BIOS update??

[Henry]

I have a 3 years old Dell Dimension 8200. OS Windows XP Prof. SP2 (Just
installed).
Every thing is working perfectly and am very satisfied with the installed
SP2.
My question to the experts is this: Do I need to updated my BIOS which is
more than 3 years old??
If so, how do I come about doing it?
Your advice will be most appreciated.

 

[R. McCarty]

If you aren't experiencing problems, a BIOS update is questionable.
The best way to evaluate it is from the History chart of BIOS updates
on the vendor's website. As each new release is done, a listing of the
changes are logged. Take a few minutes to note how many revisions
down level your PC is from the latest available. Then read the Readme
or revision log to see what fixes/patches have been incorporated.
BIOS Flash operations are safer than just a few years ago. Many will
now verify you've got the correct code for your chip. However, it is
still "Risky" and done badly can render your machine unbootable. Also
A BIOS update can sometimes reset all values to Defaults. So if you
do flash, be sure to write down all current settings so you can replicate
them after the update.
The only time I really recommend a "Flash" is to update a motherboard
to accept a newer CPU step (Release).

 

[Rock]

I have a 3 years old Dell Dimension 8200. OS Windows XP Prof. SP2 (Just
installed).
Every thing is working perfectly and am very satisfied with the installed
SP2.
My question to the experts is this: Do I need to updated my BIOS which is
more than 3 years old??
If so, how do I come about doing it?
Your advice will be most appreciated.

Only update the BIOS if the new version has something you need or
corrects a problem. Otherwise don't mess with it if things are running
well.

 

[Barry Watzman]

On the one hand, you probably don't NEED to update it. But, on the
other hand, if an update is available, I would definitely get it and
keep it, because a day may come -- in the future -- when you DO "need"
it and it's no longer available.

[Actually, I'd install it. There's not really a good argument not to.
But even if you don't, at the very least download it and save it.]

If an update is available for your system, you would to to the Dell web
site to get it. You want the latest BIOS for a Dimension 8200 system.

 

[Steve N.]

On the one hand, you probably don't NEED to update it. But, on the
other hand, if an update is available, I would definitely get it and
keep it, because a day may come -- in the future -- when you DO "need"
it and it's no longer available.

I have yet to see a manufacturer still in business that does not have
old BIOS codes available for download, and if that day ever comes when
you'd need it the board will most likely be very outdated anyway.

[Actually, I'd install it. There's not really a good argument not to.
But even if you don't, at the very least download it and save it.]

If an update is available for your system, you would to to the Dell web
site to get it. You want the latest BIOS for a Dimension 8200 system.

Couldn't disagree more. A failed BIOS flash can cause permanent damage
to the BIOS flash memory. That translates into replacing the system
board. If the system works as is why try to "fix" it?

If the OP has to ask whether or not to flash the BIOS on a working
system that doesn't need it then he/she is definitely not a candidate to
attempt doing so.

Steve

 

[Ron Reaugh]

I have a 3 years old Dell Dimension 8200. OS Windows XP Prof. SP2 (Just
installed).
Every thing is working perfectly and am very satisfied with the installed
SP2.
My question to the experts is this: Do I need to updated my BIOS which is
more than 3 years old??

Always flash the latest BIOS but carefully.

If so, how do I come about doing it?

There should be FAQs and descriptions at Dell. Find a techie friend to help
you.

 

[Ron Reaugh]

If you aren't experiencing problems, a BIOS update is questionable.
The best way to evaluate it is from the History chart of BIOS updates
on the vendor's website. As each new release is done, a listing of the
changes are logged. Take a few minutes to note how many revisions
down level your PC is from the latest available. Then read the Readme
or revision log to see what fixes/patches have been incorporated.
BIOS Flash operations are safer than just a few years ago. Many will
now verify you've got the correct code for your chip. However, it is
still "Risky" and done badly can render your machine unbootable.

That risk is non-zero but great over blown. Flashing carefully is a LOW
risk operation.

Also
A BIOS update can sometimes reset all values to Defaults. So if you
do flash, be sure to write down all current settings so you can replicate
them after the update.
The only time I really recommend a "Flash" is to update a motherboard
to accept a newer CPU step (Release).

Always flash the latest BIOS. If one ever gets into a problem or debug
situation then the first thing they're gonna want to do is flash the mobo
BIOS. Don't mix that problem with flashing the mobo BIOS. Stay ahead of
the curve and flash preemptively.

