how safe is a BIOS flash? What are my disaster recovery options?

[Rahul]

I am debating whether to go in for a BIOS upgrade in the hope that my
Dell Laptop will finally recognize the new battery that I bought. (I got
some suggestions that said so)

This needs a BIOS flash, I believe. How safe is this? I found a DELL
doc. that gives me the desired update:
http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/download.aspx?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s
=bsd&releaseid=R158849&SystemID=INSPIRONI6400/E1505&servicetag=&os=BIOSA&
osl=en&deviceid=10430&devlib=0&typecnt=0&vercnt=9&catid=-1&impid=-1&forma
tcnt=1&libid=1&fileid=212350

If it goes wrong I guess I end up with an unbootable laptop? What are my
recovery options then? I did find some solutions online but most refer
to boot-disks! Who has floppy drives these days?!! Especially on a
laptop?

I just wanted to know all my options before I jump in!

Any opinions?

 

[Jim]

I am debating whether to go in for a BIOS upgrade in the hope that my
Dell Laptop will finally recognize the new battery that I bought. (I got
some suggestions that said so)

This needs a BIOS flash, I believe. How safe is this? I found a DELL
doc. that gives me the desired update:
http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/download.aspx?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s
=bsd&releaseid=R158849&SystemID=INSPIRONI6400/E1505&servicetag=&os=BIOSA&
osl=en&deviceid=10430&devlib=0&typecnt=0&vercnt=9&catid=-1&impid=-1&forma
tcnt=1&libid=1&fileid=212350

If it goes wrong I guess I end up with an unbootable laptop? What are my
recovery options then? I did find some solutions online but most refer
to boot-disks! Who has floppy drives these days?!! Especially on a
laptop?

I just wanted to know all my options before I jump in!

Any opinions?

If something goes wrong during flashing of the BIOS, you will have a very
expensive doorstop on your hands.
A desktop can be fixed with either a new BIOS chip (if the existing one is
replaceable) or a new motherboard.
A laptop can be fixed with a new motherboard, but it might be cheaper just
to buy a new laptop.

Jim

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

I am debating whether to go in for a BIOS upgrade in the hope that my
Dell Laptop will finally recognize the new battery that I bought. (I got
some suggestions that said so)

Did you ask Dell? I can't say for sure, but I doubt that a BIOS flash
would have an effect on this.

This needs a BIOS flash, I believe. How safe is this? I found a DELL
doc. that gives me the desired update:

Although a BIOS upgrade normally goes well, it is not without danger.
If something goes wrong while the upgrade is an progress (for example,
a lapse in power) you can be left with no BIOS at all, and an
unbootable computer.

Do a BIOS upgrade if you need to--because you are having a problem
that the new version is *known* to fix--not just because one is
available.

 

[Rahul]

Although a BIOS upgrade normally goes well, it is not without danger.
If something goes wrong while the upgrade is an progress (for example,
a lapse in power) you can be left with no BIOS at all, and an
unbootable computer.

Do a BIOS upgrade if you need to--because you are having a problem
that the new version is *known* to fix--not just because one is
available.

Thanks Ken! Here's the situation to be frank: My Dell Inspirion battery is
dead. I want to avoid being ripped off by paying twice the amount for an
"original" Dell battery since I can get a compatible battery for much
cheaper. As it is though, my Laptop refuses to recognise this battery that
I bought. I'm out of the Dell warrenty so that's not an issue.

THe battery vendor reccomened the BIOS flash upgrade as a potential
workaround. It might work. Or not. I've no clue.

So for the small probablity that my BIOS flash does screw up I want to
check what's next? Do I really end up with an "expensive doorstop"? Or are
there any solutions.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Thanks Ken! Here's the situation to be frank: My Dell Inspirion battery is
dead. I want to avoid being ripped off by paying twice the amount for an
"original" Dell battery since I can get a compatible battery for much
cheaper. As it is though, my Laptop refuses to recognise this battery that
I bought. I'm out of the Dell warrenty so that's not an issue.

THe battery vendor reccomened the BIOS flash upgrade as a potential
workaround. It might work. Or not. I've no clue.

