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, A05

Installed This file was automatically installed as part of a recent update. If you are experiencing any issues, you can manually download and reinstall.
Dell Inspiron 8500 A05 System BIOS
Recommended

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Fixes & Enhancements

BIOS Release Notes
===================================================================
===================================================================
Systems: Dell Inspiron 8500
Version: A05
Build Date: 09/30/03

The following updates were made to the A04 BIOS to create the A05 BIOS:

Issues Fixed:
=============
1. Fixed hang seen when exiting Dell Diagnostics with a USB keyboard
connected.
2. Fixed problem where System Setup may report the wrong CPU speed.
3. Fixed intermittent "unexpected error" seen when running the System
BIOS flash update program in Windows.
4. Fixed intermittent abnormal NumLock LED behavior seen during POST.

Enhancements:
===============
1. Reduced the minimum remaining battery capacity required to run
the System BIOS flash update program in Windows. The flash update
program requires that an AC adapter be attached and the battery
be charged to at least 11%.
2. Added support for newer battery packs.
3. Updated to the latest Mobile Intel Pentium 4-M microcode.


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

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

Version

A05, A05

Release date

15 Jul 2004

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: CPG BIOS Executable for Windows/DOS
File Name: I8500A05.exe
File Size: 559.48 KB
This is a large file. Depending on your connection speed, it may take some time to download.
Format Description:
This file format consists of a BIOS executable file. The Universal (Windows/MS DOS) format can be used to install from any Windows or MS DOS environment.
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: I8500A05.txt
File Size: 6.96 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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Bios_Win_exe the hard drive format



Installation Instructions


The file I8500A05.exe is using the Hard Drive format and is designed to be directly executed from Windows environments.




    1. Click Download now.
      The Export Compliance Agreement appears.


    2. Click Yes, I accept this Agreement.
      The File Download window appears.



    3. Click the Save button.
      The Save As window appears.


    4. Select Desktop using the drop-down menu to the right of Save in.


    5. Click the Save button.
      A progress meter moves as the download is completed.


    6. If necessary, click X in the upper right-hand corner of the Download Progress Window to close it upon completion.









    src="http://i.dell.com/images/global/support/note.gif"alt="NOTE" /> NOTE:Shut down all other applications prior to running the BIOS update utility. The update utility reboots your system in order to get the new BIOS loaded.





    1. Double click the Icon on your desktop labeled I8500A05.exe.

      The Dell Bios Flash window appears



    2. Click the Continue button.

      The message Pressing OK will close all applications, shut down Windows, Flash the BIOS, then reboot. appears.


    3. Click the OK button.

      The system will restart and the Bios Flash will be completed.












    Bios_Win_exe the hard drive format



    Installation Instructions


    The file I8500A05.txt is using the Hard Drive format and is designed to be directly executed from Windows environments.




    1. Click Download now.
      The Export Compliance Agreement appears.


    2. Click Yes, I accept this Agreement.
      The File Download window appears.



    3. Click the Save button.
      The Save As window appears.


    4. Select Desktop using the drop-down menu to the right of Save in.


    5. Click the Save button.
      A progress meter moves as the download is completed.


    6. If necessary, click X in the upper right-hand corner of the Download Progress Window to close it upon completion.




    7. Double click the Icon on your desktop labeled I8500A05.txt.

      The Dell Bios Txt window appears





Need help with BIOS issues?

Find a solution in Dell's BIOS troubleshooting guide

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