[graphicman000]

Model: Dell Inspiron 530
Processor: 2.53 Ghz Intel Core Duo
OS: Windows Vista 32-bit Home Premium Service Pack 1
BIOS: 1.0.15

Hello Tech Guys,
Our office bought several computers over the past few days and I've been given the responsibility of setting them up. I AM NOT A COMUTER TECHNICIAN!

Everything was going fine until I tried to update the BIOS on one of the machines.

I had updated the BIOs on other machines with no problems - this time the BIOS update has frozen at 13%.

Please let me know what I can do to safely power down the computer and reboot/retry updating the BIOS.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

[~Candy~]

Hi and welcome.

If you aren't a tech, you shouldn't be updating bios that is always a recipe for disaster. Why did you feel a need to update bios on new computers?

[Mumbodog]

Kill the bios update task in task manager, DO NOT REBOOT!

Then disable any any 3rd party internet security software, then run the bios update again.

[graphicman000]

I tried holding down CONTROL-ALt- DELETE and the task manager wasn't coming up. But, I'll be glad to try it again.

Is there anything else I can do to call up the task manager?

[graphicman000]

I ran into problems with a XPS M1530 earlier in the week and found out that the root of the problems was in the BIOS. I was trying to prepare these computers for months of hard use - Dell recomended that the BIOS update be completed.

I had successfully preformed this update on 4 other computers and I guess I missed a step on this one.

I understand that updating the BIOs is a delicate matter so I see why you would ask me why. However, the problem is here now and I could really use some of your expertise in solving it. I'm sure you must know something I can do.

[Mumbodog]

Right click on the taskbar and select task manager

[graphicman000]

The computer is frozen.

The mouse won't move.

Any other ideas, please keep 'em coming.

Thanks so far.

[Mumbodog]

Unfortunately there is nothing you can do for a freeze, except a hard reboot.

You are between a rock and a hard place, if the failed bios flash stopped at a critical point in the update process, a reboot will result in a failed motherboard bios, essentially a useless PC until you replace the motherboard. So you have one choice at this point but to do a hard shutdown and see if the bios recovers.

Here are some tips on a possible recovery of a semi failed bios flash. You only have to do this if the system fails to do a full bios post on reboot.

How to recover from a semi failed bios flash

Shut down the PC, unplug the power cord and hold the power button in for 15 seconds.

Open the case and remove the cmos battery for 15 Minutes (note the polarity of the battery before removal) Reinsert the battery after 15 Minutes, close the case and plug it in, then do the following before doing anything else. (replace cmos battery with a new one if it is older than 3 years, or less than 1.4 volts using an accurate volt meter)

Power up the PC
* Watch the keyboard lights. When they flash, tap the F2 key
* The message, Entering Setup should appear
* Highlight "Load Defaults" and hit enter
* Save changes on exit


If the PC fails to post, repeat the battery removal steps, this time leave the cmos battery out for 24 hours.

If this fails to get the Post screen, you will need a new motherboard.

[graphicman000]

Thanks for the professional advice. I'll try it this morning and let you know what happens.

Again thank you for taking the time.

[graphicman000]

I shut down the computer by holding the power button for a few seconds. The I unplugged the computer and let it sit for about fifteen minutes.

After that the computer rebooted and seems to be running fine. Is there any way to run a diagnostic to make sure there was no permanent damage?

All in all problem solved - Thanks to you.

[Mumbodog]

Is there any way to run a diagnostic to make sure there was no permanent damage?

Either it works or it doesn't, looks like you won that battle.

You are welcome.

Welcome to TSGF.