memory problem after bios upgrade

Question

I just flashed the bios from a02 to a05 on my Dimension L433c with 512MB RAM.  Immediately after, the system hung at the Windows logo.  Rebooting showed only 4 MB RAM recognized during POST.  If I remove either of the 256MB DIMMs, the other functions normally. This is true in either of the two slots.  Yet if I install both, the same problem occurs.  These are Dell modules and no memory problem was ever experienced until immediately after the bios flash.  I am stumped - any ideas out there?

Majestic · Answer

Possibly the new BIOS is having a conflict with the hardware information stored in the NVRAM. With the memory installed I would try doing a "hard" reset of the NVRAM. This procedure will refresh the stored hardware configuration information and might possibly resolve your problem. Here's how: With the machine unplugged from the wall remove the battery from the motherboard. Then with the machine still unplugged press the On button for several seconds to dissipate any remaining electrical charge on the motherboard. Then re-install the battery, plug the machine back into the wall and see if it will boot normally.

If the machine still fails to boot normally then I would consider flashing back to your previous BIOS version. In the history of the BIOS upgrades for the Dimension L__c model there was a minor fix related to memory in version A03 and it maybe the source of your problem.

drron · Answer

I'll certainly try the NVRAM reset technique ASAP. However, if it fails, I may consider trying the 256MB RAM and A05 with my network (soon to add wireless) and legacy DOS database program to see how it goes.

Thanks for your great advice!

drron · Answer

I had no success w/ the NVRAM reset - first boot attempt: POST showed 4MB Ram and hung on same screen.  Second attempt showed 24MB RAM and then hung on Windows logo, i.e. same as before.  Anything else?

Majestic · Answer

Sorry, other than flashing the BIOS back I can't think of anything else to suggest.

sgtcasey · Answer

drron,   Yeah, if the old BIOS worked then I would just flash back to that and be happy.  :smileyhappy:   Dave

drron · Answer

OK, Maj - I am reluctantly re-flashing to A02. The status screen states "...currently updating the BIOS...typically requires about 3 minutes..." but screen has not changed in 20 minutes; seems stalled at about 50%. The A: drive indicator light is constant on. What can I do if no progress after a reasonable time period?

Ron

Majestic · Answer

Hopefully at this point in time the BIOS upgrade completed.  If it didn't and the BIOS upgrade is hung at 50% the best you can do is interrupt the upgrade and hope that it didn't corrupt the installed BIOS on the machine.  If the machine still boots successfully after the interrupted BIOS upgrade you can try reflashing it again.  This time use another download of the BIOS file and use another blank floppy disk.  If either one of those items is bad it will prevent a successful upgrade.

drron · Answer

I tried the flash twice (same floppy) w/ same result.  Have downloaded file again - will get new disk, copy and try again tomorrow.  Thanks for the sounding board and solid advice.  Will advise of progress.

drron · Answer

OK - new copy of A02 and new floppy - Bios setup hangs even earlier.  Took out one of the DIMMs and successfully flashed to A02.  Now boots normally.  Reinstall second DIMM and have SAME PROBLEM! I guess it's not the BIOS after all.  If I put either DIMM in either socket, machine works normally; if I put in both, neither A02 nor A05 BIOS will recognize more than 24 MB of RAM. Problem began immediately after the first BIOS flash.  I'm starting to think about some kind of secondary chip or mobo damage.  Any insight?

ranran · Answer

I think I saw your post on the cnet board too....but anyway, I have the *EXACT* same system and problem.   I can put in 128mb, 256mb modules individually in *either* slot - but NOT together!!   Why is this?  Does anyone have an older BIOS for me to try???   Have you resolved this problem at all?   Ran

drron · Answer

Ran:

I have been using the machine w/ only the one 256MB DIMM. Since Dell e-mail support agrees that this is a motherboard problem, I have ordered and received a used board, but have not had time to install it yet. Just yesterday, I encountered a new problem, when the power switch apparently went bad! I was eventually lucky to get the machine started and running normally. (I now have the answer to the "leave it on or turn it off" question). Once I can take the machine off of my office network, I will have to troubleshoot this new problem before installing the new board. (Maybe it's time to consider replacement, which I've avoided because I run a DOS database on a 98SE network and don't want to replace w/ a new XP machine until I've figured out the printer sharing issues.) My geek friends just shake their heads at these stories. Anyway, if and when I make any progress, I will re-post. Good luck,

Ron

ranran · Answer

I have discovered success!

In fact, the last two BIOS revisions (A04, and A05) have memory controller changes which kill the compatibility!

So, I downflashed to A00, and voila! it worked. I then sequentially flashed to discover which Bios's work, and found that A03 is the latest that successfully passes MemTest86 (memory testing).

So, I'm now running A03 with 512mb ram! :)

What board did you order, anyway - and for how much, if I may ask?

ranran · Answer

Actually, it *is* consistent with your experience.

The same thing happened when I went from A05 --> A02.

However, when I flashed from A02 --> A00, I found the memory worked find, and was successfully able to flash from A00 --> A03 without problems.

So, have you tried that? :)

Ran

drron · Answer

I got a '15JDG' board on e-bay for $19.95 + $12.00 shipping. Re: the bios...my earlier post said that I had flashed back to A02, but experienced the same memory problem (though I never tried A03/04); this is not consistent w/ your experience, hence the need for the mobo. But - congratulations on your success!

drron · Answer

Unbelievable!  I can't wait to try your solution and will advise afterward, probably tomorrow.

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memory problem after bios upgrade

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