R
Ron Reaugh
Rock said:
No, worry about gaint meteroid impact instead.
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No, worry about gaint meteroid impact instead.
R
Ron Reaugh
R. McCarty said: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.
That sort of thing while prevalent 10 years ago today is VERY rare these
days.
J
Jim Macklin
I am a wacko because sitting in my apartment in west
Wichita, the power fails about four or five times a day when
there are no storms. When the power company is switching
power, or contractors are connecting new homes, or a driver
center punches a power pole, or a thief is stealing power
the power flicks enough that my UPS cycles and the lights
flicker. If you are in the middle of a BIOS flash you are
at risk. If the power stays down more than a few seconds I
do a manual shutdown. I do not use the auto-shutdown
software since I don't leave my computer ON when I'm not
using it (power cost money).
When there are storms, the power often goes out for one to
24 hours, depends on how close the tornadoes tracked.
Not only is you computer at risk during a BIOS flash, but
just while doing normal tasks, if the power is interrupted
in the middle of writing data to the registry area of the
hard drive, your computer will jot boot the next time.
Your $1,000 computer needs a $39 UPS. I even have an old
UPS on my TV so I can watch the storm warnings when the
power fails.
--
The people think the Constitution protects their rights;
But government sees it as an obstacle to be overcome.
|
in message
| | > 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.
|
|
| >
| > |
| > | "Jim Macklin" <p51mustang[threeX12]@xxxhotmail.calm>
wrote
| > 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.
| > |
message
| > | >
| >
| > | > |
| > | > | "R. McCarty" <[email protected]>
wrote
| > 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.
|
|
Wichita, the power fails about four or five times a day when
there are no storms. When the power company is switching
power, or contractors are connecting new homes, or a driver
center punches a power pole, or a thief is stealing power
the power flicks enough that my UPS cycles and the lights
flicker. If you are in the middle of a BIOS flash you are
at risk. If the power stays down more than a few seconds I
do a manual shutdown. I do not use the auto-shutdown
software since I don't leave my computer ON when I'm not
using it (power cost money).
When there are storms, the power often goes out for one to
24 hours, depends on how close the tornadoes tracked.
Not only is you computer at risk during a BIOS flash, but
just while doing normal tasks, if the power is interrupted
in the middle of writing data to the registry area of the
hard drive, your computer will jot boot the next time.
Your $1,000 computer needs a $39 UPS. I even have an old
UPS on my TV so I can watch the storm warnings when the
power fails.
--
The people think the Constitution protects their rights;
But government sees it as an obstacle to be overcome.
|
in message
| | > 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.
|
|
| >
| > |
| > | "Jim Macklin" <p51mustang[threeX12]@xxxhotmail.calm>
wrote
| > 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.
| > |
message
| > | >
| >
| > | > |
| > | > | "R. McCarty" <[email protected]>
wrote
| > 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.
|
|
S
Steve Nielsen
Ron said:Ron Reaugh wrote:
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"?
Needing to replace the BIOS or system board qualifies as "permanent
damage to the BIOS".
Here's a small sample indicating what I mean.
*************************************************************
From
http://www.tyan.com/support/html/how_to_flash.html
WARNING!!!
Please be aware that by downloading this BIOS package you agree that in
the event of a BIOS flash failure, you must contact your dealer for a
replacement BIOS. There are no exceptions to this policy. Tyan does
not have a policy of replacing BIOS chips directly with end users.
Flashing a BIOS should only be attempted by a qualified technician.
BIOS updates are provided for evaluation purposes only. All BIOS
revisions are released on an "as-is" basis only.
From
http://www.ecsusa.com/downloads/bios.html
IMPORTANT NOTE:
* Please do not update the BIOS if your system is running fine.
* Please do not update the BIOS if the BIOS patch doesn't pertain
to your current problem.
* Unsuccessful BIOS flash may cause the system fails to boot up.
ECS(HQ) is not responsible for any BIOS flash failure.
