no way to back up the option settings.  The best you can do is view each individual BIOS page and copy down the settings on a piece of paper.  Some folks have found it easier to use a digital camera and just take a photo of each BIOS page.  
 
For the most part you are probably using the default settings anyways and any hardware changes should be automatically detected and configured by the BIOS on the next boot up.

eskymi

1.1K Posts

January 27th, 2008 15:00

Good catch Majestic. I never even thought of that. I just jumped right for the possibility of the OP thinking flashing meant backing up.

Osprey once posted to me that the 2nd Commandment of Troubleshooting is never assume. And I did it again.

Come to think of it, I wonder what the first commandment is?

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