 

[Ron Reaugh]

Only update the BIOS if the new version has something you need or
corrects a problem. Otherwise don't mess with it if things are running
well.

That outdated thinking that 'don't fix it if if ain't busted' regarding mobo
BIOSs went out about 4-5 years ago. Don't wait til you're in a mess to
flash it.

 

[Ron Reaugh]

On the one hand, you probably don't NEED to update it. But, on the
other hand, if an update is available, I would definitely get it and
keep it, because a day may come -- in the future -- when you DO "need"
it and it's no longer available.

[Actually, I'd install it. There's not really a good argument not to.

RIGHT, and a bunch of good ones to install it.

But even if you don't, at the very least download it and save it.]

If an update is available for your system, you would to to the Dell web
site to get it. You want the latest BIOS for a Dimension 8200 system.

Only update the BIOS if the new version has something you need or
corrects a problem. Otherwise don't mess with it if things are running
well.

 

[Jim Macklin]

I would only consider flashing the BIOS if a working UPS is
used to protect against a power loss.


--
The people think the Constitution protects their rights;
But government sees it as an obstacle to be overcome.


|
message
|
| > If you aren't experiencing problems, a BIOS update is
questionable.
| > The best way to evaluate it is from the History chart of
BIOS updates
| > on the vendor's website. As each new release is done, a
listing of the
| > changes are logged. Take a few minutes to note how many
revisions
| > down level your PC is from the latest available. Then
read the Readme
| > or revision log to see what fixes/patches have been
incorporated.
| > BIOS Flash operations are safer than just a few years
ago. Many will
| > now verify you've got the correct code for your chip.
However, it is
| > still "Risky" and done badly can render your machine
unbootable.
|
| That risk is non-zero but great over blown. Flashing
carefully is a LOW
| risk operation.
|
| > Also
| > A BIOS update can sometimes reset all values to
Defaults. So if you
| > do flash, be sure to write down all current settings so
you can replicate
| > them after the update.
| > The only time I really recommend a "Flash" is to update
a motherboard
| > to accept a newer CPU step (Release).
|
| Always flash the latest BIOS. If one ever gets into a
problem or debug
| situation then the first thing they're gonna want to do is
flash the mobo
| BIOS. Don't mix that problem with flashing the mobo
BIOS. Stay ahead of
| the curve and flash preemptively.
|
| > | > >I have a 3 years old Dell Dimension 8200. OS Windows XP
Prof. SP2 (Just
| > >installed).
| > > Every thing is working perfectly and am very satisfied
with the
| installed
| > > SP2.
| > > My question to the experts is this: Do I need to
updated my BIOS which
| is
| > > more than 3 years old??
| > > If so, how do I come about doing it?
| > > Your advice will be most appreciated.
| > >
| > >
| >
| >
|
|

 

[Ron Reaugh]

On the one hand, you probably don't NEED to update it. But, on the
other hand, if an update is available, I would definitely get it and
keep it, because a day may come -- in the future -- when you DO "need"
it and it's no longer available.

I have yet to see a manufacturer still in business that does not have
old BIOS codes available for download, and if that day ever comes when
you'd need it the board will most likely be very outdated anyway.

[Actually, I'd install it. There's not really a good argument not to.
But even if you don't, at the very least download it and save it.]

If an update is available for your system, you would to to the Dell web
site to get it. You want the latest BIOS for a Dimension 8200 system.

Couldn't disagree more. A failed BIOS flash can cause permanent damage
to the BIOS flash memory.
NO!

That translates into replacing the system
board. If the system works as is why try to "fix" it?

In order to stay ahead of problems.

If the OP has to ask whether or not to flash the BIOS on a working
system that doesn't need it then he/she is definitely not a candidate to
attempt doing so.

The question of whether a given person of a certain experience level should
attempt flashing is entirely different than whether in general one should
keep the BIOS current. Flash the latest BIOS carefully is the proper rule.
If one doesn't know how to do it carefully then get help from someone who
does know how.

 

[Ron Reaugh]

I would only consider flashing the BIOS if a working UPS is
used to protect against a power loss.

Get a clue. In the US today in most places there is a power outage once in
a blue moon. The odds of a power outage during a 30 second flash are
miniscule in most places. The odds of a power interruption during that 30
seconds causing a non-bootable system is probably 1 in 10 or less. Go worry
about giant meteroid impacts instead. The rest of us will avoid flashing
during storms and when there's an electrician around.

