Dell BIOS update troubles

ultimatenoob · 02-09-2006, 11:17 PM

First of all, sorry if this should be under general; i was not sure. Honestly, i'm not really too sure if i should post this on this forum at all, considering that the machine in question is a windows-only laptop.

I've been busy a better portion of today formatting my cousins Dell Inspiron 1100 (i'm typing this on my 5100 Debian machine) and finally, windows is up and running... very poorly; especially considering that it was JUST formatted. So, good chance its the BIOS eh?

Went to Dell's website, downloaded the A32 update for the computer -- even going so far as to put in the service tag number specific to her computer -- and tried to install it. But, alas, it will not update on account that the actual BIOS of the computer are done by Phoenix Technologys Ltd, and the update is courtesy of Dell.

After scouring google and coming up with one option: pay $60 to eSupport.com so they can send give me the update necessary for her computer. Obviously, i'm trying to avoid that.

So, my question [finally]? I'm wondering if anyone knows how to edit a BIOS update so that it will not recognize the Phoenix / Dell difference? And, if not that, does anyone know where i can get the Phoenix A032 update for a Dell Inspiron 1100?

Any help is appreciated!

z.starr

spooon · 02-09-2006, 11:50 PM

* is this the original BIOS that came on that Dell computer? you have not replaced or reflashed it with something else?

* are you sure that it is an Inspiron 1100?

* when the computer starts up or something, go into setup and does it say that it is the BIOS for Inspiron 1100? or does it say anything about what BIOS version or model it is?

* what is the error that it gives when you try to do the BIOS update?

syg00 · 02-10-2006, 12:05 AM

Dunno what your problem is - I did the A32 update on this machine (1100) a while back.
Update went on fine for me. This box was bought in Australia BTW; may or may not be relevant.
Just had a look at the BIOS - it shows a Phoenix copyright notice (as well as a Dell one).

As a bonus, this is quite happily dual booting Arch Linux at 2.6.15

ultimatenoob · 02-10-2006, 01:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spooon

* is this the original BIOS that came on that Dell computer? you have not replaced or reflashed it with something else?

* are you sure that it is an Inspiron 1100?

* when the computer starts up or something, go into setup and does it say that it is the BIOS for Inspiron 1100? or does it say anything about what BIOS version or model it is?

* what is the error that it gives when you try to do the BIOS update?

First: I cant imagine my cousing knowing how to do either of those, so probably not.

Second: Same as mine minus stickers and capabilities.

Third: Loadup screen features a Phoenix Technologies Ltd. logo, and i believe a Dell logo, and BIOS <A032> or something similar to that. I'll tell you more whenever it digests the installation of service pack 2.

Fourt: http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/8562/bios0iu.png

Thanks for the quick replies folks!

ultimatenoob · 02-10-2006, 02:08 AM

Okay, at bootup there is a large Intel logo, with a small Phoenix Tech logo in the corner.

The utility, named PhoenixBIOS Setup Utility does not offer anything related to updates, other than the fact that it is version A06... a little outdated to the A32 it should be!

syg00 · 02-10-2006, 02:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ultimatenoob

The utility, named PhoenixBIOS Setup Utility does not offer anything related to updates, other than the fact that it is version A06... a little outdated to the A32 it should be!

Huh ????.
Go meander through the site to the support/downloads - download the I1100A32.exe, and run it (under Windows).
Have a look at the .txt first.

spooon · 02-10-2006, 02:50 AM

You can try to put it on a DOS boot floppy and boot from the floppy and run it from DOS; doubt it will help though. Perhaps complain to Dell or something.

ultimatenoob · 02-10-2006, 05:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by syg00

Huh ????.
Go meander through the site to the support/downloads - download the I1100A32.exe, and run it (under Windows).
Have a look at the .txt first.

here is the last section of the include .txt:

Code:

Dell
Copyright (C) 2003, All Rights reserved.
www.dell.com

BIOS Release Notes

===================================================================
===================================================================
Systems:      Dell Inspiron 5100/1100 Series	
Version:      A32
Build Date:   10/18/2004


ATI Radeon 7500 Video BIOS version is 8.005.000.007
Intel Video BIOS version 2984

Isues Fixed:
1. Fix CD/DVD drive disappeared in boot menu during POST if the drive is DVD+/-RW.
2. Update thermal table to improve the "Thermal dust" issue on Inspiron 5100.
3. Set fan to turn on at boot by timer only 30 seconds and then follow thermal
   table fan PWM definition.
4. Added support for "Get keyboard Active Row" and "Get LCD Lid Current State"
   into Diags BIOS interface.
5. Enable ABIOS cacheable to speed up the resume from suspend.

The BIOS release has been validated on the following operating systems:
1.  Microsoft Windows XP 

===================================================================
===================  End of A32 Release Notes =====================
===================================================================

Which doesnt really present any options, so no luck there.. Unless the update itself draws on this program, in wich case i dont know how comfortable I would be with the risk of making a mistake in the actual update file.

Quote:

Originally Posted by spooon

You can try to put it on a DOS boot floppy and boot from the floppy and run it from DOS; doubt it will help though. Perhaps complain to Dell or something.

Have not tried that yet, but i'll see if my cousin can pick up some CD-R's today.

Off to catch a flight.. again, thanks for the help!