I've never heard of flashing the BIOS solving such a problem, nor do I
know of any reason why it should. I suspect that the vendor is
grasping at straws, and the "compatible" battery really isn't
compatible.

But perhaps someone else here has been in a similar situation and
knows more about this than I do. You might want to wait for another
opinion.

So for the small probablity that my BIOS flash does screw up I want to
check what's next? Do I really end up with an "expensive doorstop"? Or are
there any solutions.

I once misflashed a BIOS (on a desktop). I ended up replacing the
motherboard.

 

[Rahul]

I've never heard of flashing the BIOS solving such a problem, nor do I
know of any reason why it should. I suspect that the vendor is
grasping at straws, and the "compatible" battery really isn't
compatible.

Thanks Ken! What you say makes perfect sense to me. Any clue at what
level these battery checks etc. are made? BIOS/ kernel etc? I've heard
of battery recalibration before but I cannot find these options in my
BIOS nor under system information (unless I'm not looking at the right
place!) Point is, my Windows XP definitely has a way of interacting with
this battery (battery meter, warnings etc.) What is the API or other
calls that it uses?

If its truly a compatibility issue its OK; but I don't think its beyond
Dell's sales tactics to just include software that tags as incompatible
everything other than official Dell batteries. If so, I'd like to know
if I can tell these situations apart.

But perhaps someone else here has been in a similar situation and
knows more about this than I do. You might want to wait for another
opinion.

The whole PC idea is founded on fungible parts. The fact that I bought a
IBM PC does not prevent me from adding a Samsung HDD or a Infinion RAM
Module. I'm just hoping someone here has a smart tweak for the battery
too! Any ideas are greatly appreciated; I'm willing to give them a try.
The thing's out of its warranty anyways!

I once misflashed a BIOS (on a desktop). I ended up replacing the
motherboard.

That's enough to scare me into avoiding this option. Not worth the
premium I'd pay on a "real" Dell battery. I still think Dell's being
pretty sneaky here though!

 

[Tommy]

Thanks Ken! Here's the situation to be frank: My Dell Inspirion battery
is
dead. I want to avoid being ripped off by paying twice the amount for an
"original" Dell battery since I can get a compatible battery for much
cheaper. As it is though, my Laptop refuses to recognise this battery that
I bought. I'm out of the Dell warrenty so that's not an issue.

THe battery vendor reccomened the BIOS flash upgrade as a potential
workaround. It might work. Or not. I've no clue.

So for the small probablity that my BIOS flash does screw up I want to
check what's next? Do I really end up with an "expensive doorstop"? Or are
there any solutions.

Rahul

Can you borrow a battery from someone with the same model?

Insert the battery, check out your complete system -ie do all the relevant
Dell support site updates. Check the state of the BIOS upgrade, whether it
is optional, urgent, critical etc. Unless it is critical I would also
advise to ignore. Play a DVD with the AC power lead un-attached.
'Flatten' the borrowed battery/ Until the machine goes blank. (you can
recharge it later

Switch back batteries.

Completely 'flatten' the new battery. Drain it. If your Inspiron is
working as per manufacturers spec, then the new battery should kickstart the
battery analysis. Of course the system may not start, but you will have
given the 'mechanism' the opportunity to charge the battery.

I have had Dells Laptops, our coy has a contract (Inspirons since 95) and
when/if batteries die it is usually because they are mishandled or
mistreated. I rarely use battery power, unless there is no AC available.
Half charging has its detrimental effect on batteries also - try to let
them run down to a low % before recharging. Much as they insist that they
are not memory sensitive like Mobile phone batteries are *^\/)

Cheers
Tommy

 

[Tommy]

level these battery checks etc. are made? BIOS/ kernel etc? I've heard
of battery recalibration before but I cannot find these options in my
BIOS nor under system information (unless I'm not looking at the right
place!) Point is, my Windows XP definitely has a way of interacting with
this battery (battery meter, warnings etc.) What is the API or other
calls that it uses?

