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13471
October 7th, 2004 16:00
Bios & SP2 upgrades - Dim 8300
I would like some knowledgeable input to my dilemma. My first purchase with Dell was a nightmare. It took several months before Dell finally sent me a completely new system which is working like a dream. So what is my problem you ask?
I am terrified to update to the SP2. I have been online for hours researching and reading everything I can about this upgrade. I received an alert which advised me to upgrade. Then I read that I MUST upgrade my Flash BIOS in order to do this. I am running BIOS A03 and now I see that there are updates up to A06 & A07.
I have removed all spyware, removed all excess files, defragged, run a virus scan and done everything else I was told to do. My fear is that "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". If I start fooling around with trying to upgrade my Bios will I lose the system it took me sooooo long to finally get? I absolutely LOVE my Dell and I am fearful that this will mess up my system and put me out of commission again. I am not a big advocate of the Dell help line, so if I have problems, I doubt I will be able to get online to ask for help in the forum.
Are the Flash Bios and Sp2 upgrades really helpful & necessary?????
Can I go from A03 to A06/A07 or do I need to download all the previous versions???
I am only somewhat knowledgeable about computers and these aspects are WAY out of my league.
Only "kind" "helpful" and "informed" replies please. Cruelty or rudeness about my stupidity won't help!
Message Edited by MsBlkJck on 10-07-2004 12:04 PM
MsBlkJck
14 Posts
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October 7th, 2004 19:00
No need to reply. My concerns have been verified. I hopped over to the Windows Service Pack forum and started reading posts. I was horrified at some of the problems others have experienced by downloading the SP2.
I can't risk losing my system to a download that has so many obvious flaws to it. The solutions ask users to change this, change that, fix this, fix that, go here, go there, read this, read that and you end up deleting SP2 and reinstalling Windows XP anyway. You are forced to make adjustments to your system that the majority of computer users are not qualified or knowledgeable enough to do.
In my opinion the risks are too great. My Dell works fine and I see no reason to upgrade my Flash Bios A03 or download SP2 and create unnecessary problems for myself in doing so. I can't see where either of these upgrades would be beneficial.
When they can release a statement stating that ALL the problems and bugs are worked out and it will NOT destroy my system, then and only then will I consider this upgrade.
My sincerest heartfelt regards to those of you who have downloaded SP2 and are suffering through the enormous problems as a result. Having had one system with so many problems, I can relate to your fears and frustrations, and hope to NEVER have to experience anything like that again.
Remember my previous statement.... "IF IT AIN'T BROKE, DON'T FIX IT" and SP2 won't fix it (right now anyway)
Signed,
A HAPPY DELL USER WITH A WORKING SYSTEM
minnerz
21 Posts
0
October 7th, 2004 20:00
klbf
2 Intern
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2.7K Posts
0
October 7th, 2004 23:00
You don't have to download SP2, you can order it free on cd from microsoft, and secondly it comes with the latest pc authority magazine and otherz, and i installed it no problems
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Dimension 8300
Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.80GHz 800MHz BIOS A05
1024MB DDR-SDRAM 400MHz
NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200 ( :( )
BearPaw 2400TA PLUS WIA Scanner
USB 2.0 Capture tv tuner
NEC DVD+RW ND-2100AD
HP CD-Writer+ 8200 USB Device
Creative SB Live! with subwoofer
Conexant SmartHSFi V.9x 56K DF PCI Modem
HP deskjet 3550
120Gb seagate SATA
15inch LCD
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claytonb
4 Apprentice
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503 Posts
0
November 29th, 2004 08:00
The best thing to do is to follow these few instructions, I have done this and have had no problems what so ever.
1. Update to latest BIOS
2. Backup data to CDRW
3. Format and reinstall Windows XP
4. Apply Service Pack 2 (256MB file) from www.microsoft.com
5. Run Windows Update and Install additional patches/drivers after SP-2
6. Install additional drivers from http://support.ap.dell.com/apjsite/Downloads/index.aspx
7. Install your other software and any Antivirus software last
8. Configure settings