Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

I have a Dell Inspiron 5100 that still has the original Phoenix bios -
You can't update to the latest bios from Dell without first installing
an intermediate one that changes from Phoenix to Dell.
Should I bother to go through this? The thing seems to work OK as is,
but I'm about to add wireless to it.

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

A wireless card? I can't see why you would have to change your bios for
that.Seems like no going back if you change the bios but nothing to loose if
you slip in a wireless card.

"Jim T." <suenjim4.badaddress@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:lh8pi0d82d8a5rr1di1af14eqcae5nr0hq@4ax.com...
>I have a Dell Inspiron 5100 that still has the original Phoenix bios -
> You can't update to the latest bios from Dell without first installing
> an intermediate one that changes from Phoenix to Dell.
> Should I bother to go through this? The thing seems to work OK as is,
> but I'm about to add wireless to it.

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

Sorry - I wasn't clear. Shouldn't have mentioned the wireless thing -
it was a distraction. I just want to know if it's worthwhile updating
the bios. You are right- there will be no going back to Phoenix. Hoped
to hear from someone with Dell knowledge. I'll switch to the Dell
forums.
Thanks for responding anyway-

On Thu, 26 Aug 2004 01:19:44 GMT, "j647" <jfoote@excite.com> wrote:

>A wireless card? I can't see why you would have to change your bios for
>that.Seems like no going back if you change the bios but nothing to loose if
>you slip in a wireless card.
>
>"Jim T." <suenjim4.badaddress@comcast.net> wrote in message
>news:lh8pi0d82d8a5rr1di1af14eqcae5nr0hq@4ax.com...
>>I have a Dell Inspiron 5100 that still has the original Phoenix bios -
>> You can't update to the latest bios from Dell without first installing
>> an intermediate one that changes from Phoenix to Dell.
>> Should I bother to go through this? The thing seems to work OK as is,
>> but I'm about to add wireless to it.
>

Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (More info?)

Here. This is reasons you're strongly advised to upgrade your bios to the
newest. Got this document from dell. Not only fixes known problems which
mightbe mysterious to you when you encounter since you dont' directly
check documents from vendors, it supports new hardware you might use in
feature

Dell
Copyright (C) 2003, All Rights reserved.
www.dell.com

BIOS Release Notes


===================================================================
===================================================================
Systems: Dell Inspiron 5100/1100 Series
Version: A30
Build Date: 6/11/2004


ATI Radeon 7500 Video BIOS version is 8.005.000.007
Intel Video BIOS version 2984

Isues Fixed:
1. Fixed 15" LCD Panel detect error on Inspiron 5100.
2. Revert back to PSA build 3009.
3. Show "XGA" in setup for B type XGA panel on Inspiron 1100.
4. Append the TV out function into Intel 2984 VBIOS on Inspiron 1100.
5. Updated 4401 PXE image to version 2.0.4.

The BIOS release has been validated on the following operating systems:
1. Microsoft Windows XP

===================================================================
=================== End of A30 Release Notes =====================
===================================================================

===================================================================
===================================================================
Systems: Dell Inspiron 5100/1100 Series
Version: A29
Build Date: 3/10/2004


ATI Radeon 7500 Video BIOS version is 8.005.000.007
Intel Video BIOS version 2984

Isues Fixed:
1.Update Intel video BIOS & add "UMA size" setup option to fix the graphics issue with Linux
on Inspiron 1100.
2.Fixed the issue that it will take long time when removing nonbootable USB Key from system at boot.

The BIOS release has been validated on the following operating systems:
1. Microsoft Windows XP

===================================================================
=================== End of A29 Release Notes =====================
===================================================================


Systems: Dell Inspiron 5100/1100 Series
Version: A28
Build Date: 1/16/2004


ATI Radeon 7500 Video BIOS version is 8.005.000.007
Intel Video BIOS version 2980

Isues Fixed:
1. Support new NEC USB Floppy.


