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14142
December 24th, 2003 08:00
Can't Flash BIOS
Hi Experts,
I am trying to update the wife's Dimension 8100 (WinME, Bios A06). Adding hardware as an Xmas present.
Downloaded the floppy version of Bios A09, since she's not running XP, on three occasions this evening, and subsequently created three floppy disks, all of which were unused and properly formatted. After restarting the computer with the floppy in the a: drive, the screen would display "Starting MS-DOS" then display a flashing cursor. Nothing more. Longest I waited was 30 minutes; still flashing. Any suggestions?
Thanks
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denyboy
439 Posts
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December 24th, 2003 09:00
micon
4 Posts
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December 24th, 2003 13:00
Thanks for responding, Denyboy. The BIOS file was downloaded fresh each time.
denyboy
439 Posts
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December 24th, 2003 14:00
micon
Here is some info from the Knowledge Base may help. The article is FA 1033387.
Denis
Flashing the BIOS
For Desktops
NOTE: Changing the system BIOS may result in unintended side affects, such as incompatibility of the new BIOS with installed hardware. If problems arise after a BIOS change, it may be necessary to return the system to the original version of the BIOS.
At this time, ensure that the flash BIOS disk is inserted into the floppy disk drive.
Click Start and then click Shutdown.
The Shutdown Windows window appears.
From the drop-down, click to select Restart.
Click the OK button.
The computer will restart and boot from the floppy disk.
NOTE: If the flash BIOS program does not start and you see only an A:\ prompt, refer to the instructions from the Dell Downloads page for the BIOS update or to the Readme.txt instructions. Generally, you will type the name of the executable flash BIOS file, such as GXa_A09 for BIOS version A09 on the OptiPlex GXa series system.
The Press any key to continue prompt appears.
Press the key.
A Press Y to replace old BIOS with new BIOS prompt appears.
Press the key to continue.
NOTICE: Do not interrupt the system during this process.
Do not:
press any keys on the keyboard.
move the mouse.
interrupt the power to the system.
Any of the above actions could result in damage to the system BIOS while the flash process is running.
When the computer has finished updating the BIOS, a Flash program successful. Press any key to reboot prompt appears.
Remove the floppy disk and press the key.
The computer will now restart with the new revision of the BIOS installed.
The boot screen will indicate the BIOS version.
micon
4 Posts
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December 24th, 2003 15:00
Denis,
Appreciate your looking this up for me. I printed those instructions last night and followed them exactly AFAICT. Time to try something new. Let 'ya know.
Mike
micon
4 Posts
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December 24th, 2003 20:00
Problem Solved!
Doesn't make sense, but...I copied the file (A09 bios, that I downloaded last night to another folder) to the desktop. Made a bootable floppy. That worked!?! Haven't a clue why.
Merry Xmas and Happy Holidays to all