From
http://www.asus.com.tw/inside/Techref/bios-flash.html
When should I flash my BIOS?
A BIOS upgrade will usually contain one or more of the following:
additional BIOS features, fixes for various bugs and/or compatibility
problems, and additional CPU support. The newest BIOS upgrade will
always contain the fixes from earlier revisions (so you do not need to
flash every BIOS revision between your current revision and the latest
revision). However, if your system is working without problems or
conflicts, then it isn't recommended that you flash your BIOS. If it
ain't broke, don't fix it! Trying to fix a working system might result
in a non-working one.
From
http://www.freepctech.com/pc/001/006.shtml
Some final notes: This process sounds simple, but should it fail
during the process, you could have some extreme problems. You could be
left with a BIOS chip with no programming and in that case it will not
be able to start the computer again. This will require either replacing
the BIOS chip or the motherboard. This is not always a safe and simple
operation. Be sure you are comfortable with this level of upgrading.
It maybe something you wish to have a professional do for you. But,
once you have done this procedure, you will understand and feel more
confident should the need arise to Flash Upgrade another computer. Just
never become to complacent with this procedure... it can be ruinous to
your motherboard.
*********************************************
Of course you are certainly free to express your opinions and advice, I
am certainly free to disagree with you, and vice-versa.
I would like to point out, howerver, that I rarely (if ever) resort to
calling someone "clueless" or any other insulting term, no matter what I
might privately think of them.
Steve
N
NobodyMan
[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.
Although I do agree that you should only flash BIOS if it's absolutely
necessary (and flashing just because there is a newer version doesn't
meet that requirement), one of your statements is just plain wrong.
A failed flash update won't mean replacing the system board. You can
replace just the BIOS chip. It's actually pretty cheap compared to a
new board - the only real cost is having the shop pull the old one and
put in the new one, and that will cost the minimum bench fee, usually
for one hour.
You are over-dramatizing the failure; it's not one that will "fry the
board", just possibly one that could ruin the BIOS chip.
R
R. McCarty
Having worked in Circuit Board manufacturing for a long time, have
you looked at a recent Motherboard. Most all BIOS chips are not
the kind you can unsolder and replace on a workbench. Years ago
they were in a socket and replacement was easy. Today most of the
BIOS chips are SOJ (Small Outline - J Lead). Also, because of the
lead density, it takes a skilled technician to remove/replace a chip.
The process requires more than a soldering iron and some copper
braid to soak up excess solder. The last motherboard I Flashed &
it didn't work, I cut in half with a hacksaw. We put it on the wall in
the lab with a note that said "Good Intentions, Gone Bad". Things
may have changed, but if you've ruined a $100 motherboard flashing
BIOS it will temper you from doing it again when it isn't necessary.
you looked at a recent Motherboard. Most all BIOS chips are not
the kind you can unsolder and replace on a workbench. Years ago
they were in a socket and replacement was easy. Today most of the
BIOS chips are SOJ (Small Outline - J Lead). Also, because of the
lead density, it takes a skilled technician to remove/replace a chip.
The process requires more than a soldering iron and some copper
braid to soak up excess solder. The last motherboard I Flashed &
it didn't work, I cut in half with a hacksaw. We put it on the wall in
the lab with a note that said "Good Intentions, Gone Bad". Things
may have changed, but if you've ruined a $100 motherboard flashing
BIOS it will temper you from doing it again when it isn't necessary.
NobodyMan said:[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.
That translates into replacing the system
board. If the system works as is why try to "fix" it?
Although I do agree that you should only flash BIOS if it's absolutely
necessary (and flashing just because there is a newer version doesn't
meet that requirement), one of your statements is just plain wrong.
A failed flash update won't mean replacing the system board. You can
replace just the BIOS chip. It's actually pretty cheap compared to a
new board - the only real cost is having the shop pull the old one and
put in the new one, and that will cost the minimum bench fee, usually
for one hour.