The BIOS release has been validated on the following operating systems:
1. Microsoft Windows XP

===================================================================
=================== End of A28 Release Notes =====================
===================================================================


Systems: Dell Inspiron 5100/1100 Series
Version: A27
Build Date: 1/8/2004


ATI Radeon 7500 Video BIOS version is 8.005.000.007
Intel Video BIOS version 2980

Isues Fixed:
1. Support new Style B LCDs.


The BIOS release has been validated on the following operating systems:
1. Microsoft Windows XP

===================================================================
=================== End of A27 Release Notes =====================
===================================================================


Systems: Dell Inspiron 5100/1100 Series
Version: A26
Build Date: 12/10/2003


ATI Radeon 7500 Video BIOS version is 8.005.000.007
Intel Video BIOS version 2980

Isues Fixed:
1. Fixed the system may intermittently fail to charge a battery.


The BIOS release has been validated on the following operating systems:
1. Microsoft Windows XP

===================================================================
=================== End of A26 Release Notes =====================
===================================================================

Systems: Dell Inspiron 5100/1100 Series
Version: A25
Build Date: 11/22/2003


ATI Radeon 7500 Video BIOS version is 8.005.000.007
Intel Video BIOS version 2980

Isues Fixed:
1. Fixed sometimes stopping charging the battery with AC plugged.
2. Fixed system master password cannot work.


The BIOS release has been validated on the following operating systems:
1. Microsoft Windows XP

===================================================================
=================== End of A25 Release Notes =====================
===================================================================
Systems: Dell Inspiron 5100/1100 Series
Version: A24
Build Date: 11/14/2003


ATI Radeon 7500 Video BIOS version is 8.005.000.007
Intel Video BIOS version 2980

Isues Fixed:
1. Support 70w AC adapter on I1100 & display a warning message while plugging
in the 70W AC adapter on I5100.

The BIOS release has been validated on the following operating systems:
1. Microsoft Windows XP

===================================================================
=================== End of A24 Release Notes =====================
===================================================================

Systems: Dell Inspiron 5100/1100 Series
Version: A23
Build Date: 10/06/2003


ATI Radeon 7500 Video BIOS version is 8.005.000.007
Intel Video BIOS version 2980

Isues Fixed:
1. POST with full CPU speed independent on AC/DC

The BIOS release has been validated on the following operating systems:
1. Microsoft Windows XP

===================================================================
=================== End of A23 Release Notes =====================
===================================================================

Systems: Dell Inspiron 5100/1100 Series
Version: A22
Build Date: 08/19/2003


ATI Radeon 7500 Video BIOS version is 8.005.000.007
Intel Video BIOS version 2980

Isues Fixed:
1. Prevent the system from registering a power button press when the lid is closed.

The BIOS release has been validated on the following operating systems:
1. Microsoft Windows XP

===================================================================
=================== End of A22 Release Notes =====================
===================================================================


Systems: Dell Inspiron 5100/1100 Series
Version: A21
Build Date: 07/21/2003


ATI Radeon 7500 Video BIOS version is 8.005.000.007
Intel Video BIOS version 2980

Isues Fixed:
1. Fixed the issue where the system would occasionally lock up when
resuming from stand by with a USB keyboard attached.


The BIOS release has been validated on the following operating systems:
1. Microsoft Windows XP

===================================================================
=================== End of A21 Release Notes =====================
===================================================================


Systems: Dell Inspiron 5100/1100 Series
Version: A20
Build Date: 07/16/2003


ATI Radeon 7500 Video BIOS version is 8.005.000.007
Intel Video BIOS version 2980


Initial release of the BIOS


The BIOS release has been validated on the following operating systems:
1. Microsoft Windows XP

===================================================================
=================== End of A20 Release Notes =====================
===================================================================

On Wed, 25 Aug 2004 10:32:15 -0400, Jim T. wrote:

> I have a Dell Inspiron 5100 that still has the original Phoenix bios -
> You can't update to the latest bios from Dell without first installing
> an intermediate one that changes from Phoenix to Dell.
> Should I bother to go through this? The thing seems to work OK as is,
> but I'm about to add wireless to it.