[win2kpro]

If your stepdad interrupted the flash you can't get the BIOS back by resetting because the BIOS is corrupted.

With Windows on a Dell I don't believe it's possible to re-flash the BIOS except from the Windows environment. You can check with companies such as Bad Flash, Bios Man, etc. but I don't think they offer a replacement BIOS for Dell machines since Dell doesn't furnish the files they need.

Your best bet is to contact Dell with the model of the machine, and service tag number and see if you can get a replacement BIOS.

[qpaulina42]

When I plug in the monitor, I get a "Dell" logo. Then it goes black, and the monitor light is orange instead of green when on. I think the bios chip is pretty attached.
I am wondering about the 'jumper', ie shorting it out with screwdriver, does that need to be done while the computer is plugged in but turned off? Cause otherwise there is no current, right? The only method I tried thus far is removing the battery.

[qpaulina42]

hmmm, my warranty is over. Will they sell me a bios. Do I take the chip out and buy a new one or do I send them the motherboard?
It was definitely an interrupted flash.

[win2kpro]

I don't know if they will sell you one or not, but if they will it only takes maybe 5 minutes to replace a BIOS chip.

[qpaulina42]

if I buy a new bios chip and replace it, will that be all that needs to be done, or is there some installation that needs to happen, and does one need a floppy for that?

[qpaulina42]

my other problem is that I can't find the motherboard model number, does that matter? I can't find a manual for it...

[win2kpro]

What is the model of your Dell machine?

[qpaulina42]

could it be DMC? It's a dimension 3000 and that's the model number on the bottom. If not, where would I find it?

[win2kpro]

OK, it's a Dimension 3000.

[win2kpro]

If you restart the machine and start tapping F2 as soon as you restart, can you access BIOS?

[qpaulina42]

should I take out the battery before restarting? to reset the CMOS or whatnot? And/or how to do I short the soldering points? shorting points? should the computer be off but plugged in? what sequence should I do it in?

[qpaulina42]

would clicking any key work since the keyboard is not responding because bios is off/gone?

[win2kpro]

If you can't access BIOS the only thing to do is contact http://www.badflash.com/ and see if they can build you a new BIOS. They charge $29.99 including shipping.

[qpaulina42]

any ideas what my bios chip looks like? or where it is? or what it is called? or how to find out? thanks!

[frankjohn]

Google [bioschippicture]