If you take a look over at notebookforums.com you will see a couple threads related to this (started by me). My issue was two-fold, but the A05 BIOS -does- remove the COM/LPT ports for 'newer' 8600s. Mine was made two weeks ago and has the COM/LPT ports on the back. Flashing A05 removes them except for the docked configuration, and removes the infrared completely. I have screen shots to prove it.
Those with slightly older 8600s seem to be able to retain the COM/LPT in the A05 BIOS. I obviously have no explanation for it.
Bache, I saw your posts at notebookforums, and it's great because it helps prove that slightly older 8600s work fine with A05, newer ones do not.
My 'theory' has some weight because of the following. A user had a 2 month old 8600, had a mobo swap two weeks ago, and when he flashed to A05, his ports disappeared from BIOS (page 4 in the BIOS setup) except for docked mode. This even though the ports phisically exist.
My personal experience is the same. I have screen shots too.
Now A05 is pulled from Dell's site for the 8600. Hmmmm.
Billy Jingles
161 Posts
0
March 30th, 2004 03:00
The parallel and serial ports are supposed to work anyway. Looks fine to me.
xp800
4 Posts
0
April 2nd, 2004 13:00
Those with slightly older 8600s seem to be able to retain the COM/LPT in the A05 BIOS. I obviously have no explanation for it.
Bache, I saw your posts at notebookforums, and it's great because it helps prove that slightly older 8600s work fine with A05, newer ones do not.
My 'theory' has some weight because of the following. A user had a 2 month old 8600, had a mobo swap two weeks ago, and when he flashed to A05, his ports disappeared from BIOS (page 4 in the BIOS setup) except for docked mode. This even though the ports phisically exist.
My personal experience is the same. I have screen shots too.
Now A05 is pulled from Dell's site for the 8600. Hmmmm.
Message Edited by xp800 on 04-02-2004 09:27 AM