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5.2K Posts

January 7th, 2007 21:00

As you are using a Vista beta, perhaps you should wait till the official release is available. I'm sure Dell will not be willing to get into a replacement mode because of problems with a beta release. The Dell config utility for the E521 still lists the Vista upgrade.

26 Posts

January 7th, 2007 22:00

That does sound like a different issue. I cant get the OS to install at all with 4gb installed. I was able to work around the problem by making a major system change but thats only good for one boot. For example. flash the bios then run the installer right away at the next reboot or install a new video card and install as soon as you boot it up for the first time. After the first boot, the same problem persists. Strange huh.
 
As for Vista "beta", I didnt think RTM build 6000 was beta, but actually the final build that will be retail at the end of the month, or whenver it gets released. Maybe I am mistaken? That would be great news if so...

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3.3K Posts

January 7th, 2007 22:00

RTM(6000) is not beta, it is the final version.
I got a blue screen at the first reboot with 4 gigs installed. Took out two strips, removed my firewire 800 pci card, and Vista installed in about 14 minutes. I installed all the system drivers, rebooted, shut down, installed the rest of my ram, firewire 800 card, and it has been ok ever since.
One thing you might try, reinstall XP, install all your drivers, then do an upgrade. I did this on my XPS 400 and I had no problems at all.

32 Posts

January 8th, 2007 00:00



@gdwrnch3 wrote:
RTM(6000) is not beta, it is the final version.
I got a blue screen at the first reboot with 4 gigs installed. Took out two strips, removed my firewire 800 pci card, and Vista installed in about 14 minutes. I installed all the system drivers, rebooted, shut down, installed the rest of my ram, firewire 800 card, and it has been ok ever since.
One thing you might try, reinstall XP, install all your drivers, then do an upgrade. I did this on my XPS 400 and I had no problems at all.



This technique doesn't work for me. I can boot without a BSOD about one in every four attempts. What a shame that Dell just doesn't seem to care.

26 Posts

January 8th, 2007 01:00

Though the problems may be related and are certainly similar, the things youve done to get your xps 700 working dont seem to work on the E521. There doesnt seem to be a way to get the system to boot well enough to make it useable.

Message Edited by erniecars on 01-07-200709:23 PM

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3.3K Posts

January 16th, 2007 12:00

The scheduled release date is 1/30/2007, I think. Unfortunatly,no one is in any hurry to fix anything before this date. If you install before then, you are on your own.
Good luck,
jd

32 Posts

January 16th, 2007 12:00



@goodine wrote:
Hi folks. I'm wondering if there is a fix for the following problem:

Windows Vista (32 & 64 bit versions) will NOT run on a Dimension E521 with 4GB of RAM. If I remove 2 GB of RAM, and boot with only 2 GB installed in the system, then Vista will boot and work fine. I am at the latest BIOS version (1.0.3).

Message Edited by goodine on 12-11-200612:30 PM

Message Edited by goodine on 12-11-200612:30 PM




Sorry to hear it. It's clear that Dell isn't interested in addressing this in a timely fashion.

311 Posts

January 16th, 2007 13:00

I discussed the issue with the OP when this thread started. I asked engineering to look into the issue at that time, will try to get an update for you all as soon as I can.

12 Posts

January 16th, 2007 17:00

That great news, thank you Aaron.  I'm glad that Dell is addressing this issue.
 
 

32 Posts

January 16th, 2007 21:00



@dell-aaron wrote:
I discussed the issue with the OP when this thread started. I asked engineering to look into the issue at that time, will try to get an update for you all as soon as I can.





I agree that this is good news. Aaron, will you also please pass along that some folks with XPS 700 are also having this problem with Vista x64?

32 Posts

January 22nd, 2007 13:00

Any update here?

311 Posts

January 29th, 2007 17:00

There is a new BIOS in the works for the E521 , I don't have a date as of yet but thought I'd let you all know. It does have some updates as far as memory is concerned, hopefully it will address some of the problems seen here. I'm also asking about the XPS 700, will post more as I know more.

12 Posts

January 30th, 2007 21:00

Thanks again Aaron.  I'll keep checking for the new BIOS.

32 Posts

January 31st, 2007 10:00

Thanks for keeping on top of this. Kind of frustrating to have almost $10 grand of hardware just sitting here doing nothing, however.

1 Message

February 8th, 2007 18:00

Sure am glad I found this post.  I was going crazy trying to install Vista x64 with my 4gb memory.  I check daily for a bios update.  Anyone know the status of a bios update?  I have an extra 2  gigs of RAM just sitting on my desk.
 
Anyone have a link to a bios update? 
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