You are over-dramatizing the failure; it's not one that will "fry the
board", just possibly one that could ruin the BIOS chip.
R
Ron Reaugh
Jim Macklin said:I am a wacko because sitting in my apartment in west
Wichita, the power fails about four or five times a day when
there are no storms.
Your situation is atypical. Now do the calculations. 4 times a day at
random, hitting a narrow 30 second window.....a significant percentage of
the time hitting the window wont cause failure.... Now how many time are
you gonna have to flash before you get a failure? Osama's gonna get you
first.
When the power company is switching
power, or contractors are connecting new homes, or a driver
center punches a power pole, or a thief is stealing power
the power flicks enough that my UPS cycles and the lights
flicker. If you are in the middle of a BIOS flash you are
at risk. If the power stays down more than a few seconds I
do a manual shutdown. I do not use the auto-shutdown
software since I don't leave my computer ON when I'm not
using it (power cost money).
Ever heard of standby.
When there are storms, the power often goes out for one to
24 hours, depends on how close the tornadoes tracked.
There's a 100% chance of failure of a BIOS flash if undertaken during a
power outage.
Not only is you computer at risk during a BIOS flash, but
just while doing normal tasks, if the power is interrupted
in the middle of writing data to the registry area of the
hard drive, your computer will jot boot the next time.
Osama will get you first.
Your $1,000 computer needs a $39 UPS. I even have an old
UPS on my TV so I can watch the storm warnings when the
power fails.
And when that station drops you can do your test pattern.
R
Ron Reaugh
Steve Nielsen said:Ron said:Ron Reaugh wrote:
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"?
Needing to replace the BIOS or system board qualifies as "permanent
damage to the BIOS".
No, what it means is that your are caught being disingenuous.
R
Ron Reaugh
NobodyMan said:[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.
That translates into replacing the system
board. If the system works as is why try to "fix" it?
Although I do agree that you should only flash BIOS if it's absolutely
necessary (and flashing just because there is a newer version doesn't
meet that requirement), one of your statements is just plain wrong.
A failed flash update won't mean replacing the system board. You can
replace just the BIOS chip. It's actually pretty cheap compared to a
new board - the only real cost is having the shop pull the old one and
put in the new one, and that will cost the minimum bench fee, usually
for one hour.
You are over-dramatizing the failure; it's not one that will "fry the
board", just possibly one that could ruin the BIOS chip.
Always flash the latest BIOS as there is minimal risk.
R
Ron Reaugh
R. McCarty said:Having worked in Circuit Board manufacturing for a long time, have
you looked at a recent Motherboard. Most all BIOS chips are not
the kind you can unsolder and replace on a workbench.
No unsoldering is needed as they are socketed. The solder-in ones are
mostly flashable in place and others now have BIOS recovery features so
BIOSs are recoverable in the field.
Years ago
they were in a socket
Nonsense, most all on premium mobos are still socketed.
and replacement was easy. Today most of the
BIOS chips are SOJ (Small Outline - J Lead). Also, because of the
lead density, it takes a skilled technician to remove/replace a chip.
Such is not needed, see above.
The process requires more than a soldering iron and some copper
braid to soak up excess solder. The last motherboard I Flashed &
it didn't work, I cut in half with a hacksaw.
Get a professional to help you out as obviously your choice of tools
demonstrates your expertise in these matters.
We put it on the wall in
the lab
Cooking lab or what?
with a note that said "Good Intentions, Gone Bad". Things
may have changed, but if you've ruined a $100 motherboard flashing
BIOS it will temper you from doing it again when it isn't necessary.
Get help.
NobodyMan said:[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.
That translates into replacing the system
board. If the system works as is why try to "fix" it?
Although I do agree that you should only flash BIOS if it's absolutely
necessary (and flashing just because there is a newer version doesn't
meet that requirement), one of your statements is just plain wrong.
A failed flash update won't mean replacing the system board. You can
replace just the BIOS chip. It's actually pretty cheap compared to a
new board - the only real cost is having the shop pull the old one and
put in the new one, and that will cost the minimum bench fee, usually
for one hour.
