Dell - Dimension 4550 Series, BIOS Version: A05, Service Tag: CFB5S21

I didn't own this COMPUTER previously and the BIOS is a bit buggy, so I'm gonna go ahead and start from scratch with a BIOS update.

This is the first time, but I know enough to know you get the update from the Dell manufacturer SITE, you gotta do it via USB/Floppy/CD if you can't do it through the OS, and there's a risk that you can corrupt the BIOS which would screw up the whole motherboard.

I tracked the solution down to this link right here....
http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/driverslist.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&catid=1&hidlang=en&hidos=WW1&impid=-1&os=WW1&osl=EN&servicetag=CFB5S21&SystemID=DIM_PNT_P4_4550&TabIndex=

But I can't say with confidence if this is the download I need to upgrade the BIOS. I don't know if A08 is the BIOS upgrade or a completely new BIOS altogether, you know?


Just go to that site and enter your service tag number. Go to drivers & downloads page and if there is a bios listed download and install it. Directions for installation will be included.What makes you think the BIOS is buggy? What kinds of problems does the computer have?

Flasihing BIOS should be a last resort. If the BIOS flash goes wrong, it can cause more problems than it will fix.If he's at 05 and the latest is 08 he should flash it. Dell's bios upgrades are foolproof as long as the (very brief) process isn't interrupted.The download is an .exe. Run the .exe and it unzips a bunch of data and a setup to a specified folder.

It says "BIOS Upgrade Dell Dimension 4550 A05".
I'm still unsure as to whether or not A08 is the update, or a completely different BIOS....I understand if it's not the right update, like an update for a different BIOS, it will screw up the motherboard.

....It is however the only download that was given for the Dell Dimension 4550 BIOS updates, so I imagine this is what I need.They are all "new" bios'". Don't WORRY about it, if it isn't the right bios for your system it won't install.Big success, and it was pretty fast.

Thank you very much for your help.GOOD. Glad it worked. (I realize I had nothing to do with it.)

It's good to see that the "newer" versions of BIOS have some safeguards built in to help protect computers.
Quote from: aaaaaaaaaa on August 25, 2009, 10:13:20 AM

Big success, and it was pretty fast.

Thank you very much for your help.