 

[Jim Macklin]

Power is interrupted on a daily basis for millions of users,
these often last only a few seconds, sometimes just
fractions of a second. If you live in a rural area it may
be very common. In cities, power switching, traffic
accidents, and just brown-outs all can cause problems. A
UPS is cheap and essential equipment.


|
in message
| | > I would only consider flashing the BIOS if a working UPS
is
| > used to protect against a power loss.
|
| Get a clue. In the US today in most places there is a
power outage once in
| a blue moon. The odds of a power outage during a 30
second flash are
| miniscule in most places. The odds of a power
interruption during that 30
| seconds causing a non-bootable system is probably 1 in 10
or less. Go worry
| about giant meteroid impacts instead. The rest of us will
avoid flashing
| during storms and when there's an electrician around.
|
| >
| > |
in
| > message
| > |
| >
| > | > If you aren't experiencing problems, a BIOS update
is
| > questionable.
| > | > The best way to evaluate it is from the History
chart of
| > BIOS updates
| > | > on the vendor's website. As each new release is
done, a
| > listing of the
| > | > changes are logged. Take a few minutes to note how
many
| > revisions
| > | > down level your PC is from the latest available.
Then
| > read the Readme
| > | > or revision log to see what fixes/patches have been
| > incorporated.
| > | > BIOS Flash operations are safer than just a few
years
| > ago. Many will
| > | > now verify you've got the correct code for your
chip.
| > However, it is
| > | > still "Risky" and done badly can render your machine
| > unbootable.
| > |
| > | That risk is non-zero but great over blown. Flashing
| > carefully is a LOW
| > | risk operation.
| > |
| > | > Also
| > | > A BIOS update can sometimes reset all values to
| > Defaults. So if you
| > | > do flash, be sure to write down all current settings
so
| > you can replicate
| > | > them after the update.
| > | > The only time I really recommend a "Flash" is to
update
| > a motherboard
| > | > to accept a newer CPU step (Release).
| > |
| > | Always flash the latest BIOS. If one ever gets into a
| > problem or debug
| > | situation then the first thing they're gonna want to
do is
| > flash the mobo
| > | BIOS. Don't mix that problem with flashing the mobo
| > BIOS. Stay ahead of
| > | the curve and flash preemptively.
| > |
| > | > | > | > >I have a 3 years old Dell Dimension 8200. OS
Windows XP
| > Prof. SP2 (Just
| > | > >installed).
| > | > > Every thing is working perfectly and am very
satisfied
| > with the
| > | installed
| > | > > SP2.
| > | > > My question to the experts is this: Do I need to
| > updated my BIOS which
| > | is
| > | > > more than 3 years old??
| > | > > If so, how do I come about doing it?
| > | > > Your advice will be most appreciated.
| > | > >
| > | > >
| > | >
| > | >
| > |
| > |
| >
| >
|
|

 

[R. McCarty]

UPS really is important. My son has been away at college for a
few years. In his Dorm he is the only one with an UPS system
(PowerWare). He has commented time and time again about how
when power cycles off-&-on, he is the only one that keeps on
writing papers, etc. and never loses his work. While a few years
ago UPS was expensive, now there are modest devices that can
keep a system up for 6-10 Minutes and with USB monitoring be
shutdown in a safe manner. I've seen units for as little as $35 +
the USB cable. UPS Watchdogs are one of the few Startup apps
I always recommend to leave alone.

 

[Steve N.]

Barry Watzman wrote:

On the one hand, you probably don't NEED to update it. But, on the
other hand, if an update is available, I would definitely get it and
keep it, because a day may come -- in the future -- when you DO "need"
it and it's no longer available.

I have yet to see a manufacturer still in business that does not have
old BIOS codes available for download, and if that day ever comes when
you'd need it the board will most likely be very outdated anyway.

[Actually, I'd install it. There's not really a good argument not to.
But even if you don't, at the very least download it and save it.]

If an update is available for your system, you would to to the Dell web
site to get it. You want the latest BIOS for a Dimension 8200 system.

Couldn't disagree more. A failed BIOS flash can cause permanent damage
to the BIOS flash memory.

NO!

NO? Read the instructions for flashing a BIOS, any BIOS. They ALL warn
of this and I have seen the results of a failed BIOS update.

In order to stay ahead of problems.

You talk about it as if it were like changing the oil in a car. A BIOS
flash is ONLY needed when and if there ARE problems that it would solve
and for no other reasons. Period. Read what the particular BIOS updates
address, if your problem is not listed then it is a risk to do without.
In the case of the OP they don't even HAVE a problem in the first place!