You are over-dramatizing the failure; it's not one that will "fry the
board", just possibly one that could ruin the BIOS chip.
P
Plato
R. McCarty said:One more thing about BIOS updates - They aren't always beneficial.
http://www.bootdisk.com/bootlist/183.htm#5
P
Plato
Jim said:A UPS is cheap and essential equipment.
I disagree. The chances of a power problem while flashing are next to
zero. Even so, if the power does go out you'll still get a quick glitch
when the ups kicks in and your bios flash is likely to fail anyway in
that RARE circumstance.
R
R. McCarty
The only help I need was just done, as I added you to the Blocked
Senders list.
Senders list.
Ron Reaugh said:R. McCarty said:Having worked in Circuit Board manufacturing for a long time, have
you looked at a recent Motherboard. Most all BIOS chips are not
the kind you can unsolder and replace on a workbench.
No unsoldering is needed as they are socketed. The solder-in ones are
mostly flashable in place and others now have BIOS recovery features so
BIOSs are recoverable in the field.
Years ago
they were in a socket
Nonsense, most all on premium mobos are still socketed.
and replacement was easy. Today most of the
BIOS chips are SOJ (Small Outline - J Lead). Also, because of the
lead density, it takes a skilled technician to remove/replace a chip.
Such is not needed, see above.
The process requires more than a soldering iron and some copper
braid to soak up excess solder. The last motherboard I Flashed &
it didn't work, I cut in half with a hacksaw.
Get a professional to help you out as obviously your choice of tools
demonstrates your expertise in these matters.
We put it on the wall in
the lab
Cooking lab or what?
with a note that said "Good Intentions, Gone Bad". Things
may have changed, but if you've ruined a $100 motherboard flashing
BIOS it will temper you from doing it again when it isn't necessary.
Get help.
NobodyMan said:[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.
That translates into replacing the system
board. If the system works as is why try to "fix" it?
Although I do agree that you should only flash BIOS if it's absolutely
necessary (and flashing just because there is a newer version doesn't
meet that requirement), one of your statements is just plain wrong.
A failed flash update won't mean replacing the system board. You can
replace just the BIOS chip. It's actually pretty cheap compared to a
new board - the only real cost is having the shop pull the old one and
put in the new one, and that will cost the minimum bench fee, usually
for one hour.
You are over-dramatizing the failure; it's not one that will "fry the
board", just possibly one that could ruin the BIOS chip.
J
Jim Macklin
Flashing the BIOS is only one operation, just plain old day
to day operations depend on reliable power. If your power
has NEVER failed, feel free to not spend the cost of a nice
meal at a cheap eatery.
If you read these newsgroups you will see many
reports/requests for help because "my computer won't boot
after the storm, etc."
| Jim Macklin wrote:
| >
| > A UPS is cheap and essential equipment.
|
| I disagree. The chances of a power problem while flashing
are next to
| zero. Even so, if the power does go out you'll still get a
quick glitch
| when the ups kicks in and your bios flash is likely to
fail anyway in
| that RARE circumstance.
|
|
to day operations depend on reliable power. If your power
has NEVER failed, feel free to not spend the cost of a nice
meal at a cheap eatery.
If you read these newsgroups you will see many
reports/requests for help because "my computer won't boot
after the storm, etc."
| Jim Macklin wrote:
| >
| > A UPS is cheap and essential equipment.
|
| I disagree. The chances of a power problem while flashing
are next to
| zero. Even so, if the power does go out you'll still get a
quick glitch
| when the ups kicks in and your bios flash is likely to
fail anyway in
| that RARE circumstance.
|
|
R
Ron Reaugh
R. McCarty said:The only help I need was just done, as I added you to the Blocked
Senders list.
The trolls always attack the person when they can't prevail technically.
