-=PCTechTalk=- Re: Installing SP2 & Flashing Bios
- From: "Don" <dsw32952@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: <pctechtalk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Wed, 9 Mar 2005 12:20:27 -0500
First off, let me suggest that you visit the DELL forums that support the
Dimension series of computers. I have found them to be full of friendly and
helpful people. To get there click START>HELP and SUPPORT>Community Forum.
When the browser page opens select Dimension and then type FLASH BIOS in the
Search the Forum box. You will get plenty of messages that discuss flashing
the BIOS. Also do a separate search for SP2. Also, if you visit the
Windows Update website there is a link to info you need to know before you
apply SP2.
Second, back up your harddrive. Flashing will not effect the drive but the
other topics you ask about will. If problems develop anywhere in process
you will feel much better knowing you have not lost everything.
Third, download the latest versions of all drivers, software, virus
definitions, etc that you will need. While downloading specifically look
for compatibility with SP2. If you have not backed up your hard drive yet,
do it now.
Fourth, flash the BIOS. Enter setup and make sure all the settings are
correct. Probably all you will need to do is verify hard drives to
auto-detect, boot with NumLock ON and power management options. If you have
not backed up your hard drive yet, do it now.
It is very important that you follow every single step of the instructions
for flashing the BIOS. An improperly done flash could require replacement
of the BIOS chip to repair. Read the instructions and all the warnings at
least twice to insure you understand them. If you do not understand a step
do not proceed until you do. Ask here or in the Dell forums. If you have
not backed up your hard drive yet, do it now.
Fifth, If you have not backed up your hard drive yet, do it now, then
proceed with your update of the OS and drivers....
I would do all of this with a clean install of the operating system and
would first backup my hard drive, disconnect all optional, external or
aftermarket equipment except mouse, monitor and keyboard. Then flash the
BIOS, format and partition the harddrive, install WinXP and SP2. Then
reboot. On reboot WinXP may ask for drivers for the mouse, video adapter,
monitor and keyboard. Tell WinXP you have a disk and use your downloaded
drivers instead of the generic Windows drivers. Then install any optional
software that goes with those devices. Shut down, connect your other
peripherals, probably one at a time would be best, but you can connect them
all at once, then power up and once again tell WinXP you have a disk and use
downloaded drivers. Then install optional software that goes with the
peripherals. Reboot as prompted by Windows. Install all of your safety and
security software and update the definitions using the downloaded definiton
files. Reboot as required. Then log on to Windows Update and download the
latest updates. Then go to the various other software sites and get any
updates that may be required.
Windows should always give you the chance to use your downloaded drivers on
disk rather than use a generic driver. Always choose to use your downloaded
driver when you have one. If it doesn't, use the Device Manager to update
your driver after you are done.
Please note... this is how I would do this on MY system. In the process I
would most likely vary the process at least a little bit to adapt to unknown
or unexpected results. You are welcome to use this as a guide to doing the
task, but please use your judgement and adapt the process to your system.
Don
----- Original Message -----
From: "Frandy" <jskene@xxxxxxxxx>
To: <PCTechTalk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2005 10:18 AM
Subject: -=PCTechTalk=- Installing SP2 & Flashing Bios
>I am running WinXP Home on a Dell Dimension 8300, Intel Pentium 4 processor
>at 2.6GHz,Bios Version AO1 and it has been suggested that I need to flash
>the bios (the thought of which scares me to death). I have purchased a new
>IntelliMouse Explorer (to replace my Logitech Wheel Mouse) and my Epson
>printer gave up the ghost so I have purchased a HP PSC 1315 all-in-one,
>even though I have a working HP Scanjet 3500c.
What steps, in order, should I take to prepare for installing SP2 from the
CD-Rom. Should I remove the software for the scanner and mouse from the
control panel, should I flash the bios first, then add the new hardware. Do
I really need to flash the bios? What problems might I encounter and how do
I recover? Should I set a System Restore for each step as I proceed? This
system also includes an All-In-Wonder Radeon 9000 Pro TV tuner graphics card
if that is pertinent info.
> Any suggestions that would steer me in the right direction would be
> appreciated.
> Thanks for your help
> Frandy
>
> --
>
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