Inspiron 5100 BIOS update

Question

I followed the Dell procedure to update BIOS on an Inspiron 5100 where the existing version was previous to A22 - you have to go A22 first before being able to update to the very latest A32 BIOS version for this machine. I used the CD image procedure. It seemed to update OK, except that after the 100% check, and when the message 'Rebooting..' appeared, the BIOS is now fried....the laptop will not start, F2 doesn't do anything. Is there any recovery procedure from here ? I tried booting with an XP install CD, for instance, but nothing happens.   Thanks in advance.

bacillus · Answer

If the laptop will not even start then you have to assume that your BIOS is hosed and as such, you will need a new motherboard as the BIOS chip is soldered onto the board.

xienxien2001 · Answer

You could just get this 8000 software that works on all laptops and just change your fan speeds to HIGH. Then your average tempurature will only be like 45 degrees.   http://www.diefer.de/i8kfan/

jalmolky · Answer

This happened to me, and after I freaked out for a bit I called Dell tech support and they actually helped me out. After going through a few basic things, they got me to take out my RAM. Apparently during the BIOS flash the RAM can get messed up and need to be reset. This can be done by disconnecting them and then reconnecting.

If you are using DDR ram and install it backwards you will know because when you try to start up the computer again, the Caps Lock light will flash about 10 times and then the computer will shut off. Simply switch the DIMM's around and you should be fine.

Labhrass · Answer

Thanks for the feedback, Jalmoky. What happened to me is that I swapped out the RAM with another one, and noticed that the machine booted OK...so the notice that the BIOS update had reached 100% successful, which seemed strange when afterwards the system seemed to be gone, was actually true in the end.

dougneb · Answer

Thanks for the tips.  I had the same problem going from A06 to A22.  I ended up switching out the RAM and it still didn't boot.  I took at the RAM from DIMM A and put in a different stick in DIMM B and it booted fine.   Dell should really put something about this in the BIOS upgrade page.

Master_of_Disas · Answer

Hi everibody, Help! I have the same problem, but reconnecting memories didn't help. Any other idea?

Master_of_Disas · Answer

Hi jalmolky,
I have the same problem but reconnectig the RAMs didn't help. The Inspiron 5100 seems totally dead. Do you have any other suggestion? (But please do not tell me I sould change the mother board:-()

dougneb · Answer

I posted this yesterday, but I guess Dell doesn't like links to websites.  Here we go again:   I would continue playing with the memory.  Take all of it out, try and boot, put one dimm in the b slot, try and boot, etc.  I had to play with it for a while before it took. On a lighter note, someone finally organized a on the 5100 like they did on the successful 5150 settlement.

jalmolky · Answer

I'm sorry but that is where my knowledge on this stops.

Remove your RAM and keep it out of the systems (unpowered) for a few mins to make sure it had reset.

Put it back in and try to boot. If the system doesn't start try taking the RAM from the Dimm A Slot and putting it into the Dimm B Slot and the RAM from the Dimm B Slot and put that into the Dimm A Slot.

If that doesn't work I don't know what to tell you. So long as the power didn't go out or you didn't notice anything else strange during the BOIS flash, it should have worked properly. You shouldn't have to get a new Mobo. I'm sure there is an answer out there for you somewhere.

Master_of_Disas · Answer

Thank you dougneb and jalmolky,   I am also sure that there should be a decission different than to buy a new MoBo. It works for other people, why not for me ;-).   BTW if somebody know where to find and how to reach the Flash CMOS batery (if any) on the MoBo, please let me know. This is the last what I would do before to throu-out this Dell into the rubish been.   Thanks once again!

dougneb · Answer

Whatever you do, DON'T throw it away.  I'm not sure how to reach the battery, sorry.  When Dell finally settles like they did on the Inspiron 5150 , you will get your laptop repaired for free.   I would even try a different stick of memory.  I had two 512mb sticks in when I flashed the BIOS; neither worked when trying to bring it back up from it's dead state.  I had to stick an old 128mb stick in for it to come back to life.

Master_of_Disas · Answer

Hi guys,

Thank you dougneb and jalmolky!

You make my month!

I have followed yor advices, connected the old RAM 266MHz and the ...inspiron 5100 finally booted! After that it was a piece of cake to go to A31 (in order to recognise my 333MHz 512M RAMs) and to A32 to improve fan's behaviour.

Once again, thanks a lot!!!

Master_of _Disaster

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Inspiron 5100 BIOS update

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