Dell Dimension System BIOS, A03

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.

Driver Id : R87033

Importance : Optional

Version : A03, A03 Latest version Recommended version Latest and Recommended version

Release Date : 08 Nov 2004

Download Type : System BIOS

Category : BIOS

Dimension 8400 A03 System BIOS

Download Files

File Format: 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.

File Name: d8400a03.exe

File size: 524.61 KB

Download .EXE

Fixes & Enhancements

The following changes have been made to BIOS rev A02 to create A03:

1. Added advisory text when changing the hard drive controller mode
2. Fixed problem with long S3 resume times with older OSes
3. Improved boot list management
4. Updated newer CPUs detection and micro code
5. Corrected minor problem with slot reporting in SMBIOS
6. Fixed a problem with password entry on some international keyboards
7. Modified floppy error reporting to lessen confusion
8. Improved USB interoperability
9. Improved fan diagnostics interface

Installation instructions

Installation Instructions for the Universal (Windows/MS DOS) format

Download file to Desktop

Use one of the methods below to flash the Bios.

Run the BIOS update utility from Windows environment

Run the BIOS update utility from MS DOS environment (Non-Windows users)

Download file to Desktop

The file d8400a03.exe is using the Universal (Windows/MS DOS) format and is designed to be directly executed from Windows environment.

Click Download now.
The Export Compliance Agreement appears.

Read the Export Compliance Agreement.

If you agree, click to select I agree..
The File Download window appears.

Click the Save button.
The Save As window appears.

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

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

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

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.

Run the BIOS update utility from Windows environment

Double click the Icon on your desktop labeled d8400a03.exe.
The Dell BIOS Flash window appears

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

Click the OK button.
The system will restart and the BIOS Flash will be completed.

Run the BIOS update utility from MS DOS environment (Non-Windows users)

NOTE: You will need to provide a bootable DOS diskette. This executable file does not create the MS DOS system files.

Copy the file d8400a03.exe to a bootable floppy.

Boot from the floppy to the MS DOS prompt.

Run the file by typing Y:\d8400a03.exe (where y is the drive letter where the executable is located).

Dell Dimension System BIOS, A03

Download Files

Fixes & Enhancements

Compatible Systems

Supported Operating Systems

Installation instructions

Applies to