Do not turn off your computer or disconnect from the power source while updating the BIOS as this could harm your computer. During the update, your computer will restart and you may briefly see a black screen.

Before updating, please read the installation instructions and important information noted below.

Dell Inspiron 8500 System BIOS, A04

Installed This file was automatically installed as part of a recent update. If you are experiencing any issues, you can manually download and reinstall.
A04 Insprion 8500 System BIOS
Recommended

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Fixes & Enhancements

BIOS Release Notes
===================================================================
===================================================================
Systems: Dell Inspiron 8500
Version: A04
Build Date: 08/28/03

The following updates were made to the A03 BIOS to create the A04 BIOS:

Issues Fixed:
=============
1. Fixed hang seen during boot with the HP PSC2200 all-in-one USB
printer attached.
2. Improved the dual-battery discharging algorithm.
3. Fixed problem where the system would shutdown if the battery
drained to a critically low battery state while the system was
in Standby.
4. Fixed problem where the battery LED will flash amber when the
battery is swapped while in Standby.
5. Fixed problem where pressing while in BIOS Setup will
not function if the "Enable Keypad" option is set to "by NumLock".
6. Fixed problem where SMBIOS would not report an accurate battery
capacity for a fully charged Dell supported battery.
7. Decreased the time required for the system to enter Standby after
closing the lid.
8. Fixed a problem where a USB floppy attached to the system would be lost
during the OS CD installation.
9. Fixed issue in which the and keys may have no effect during
POST when using a USB keyboard.
10. Prevent system from spending an excessive amount of time in POST
if a non-compliant USB storage device is attached.
11. Fixed issue in which the USB floppy disk drive may fail to initialize.
12. Fixed issue seen on systems equipped with a Bluetooth module in which
the blue activity LED would fail to turn off when performing a warm
undock from a Port Replicator.

Enhancements:
===============
1. Show the memory speed in System Setup next to the memory capacity
on Page 1.


The BIOS release has been validated on the following operating systems:
1. Microsoft Windows XP Pro & Home (SP1)

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===================================================================
Read More

Version

A04, A04

Release date

09 Sept 2003

Download Type

System BIOS

Category

BIOS

Importance

Optional
Dell Technologies recommends reviewing this update to determine if it applies to your system. The update contains changes that impact only certain configurations or provides new features that may or may not apply to your environment.
Available formats
File Format: ZipPack External
File Name: I8500A04.exe
File Size: 550.8 KB
This is a large file. Depending on your connection speed, it may take some time to download.
Format Description:
This file contains a compressed (or zipped) set of files. Download the file to a folder on your hard drive, and then run (double-click) it to unzip the set of files. Follow the instructions to complete the installation.
To ensure the integrity of your download, please verify the checksum value.
File Format: A text file containing customer friendly fixes and enhancements information
File Name: I8500A04.txt
File Size: 5.81 KB
This is a large file. Depending on your connection speed, it may take some time to download.
Format Description:
This file format contains plain text which can be viewed with a standard text editor.
To ensure the integrity of your download, please verify the checksum value.

By downloading, you accept the terms of the Dell Software License Agreement.

Additional details

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Custom Instructions for I8500A04.exe:

Hard Drive Installation (via WinZip) with Setup.exe File for I8500A04.exe

Download
1. Click Download Now, to download the file.
2. If the Export Compliance Disclaimer window appears, click Yes, I
Accept this Agreement.
3. When the File Download window appears, click Save (Windows XP
users will click Save) this program to disk and click OK. The Save In:
window appears.
4. From the Save In: field, click the down arrow then click to
select Desktop and click Save. The file will download to your desktop.
5. If the Download Complete window appears, click Close. The file
icon appears on your desktop.

Install
1. Double-click the new icon on the desktop labeled I8500A04.exe.
2. Follow the on-screen installation instructions.

Custom Instructions for I8500A04.txt:

Hard Drive Installation (via WinZip) with Setup.exe File for I8500A04.exe

Download
1. Click Download Now, to download the file.
2. If the Export Compliance Disclaimer window appears, click Yes, I
Accept this Agreement.
3. When the File Download window appears, click Save (Windows XP
users will click Save) this program to disk and click OK. The Save In:
window appears.
4. From the Save In: field, click the down arrow then click to
select Desktop and click Save. The file will download to your desktop.
5. If the Download Complete window appears, click Close. The file
icon appears on your desktop.

Install
1. Double-click the new icon on the desktop labeled I8500A04.exe.
2. Follow the on-screen installation instructions.

Need help with BIOS issues?

Find a solution in Dell's BIOS troubleshooting guide

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