Revert to Windows 98 from XP for BIOS Upgrade

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

I have a Dell Latitude CPi-A 366 Laptop that has a BIOS version 09.
Since I upgraded to Windows XP, my battery has stopped working. I'd
like to replace Windows XP with 98 so I can upudate the BIOS and then
put XP back on. But, the Laptop won't allow me to do this. Any
suggestions.

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

First, I don't see how the laptop can "prevent you" from doing it.

Second, however, it's not necessary. Just boot from a floppy or
bootable CD.

Also, the BIOS update is fine, but it's not going to bring your battery
back to life.


kslerner@comcast.net wrote:

> I have a Dell Latitude CPi-A 366 Laptop that has a BIOS version 09.
> Since I upgraded to Windows XP, my battery has stopped working. I'd
> like to replace Windows XP with 98 so I can upudate the BIOS and then
> put XP back on. But, the Laptop won't allow me to do this. Any
> suggestions.
>

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

kslerner@comcast.net wrote:
> Thanks for the suggestion, but I tried that the first time...booted
> from the CD and they used the floppy to flash. Problem is that the
> flash asks for a battery to be in the computer as well as the elec
> plug, but since [brand new] the battery isn't recognized by the PC, the
> flash won't proceed. This is what I mean by the PC not letting me
> complete the flash process...I guess its really XP not letting me do
> this.
>

Ask the vendor for help.
I once had a similar problem on a laptop that had no battery. The
flasher tries to protect you from power outage by insisting on the
presence of both AC and battery.
Turned out that there's a secret command line parameter that bypasses
this check and lets you go ahead and flash. The vendor was reluctant,
but finally divulged the parameter and I was able to flash my bios.

For a Dell XPi the parameter was /forceit

Don't think this will make your battery work though...
mike

--
Return address is VALID but some sites block emails
with links. Delete this sig when replying.
..
Wanted, PCMCIA SCSI Card for HP m820 CDRW.
FS 500MHz Tek DSOscilloscope TDS540 Make Offer
Wanted, 12.1" LCD for Gateway Solo 5300. Samsung LT121SU-121
Wanted 12" LCD for Compaq Armada 7770MT.
Bunch of stuff For Sale and Wanted at the link below.
MAKE THE OBVIOUS CHANGES TO THE LINK
ht<removethis>tp://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Monitor/4710/