Flash BIOS Update?

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

Just received a new Inspiron 5150 from Dell. I noticed an available
Flash Bios Update for the system at the Dell web site dated 3/17/04.
How do I know if I need the update? Thanks.

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

There is usually a text file to download with the update that will have a
history of all the updates and what they fix.

Larry

<sar130@columbia.edu> wrote in message
news:ui1b70lap39bv6d6f71h6tts7ma9dd05nu@4ax.com...
> Just received a new Inspiron 5150 from Dell. I noticed an available
> Flash Bios Update for the system at the Dell web site dated 3/17/04.
> How do I know if I need the update? Thanks.

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

Robert wrote:

> A better rule is to read the release notes and consider applying the update.
> They get posted because they contain either fixes or enhancements. Same
> with Driver updates theey post.
>
> I also apply the microsoft service packs and security updates, run a
> firewall and keep my anivirus up to date.
>
> Better than troubleshooting an issue 6 months down the track - just to find
> posted fixes for that fault.

Whichever approach you take, be sure you leave yourself a way to
backtrack if the fix breaks something or you just don't like the new
behavior. Before flashing my BIOS, I make sure I have the current
version on a floppy so I can reflash it if I want - this has saved my
ass more than once. It's usually easy to back out software changes,
e.g., MS update. Set a restore point before installing anything.

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. :-)


Thomas G. Marshall wrote:

> YES. I totally agree with Paul.
>
> The BIOS in your machine is like a cranky septic cleaner. If he's doing his
> job alright, then you pretty much leave him alone.
>
>
>
> "Paul Riemerman" <parNOT55@tds.net> wrote in message
> news:4075888a$1_1@newspeer2.tds.net...
>
>>My rule of thumb is don't bother unless you're having problems with your
>>computer.
>>
>>Paul Riemerman
>>
>><sar130@columbia.edu> wrote in message
>>news:ui1b70lap39bv6d6f71h6tts7ma9dd05nu@4ax.com...
>>
>>>Just received a new Inspiron 5150 from Dell. I noticed an available
>>>Flash Bios Update for the system at the Dell web site dated 3/17/04.
>>>How do I know if I need the update? Thanks.
>>
>>
>
>

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

Cause I'm a poor little ole lady.... :-(


Thomas G. Marshall wrote:

> Cliche. What's the point in using a simile or a metaphor if it isn't
> colorful or gross?
>
>
> "Joan Hansen" <user@my.net> wrote in message
> news:syndc.1225$Gf1.623@lakeread03...
>
>>If it ain't broke, don't fix it. :-)
>>
>>
>>Thomas G. Marshall wrote:
>>
>>
>>>YES. I totally agree with Paul.
>>>
>>>The BIOS in your machine is like a cranky septic cleaner. If he's doing
>
> his
>
>>>job alright, then you pretty much leave him alone.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>"Paul Riemerman" <parNOT55@tds.net> wrote in message
>>>news:4075888a$1_1@newspeer2.tds.net...
>>>
>>>
>>>>My rule of thumb is don't bother unless you're having problems with your
>>>>computer.
>>>>
>>>>Paul Riemerman
>>>>
>>>><sar130@columbia.edu> wrote in message
>>>>news:ui1b70lap39bv6d6f71h6tts7ma9dd05nu@4ax.com...
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>Just received a new Inspiron 5150 from Dell. I noticed an available
>>>>>Flash Bios Update for the system at the Dell web site dated 3/17/04.
>>>>>How do I know if I need the update? Thanks.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>
>

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

update your bios..it is easy...


"Larry Greenwood" <greenwoo@minotstateu.edu> wrote in message
news:c546oi$2o3617$1@ID-188066.news.uni-berlin.de...
> There is usually a text file to download with the update that will have a
> history of all the updates and what they fix.
>
> Larry
>
> <sar130@columbia.edu> wrote in message
> news:ui1b70lap39bv6d6f71h6tts7ma9dd05nu@4ax.com...
> > Just received a new Inspiron 5150 from Dell. I noticed an available
> > Flash Bios Update for the system at the Dell web site dated 3/17/04.
> > How do I know if I need the update? Thanks.
>
>
>

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

No, I only use this leave-alone rule regarding the BIOS. When there are
regression errors in such a beast, things can go wrong in very hard to
define ways.


"Robert" <PcTech@paradise.net.nz> wrote in message
news:xGiec.9545$u%1.847268@news02.tsnz.net...
> Until he encounters a new type he doesn't know about and breaks it.
> I suppose you leave Windows security updates and virus definations alone
as
> well - its not broke is it!!.
>
> I have been along that path when one administrator tried to say the old
> PE2400 server was broke as W2K was having lots of issues when it had run
NT4
> fine for 3 years. The update of BIOS, ESM, Raid firmware & driver solved
> his problems.
>
> "Thomas G. Marshall"
<tgm2tothe10thpower@replacetextwithnumber.hotmail.com>
> wrote in message news:usndc.14929$1y1.1410@nwrdny03.gnilink.net...
> > YES. I totally agree with Paul.
> >
> > The BIOS in your machine is like a cranky septic cleaner. If he's doing
> his
> > job alright, then you pretty much leave him alone.
> >
> >
> >
> > "Paul Riemerman" <parNOT55@tds.net> wrote in message
> > news:4075888a$1_1@newspeer2.tds.net...
> > > My rule of thumb is don't bother unless you're having problems with
your
> > > computer.
> > >
> > > Paul Riemerman
> > >
> > > <sar130@columbia.edu> wrote in message
> > > news:ui1b70lap39bv6d6f71h6tts7ma9dd05nu@4ax.com...
> > > > Just received a new Inspiron 5150 from Dell. I noticed an available
> > > > Flash Bios Update for the system at the Dell web site dated 3/17/04.
> > > > How do I know if I need the update? Thanks.
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>