The question of whether a given person of a certain experience level should
attempt flashing is entirely different than whether in general one should
keep the BIOS current. Flash the latest BIOS carefully is the proper rule.

Leave it alone if it works is the PROPER rule!

If one doesn't know how to do it carefully then get help from someone who
does know how.

I repeat, if it is not needed then DON'T DO IT AT ALL!

Steve

 

[Rock]

That outdated thinking that 'don't fix it if if ain't busted' regarding mobo
BIOSs went out about 4-5 years ago. Don't wait til you're in a mess to
flash it.

Your advice is dangerous.

 

[R. McCarty]

One more thing about BIOS updates - They aren't always beneficial.
I've had cases, where a updated BIOS flash, introduces problems
that weren't present before. Not that this happens frequently, but it
does come up So if you are intent on flashing, Be sure you have the
current BIOS available if you need to go back.
I don't follow the poster's comments about "Being in a Mess", BIOS
is usually a Work/Don't Work proposition with almost no middle ground.

 

[Ron Reaugh]

Power is interrupted on a daily basis for millions of users,
these often last only a few seconds, sometimes just
fractions of a second. If you live in a rural area it may
be very common. In cities, power switching, traffic
accidents, and just brown-outs all can cause problems. A
UPS is cheap and essential equipment.

Only wackos worry about a power failure under ordinary conditions during the
30 second POTENTIAL vulnerability during a BIOS flash. Note the use of the
word "potential" as in most cases a power failure during a flash will NOT
result in a dead system.

 

[Ron Reaugh]

UPS really is important. My son has been away at college for a
few years. In his Dorm he is the only one with an UPS system
(PowerWare). He has commented time and time again about how
when power cycles off-&-on, he is the only one that keeps on
writing papers, etc. and never loses his work.

UPSs do have there place. One reason to get a UPS is not for BIOS flashes
alone. What you describe in one such use of a UPS however autosave in Word
and Excel covers most those bases. UPSs on server is much more important as
that can make the difference between a 5 minute restart and a >=2 hour
restart.

While a few years
ago UPS was expensive, now there are modest devices that can
keep a system up for 6-10 Minutes and with USB monitoring be
shutdown in a safe manner. I've seen units for as little as $35 +
the USB cable. UPS Watchdogs are one of the few Startup apps
I always recommend to leave alone.

Yes, they have become reasonably priced. For the ordinary user with a well
configured system their need is questionable. Adding on top of that all the
extra hassles of installation and care and feeding(finite lifetime
batteries) makes UPSs a shrug.

 

[Ron Reaugh]

Barry Watzman wrote:


On the one hand, you probably don't NEED to update it. But, on the
other hand, if an update is available, I would definitely get it and
keep it, because a day may come -- in the future -- when you DO "need"
it and it's no longer available.

I have yet to see a manufacturer still in business that does not have
old BIOS codes available for download, and if that day ever comes when
you'd need it the board will most likely be very outdated anyway.


[Actually, I'd install it. There's not really a good argument not to.
But even if you don't, at the very least download it and save it.]

If an update is available for your system, you would to to the Dell web
site to get it. You want the latest BIOS for a Dimension 8200 system.


Couldn't disagree more. A failed BIOS flash can cause permanent damage
to the BIOS flash memory.

NO!

NO? Read the instructions for flashing a BIOS, any BIOS. They ALL warn
of this and I have seen the results of a failed BIOS update.

Clueless....show me any that say "permanent damage"? Many do warn of a
potential problem. Most interrupted BIOS flashes do NOT result in an
unbootable system.

You talk about it as if it were like changing the oil in a car.

That's just what it is.

A BIOS
flash is ONLY needed when and if there ARE problems that it would solve
and for no other reasons. Period.

Just NO!

Read what the particular BIOS updates
address, if your problem is not listed then it is a risk to do without.
In the case of the OP they don't even HAVE a problem in the first place!

Always flash the latest BIOS as the man said there's really no reason not
to. You're spouting that which wannabee experts were saying 8 years ago.
Times have changed.

rule.

Leave it alone if it works is the PROPER rule!

NO! The problem is that one often can't tell "if it works" and one can't
tell if it'll work tomorrow..

I repeat, if it is not needed then DON'T DO IT AT ALL!

Always flash the latest BIOS. Most true experts began doing that 3-5 years
ago and have found that to be the best way.