Bios update

I have downloaded a BIOS update file for my Dell Dimension L733r
but I remember reading somewhere that this could be a little
tricky and it listed some precautions to take before installing
updated bios. Can anybody give me some hints so that I won't
really screw up my system?
Thanks,
Janice

You must boot from a floppy that has real-mode DOS on it and then flash the
BIOS from there. The manual that came with your system should have explicit
instructions on how to do it. They should also have been posted as a readme
when you downloaded the update.

Go to www.bootdisk.com and download the necessary files and instructions for
making a boot floppy - if you don't have one.

"granjan" wrote in message
...
I have downloaded a BIOS update file for my Dell Dimension L733r
but I remember reading somewhere that this could be a little
tricky and it listed some precautions to take before installing
updated bios. Can anybody give me some hints so that I won't
really screw up my system?
Thanks,
Janice

This procedure -- BIOS update -- is potentially so fraught with disaster
that I cannot recommend it unless Dell told you to do it. An incomplete or
interrupted BIOS update can well leave your computer completely unusable.

I remember a recommended BIOS update when I owned an IBM computer years ago
and it was accompanied with warnings (power failures, et cetera) that made
it a breath-taking operation.

Ken Bland

"granjan" wrote in message
...
I have downloaded a BIOS update file for my Dell Dimension L733r
but I remember reading somewhere that this could be a little
tricky and it listed some precautions to take before installing
updated bios. Can anybody give me some hints so that I won't
really screw up my system?
Thanks,
Janice

Yes, I read the instructions on the Dell site, but I wondered what
I should do if something goes wrong during the installation. Will
this cause major problems, or can I just reboot and get back to
where I was? I have made a lot of changes to my system since I
bought it in 2000. New graphics card, new fp monitor, new 80 g
hard drive, new sound card, added memory, etc.
I have been having error messages pretty often lately such as:
0E: 0028: FF136CBD (today) and wondered if upgrading the bios
would be a good idea. Any suggestions appreciated.
Janice

"Jerry" wrote in message
...
| You must boot from a floppy that has real-mode DOS on it and
then flash the
| BIOS from there. The manual that came with your system should
have explicit
| instructions on how to do it. They should also have been posted
as a readme
| when you downloaded the update.
|
| Go to www.bootdisk.com and download the necessary files and
instructions for
| making a boot floppy - if you don't have one.
|
| "granjan" wrote in message
| ...
| I have downloaded a BIOS update file for my Dell Dimension
L733r
| but I remember reading somewhere that this could be a little
| tricky and it listed some precautions to take before
installing
| updated bios. Can anybody give me some hints so that I won't
| really screw up my system?
| Thanks,
| Janice
|
|
|
|

Yeah, that's what I am afraid of. Dell didn't recommend it, I
just found it on the website. With all the changes I've made to
my system and problems I've had, I just thought it might help.

"Justin Thyme" wrote in message
...
| This procedure -- BIOS update -- is potentially so fraught with
disaster
| that I cannot recommend it unless Dell told you to do it. An
incomplete or
| interrupted BIOS update can well leave your computer completely
unusable.
|
| I remember a recommended BIOS update when I owned an IBM
computer years ago
| and it was accompanied with warnings (power failures, et cetera)
that made
| it a breath-taking operation.
|
| Ken Bland
|
| "granjan" wrote in message
| ...
| I have downloaded a BIOS update file for my Dell Dimension
L733r
| but I remember reading somewhere that this could be a little
| tricky and it listed some precautions to take before
installing
| updated bios. Can anybody give me some hints so that I won't
| really screw up my system?
| Thanks,
| Janice
|
|
|
|

Begin by reviewing Dell's info regrding this BIOS update. Are any of the
new features really needed by you? Do any pertain to your particular
system?

The BIOS Flash boot floppy process typically entails obtaining two files,
the "flash" program, and the binary info file used by it to rewrite the
BIOS. Place both on the bootable floppy.
Many modern boards can be flashed under Windows now. Each vendor's process
is particular, even to a particular m/b.

I urge obtaining a highly rated UPS to protect the box while flashing. A
mainboard makes a rather poor door stop!
--
Jack E. Martinelli 2002-05 MS MVP for Shell/User / DTS
Help us help you: http://www.dts-L.org/goodpost.htm

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/secu...t/default.aspx
Your cooperation is very appreciated.
------
"granjan" wrote in message
...
Yeah, that's what I am afraid of. Dell didn't recommend it, I
just found it on the website. With all the changes I've made to
my system and problems I've had, I just thought it might help.

"Justin Thyme" wrote in message
...

SNIP

I suggest that you wait for a few more advisory replies here before
proceeding. I'm still sitting on a BIOS update for my LG CD-RW because the
warning accompanying the update said that an incomplete procedure would
leave the CD useless.

Ken Bland

"granjan" wrote in message
...
Yeah, that's what I am afraid of. Dell didn't recommend it, I
just found it on the website. With all the changes I've made to
my system and problems I've had, I just thought it might help.

"Justin Thyme" wrote in message
...
| This procedure -- BIOS update -- is potentially so fraught with
disaster
| that I cannot recommend it unless Dell told you to do it. An
incomplete or
| interrupted BIOS update can well leave your computer completely
unusable.
|
| I remember a recommended BIOS update when I owned an IBM
computer years ago
| and it was accompanied with warnings (power failures, et cetera)
that made
| it a breath-taking operation.
|
| Ken Bland
|
| "granjan" wrote in message
| ...
| I have downloaded a BIOS update file for my Dell Dimension
L733r
| but I remember reading somewhere that this could be a little
| tricky and it listed some precautions to take before
installing
| updated bios. Can anybody give me some hints so that I won't
| really screw up my system?
| Thanks,
| Janice
|
|
|
|