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RandyBee

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RandyBee

9 Posts

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January 17th, 2005 18:00

Never upgraded my BIOS current version A02

I have never upgraded my BIOS and when I try it tells me the file to upgrade to A32 says it's running on an unsupported system and will not allow me to install. I tried copying the install file to a CD-RM and rebooted from the CD but nothing. Below is my BIOS info as far as I can tell. Any help would be appreciated.

BIOS vendor: PHOENIX TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
BIOS version: A02
BIOS date: 01/31/2003
  • GreyMack

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    Posted January 17th, 2005 18:00

    You may not be able to jump from A02 to A32. There are release notes for each revision, and somewhere in there you should find more information. If you would like confirmation of your analysis after reading those notes, post back with your model number and operating system.
     
    GM
  • RandyBee

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    Posted January 17th, 2005 19:00

    Obviously I need to start from the oldest file (the closest to A02 that is available) and work my way up but is it necessary or recommended to do ALL of the upgrades?
     
    What precautions can I take in case of a system failure as a result of a BIOS upgrade?
     
    Will a system restore point make any difference?
     
    Can you sucessfully boot these drivers from a CD-RW or does it have to be a CD-R or even a floppy. 
     
    Sorry to ask so many questions just want to do it right.
     
    Thanks for your help.
  • NemesisDB

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    Posted January 17th, 2005 20:00

    Post your computer model!

    For an i1100/i5100 you will need to flash to A22 first and then to A32.  If this is your model I suggest only flashing to A31 though as A32 in my opinion has problems

  • GreyMack

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    Posted January 18th, 2005 01:00

    Updating to each interim version is not necessary, and is not advised.
     
    The precautions recommended vary according to system.
     
    A System Restore point will have no effect on the BIOS update.
     
    The preferred method varies according to series.
     
    Again, there are limitations and precautions specific to model.
     
    GM
  • RandyBee

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    Posted January 18th, 2005 01:00

    It's an Inspiron 1100 and I'm using the original drivers that came with it.
  • roadking3286

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    Posted January 18th, 2005 02:00

    I have a simular problem, but I am trying to upgrade from A06 Bios version which is a Phoenix Bios on my Inspiron 1100. the lowest one available is A22, but it says it is  a Dell Bios.  I think the problem may be in this mis-match. It will not let me do the A22 upgrade. I get the same error message about not being a supported system.
     
     
  • leduke30

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    Posted January 18th, 2005 20:00

    Try typing and entering the Flash Command followed by a space and one of these additions    /jabil, /forceit, or /forcetype. These are used successfully to change CPtV/S's to CPxJ's and to change Inspirons of certain models into Latitudes, and also to facilitate BIOS downgrade Flashes.
  • RandyBee

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    Posted January 21st, 2005 14:00



    @leduke30 wrote:
    Try typing and entering the Flash Command followed by a space and one of these additions /jabil, /forceit, or /forcetype. These are used successfully to change CPtV/S's to CPxJ's and to change Inspirons of certain models into Latitudes, and also to facilitate BIOS downgrade Flashes.





    I apologize if I'm inexperienced in BIOS installation methods etc. but how do I go about implementing the procedure you just described? I'm very adept with computers just not in this area. Thanks for any help!
  • NemesisDB

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    Posted January 21st, 2005 15:00

    Randy, do NOT run the flash with those commands ...  if it's not flashing, there is a reason.  First, (re)confirm that you have the correct file.  You want bios version A22 for the i1100.  Secondly, how are you flashing the bios?  This flash *must* be performed from a floppy or bootable CD (or possibly a dos partition).  It cannot be run from a windows environment or a dos window.  If you are trying to run the upgrade from windows, that is probably why you are recieving the error.

    hope this helps,

    dan

  • NemesisDB

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    Posted January 22nd, 2005 02:00

    the most current file will *NOT* work ...  for the last time, you need A22 first!