Can't create bootable floppy for BIOS update

Question

I read that I should update my BIOS before upgrading to Windows XP SP-2, so I followed the instructions and successfully downloaded the BD820009.exe file to the desktop of my Dimension 8200.  I double-click the floppy icon for this file, click set-up and it correctly opens the MS-DOS black window.  I insert a formatted floppy (tried twice with two different freshly formatted floppies to be sure floppies weren't bad) and press enter (3 times).  Everytime I try this a window pops up that says: '16-bit MS-DOS Subsystem' on a blue banner with the following text below:   'C:\WINDOWS\System32\cmd.exe C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\AUTOEXEC.NT. The system file is not suitable for running MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows applications. Choose 'Close' to terminate the application.'   The choices are 'Close' or 'Ignore' both of which do not write anything to the floppy.   (I also downloaded the D8200A09.exe file and get a very similar message when I double-click it.)   I have tried closing all other apps and disabling my anti-virus and firewall software before double clicking these download .exe files, but nothing seems to allow me to create the bootable floppy to update my BIOS.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.    Thanks, Tom

Majestic · Answer

The problem you are encountering is with Windows XP and not the BIOS upgrade program.  The link here to Denny Denham's web site should help you out. From his web page you will find a utility you can download and run to correct the problem.   As for updating the BIOS... it has been mentioned over and over again in these forums that if your present BIOS is working good and fully supports any hardware changes you made then upgrading it isn't really necessary for the Service Pack 2 update.  The latest BIOS released for the 8200 model was back in 2002 which was well in advance of any planned SP2 update.  That alone should give you an indication there is nothing in the latest BIOS version related to SP2.  Others have reported here that they have done the SP2 update without upgrading  their BIOS and experienced no ill effects.  It is also recommended to be sure your system is free of any viruses and ad/spyware which can create additional problems with the SP2 update.

Relayer_77 · Answer

Thank you for the link to Denny Denham's fix. It worked and I successfully upgraded my BIOS per the Dell web site. Then I ran SpyBot, AdAware SE and a free on-line MS Virus detection/removal scan. Then I installed Win XP SP2 without a problem. I also found a link on the MS web site for a 1-yr trial of Computer Associates eTrust EZ Armor LE (firewall and anti-virus SW) which I also installed. Everything seems to be working except my Dimension 8200 still runs much slower than it did when it was new. I have noticed that these A-V programs do tend to find and remove some bad stuff from my PC and that my firewall log indicates numerous blocked access attempts (although these may be from attempts by my other PC to access my 8200 SharedDocs folder). Thoughts? Message Edited by Relayer_77 on 01-13-2005 01:17 AM

Majestic · Answer

My only suggestion would be to post a message in the Software - Windows XP forum regarding the system acting slower than before.  Since I am not a real big user of Windows XP it is difficult to say whether the machine is having a problem with the Service Pack 2 install or there may be some unnecessary programs running in the background that can be eliminated in order to free up resources and increase the system's performance.  You can click here for a direct link to that forum.

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Can't create bootable floppy for BIOS update

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