Big problem with BIOS update. Help!

Question

To keep this short:   I accidently flashed my BIOS with the A23 version instead of the current A32 version on my Inspiron 1100 notebook (stupid mistake). During the BIOS update, Windows did shutdown and the 'Performing BIOS update' screen showed...but the computer did not restart after the flash...it shutdown instead. Next time I booted it did show the A23 version though.   Big problem though! Everytime I boot the notebook it gives me this message:   'Warning: A 70W AC Power Adapter has been detected, preventing optimal system performance'.   ....and now the computer isnt recognizing my power adapter(all cords is pluged in properly), so I cant recharge my battery. Also when I did download the current A32 version, I'm not able to flash the BIOS because it says the AC power adapter must be plugged in to update. Also in my BIOS setup it says my battery is 'decharging'.   Suggestions??   My battery is currently at 72% and is rapidly dying, so I could prob. only can sign online and check these forums about 5-10 times more b4 the battery dies. Please provide as much info as possible to help me when posting a reply....   Thank You   Inspiron 1100 Notebook Windows XP Prof. Intel Celeron Processor 2.30 GHZ Dell Power Adapter Model AA20031 ; PA-6 Family ; P/N 9364U   Pease help.

Ed C · Answer

Even though the BIOS reports a 70W AC adapter the battery should still charge when the unit is OFF. Turn the unit completely OFF, NOT hibernate or standby, and give it a hour or so and then see what the charge is.

UntouchableJ · Answer

Thanks for the reply.   This is strange. Even with the computer turned off the adapter would not charge the battery.   I left it plugged it for about 40 mins. and see no increase in the battery % charged. Also the battery light indicator did not blink like its susposed to when the adapter is plugged in to charge the battery.   What should I do?   Correction to my first post: The BIOS setup screen says the battery is 'Discharging'...not 'Decharging'.   My battery is now at 55%:smileysad:

UntouchableJ · Answer

Found this wizard from Dell Support:       - I checked the cord...nothing is damaged.   - I removed the battery...checked the pins to see if anything damaged...then replaced the battery.   - I checked the pins for the power adapter slot...nothing is damaged.   The adapter was working properly until I flashed the BIOS with the old version....then this happened:smileysad:   Should I buy and try another adapter?? Any other suggestions I should try??

bacillus · Answer

You should still be able to flash your BIOS provided you use the extra string /forceit to the command flash line. The flash line should therefore look like biosname.exe /forceit (please note that there is a space between exe and /).

In view of the potential risk of a bad flash using the flasher from Windows I suggest you get a USB floppy drive and do the flash in pure DOS.

UntouchableJ · Answer

Sorry for the long delay, but just wanted to say a quick thanks. The /forceit command worked and the laptop returned to working normally. Thanks

jdorner · Answer

I made the same stupid mistake :(
But, when I tried to flash the BIOS with the /forceit command, it seemed like it was going to work - but when it reboots, I got the error message:

The BIOS update could not be performed because the AC adapter was not installed.
Press 'Y' to continue.

It is as though changing the BIOS to A23 disabled the AC adapter.

I found a newer adapter - and used that to allow me to flash the BIOS.

walleyedavidson · Answer

What type of newer adapter???

Ed C · Answer

You need a PA 9 adapter. Basically the same but give more power.

walleyedavidson · Answer

Thanks for the info, worked great :)

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Big problem with BIOS update. Help!

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