Ron Reaugh said:R. McCarty said:Having worked in Circuit Board manufacturing for a long time, have
you looked at a recent Motherboard. Most all BIOS chips are not
the kind you can unsolder and replace on a workbench.
No unsoldering is needed as they are socketed. The solder-in ones are
mostly flashable in place and others now have BIOS recovery features so
BIOSs are recoverable in the field.
Years ago
they were in a socket
Nonsense, most all on premium mobos are still socketed.
and replacement was easy. Today most of the
BIOS chips are SOJ (Small Outline - J Lead). Also, because of the
lead density, it takes a skilled technician to remove/replace a chip.
Such is not needed, see above.
The process requires more than a soldering iron and some copper
braid to soak up excess solder. The last motherboard I Flashed &
it didn't work, I cut in half with a hacksaw.
Get a professional to help you out as obviously your choice of tools
demonstrates your expertise in these matters.
We put it on the wall in
the lab
Cooking lab or what?
with a note that said "Good Intentions, Gone Bad". Things
may have changed, but if you've ruined a $100 motherboard flashing
BIOS it will temper you from doing it again when it isn't necessary.
Get help.
Dell[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
website 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.
That translates into replacing the system
board. If the system works as is why try to "fix" it?
Although I do agree that you should only flash BIOS if it's absolutely
necessary (and flashing just because there is a newer version doesn't
meet that requirement), one of your statements is just plain wrong.
A failed flash update won't mean replacing the system board. You can
replace just the BIOS chip. It's actually pretty cheap compared to a
new board - the only real cost is having the shop pull the old one and
put in the new one, and that will cost the minimum bench fee, usually
for one hour.
You are over-dramatizing the failure; it's not one that will "fry the
board", just possibly one that could ruin the BIOS chip.
B
Bruce Chambers
Ron said:Get a clue. In the US today in most places there is a power outage
once in a blue moon.
Actually, I've lived in so-called "Third World" countries that
have more reliable electrical service than some parts of the States.
Many American power companies have gone for the quarterly profits and
failed to invest in infrastructure to support the growth in a great
many areas. The result: brown-outs and "inexplicable" outages during
peak usage hours.
--
Bruce Chambers
Help us help you:
You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. - RAH
R
Ron Reaugh
Bruce Chambers said:Actually, I've lived in so-called "Third World" countries that
have more reliable electrical service than some parts of the States.
Many American power companies have gone for the quarterly profits and
failed to invest in infrastructure to support the growth in a great
many areas. The result: brown-outs and "inexplicable" outages during
peak usage hours.
No response is necessary. Everyone knows how reliable their own power is.
B
Bruce Chambers
Ron said:No response is necessary. Everyone knows how reliable their own
power is.
And yet you felt the need to respond?
--
Bruce Chambers
Help us help you:
You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. - RAH
P
Plato
Jim said:If you read these newsgroups you will see many
reports/requests for help because "my computer won't boot
after the storm, etc."
A ten dollar surge protector with a modem circuit is recommeded. Most
surges that phark a system come in via the phone line to the modem. 9
out of ten times just the modem gets fried. 1 out of ten times the
motherboard also goes and the hard drive data gets corrupted, but is
usually redoable.
Yes if you have the extra bucks get a UPS. Be sure to always protect any
phone line going to your pc tho as 90% of surge damage is via the phone
line, and most folks DO NOT have that line protected to their pc.
S
Steve N.
Ron said:Ron Reaugh wrote:
"need"Ron Reaugh wrote:
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
to.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
webBut 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
system.site to get it. You want the latest BIOS for a Dimension 8200
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"?
Needing to replace the BIOS or system board qualifies as "permanent
damage to the BIOS".
No, what it means is that your are caught being disingenuous.
I have repeated nearly exactly what I had said in the first place, which
was (*sigh*) "permanent damage to the BIOS".
You have been caught evading the evidence I presented upon your request
to "show me any that say 'permanent damage'", which is exactly what I
have done, and a bit more. Do you dispute the evidence I presented at
your request or not?
Steve
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