I have only ever seen recal when a battery has totally died. Then you have
to go through the procedures as displayed on the window. PS AFAIK this is
not needed on later models. How old is your Dell. Is there a second-hand
shop near you. Some companies trash their old machines but hold onto the
batteries.

Seems a pity to have to buy a new one when its a minor detail. Vostros are
as cheap as 4 to 500 € (Euros) don't know what that is in dollars, less I
imagine.

Cheers
Tommy

 

[Bob Harris]

Many BIOS flash programs offer the option to make a copy of the old BIOS,
just in case. If offerred, do make the backup.

Some motherboards have an option to reset to a default, although that is
more for BIOS settings (such as involved with overclocking) than with the
BIOS itself.

Older PCs are "flashed" from a floppy boot disk. On newer ones a flash can
be initiated from within Windows, but it completes during a reboot.

The floppy option is probably safer, since it is independent of XP and its
quirks.

But, I tend to agree with others who question WHY one would expect a BIOS
flash to fix any battery problem.

Instead I suggest that you download any one of several free "live" LINUX
distributions that run from a CD; these do not install on the hard drive. I
like KNOPPIX, although that is a large download. Burn the image to CD and
reboot the PC with the CD inserted. If necessary make the CD drive appear
before th hard drive in the boot order. In a few minutes you should be
running LINUX. Now, does it still seem like you have a battery problem? If
not, then the real problem is XP, probably something to do with its power
management options.

 

[Rahul]

Thanks a lot for that detailed procedure Tommy! Here is what I did:

Can you borrow a battery from someone with the same model?

I had my original Dell Battery! Almost dead; gives me about 8
minutes still.

Insert the battery, check out your complete system -ie do all the
relevant Dell support site updates. Check the state of the BIOS
upgrade, whether it is optional, urgent, critical etc. Unless it is
critical I would also advise to ignore. Play a DVD with the AC power
lead un-attached. 'Flatten' the borrowed battery/ Until the machine
goes blank. (you can recharge it later

Was an "optional" BIOS upgrade. Hence did not do it like you advised.

Switch back batteries.

Yup. I put in my "new" Kahlon battery.

Completely 'flatten' the new battery. Drain it.

Cant!! It's already "flat". The moment I pull out my AC plug the laptop
dies.

If your Inspiron is
working as per manufacturers spec, then the new battery should
kickstart the battery analysis. Of course the system may not start,
but you will have given the 'mechanism' the opportunity to charge the
battery.

I don't know. Laptop works on AC power. Moment I pull out the plug it
conks off. Did I mis-read some part of your procedure Tommy?

Any other leads, guys!? I just checked the Dell website. Now they want to
sell me the original for 200$!! Unbelievable.And it has lesser Watt-hrs
than my Kahlon. Now I'm desperate to get this Kahlon battery working.

 

[Rahul]

I have only ever seen recal when a battery has totally died. Then you
have to go through the procedures as displayed on the window. PS
AFAIK this is not needed on later models. How old is your Dell.

I bought it in May 2006. So almost 2 years old.

Is
there a second-hand shop near you. Some companies trash their old
machines but hold onto the batteries.

Hmm....ebay? ;-)

Seems a pity to have to buy a new one when its a minor detail.
Vostros are as cheap as 4 to 500 € (Euros) don't know what that is in
dollars, less I imagine.

I know! Its ridiculous. That's why I'm dying for a solution!

 

[Rahul]

But, I tend to agree with others who question WHY one would expect a
BIOS flash to fix any battery problem.

I suspect the reason might be this: Dell seems to have proprietary BIOS
on there that does all sorts of strange sneaky checks and restrictions
etc. Maybe they forgot those in their later BIOSes or people forced them
to remove them. Or else I need a "clean" Award etc. BIOS. Not the hacked
"Dell" version!

Instead I suggest that you download any one of several free "live"
LINUX distributions that run from a CD; these do not install on the
hard drive. I like KNOPPIX, although that is a large download. Burn
the image to CD and reboot the PC with the CD inserted. If necessary
make the CD drive appear before th hard drive in the boot order. In a
few minutes you should be running LINUX. Now, does it still seem like
you have a battery problem? If not, then the real problem is XP,
probably something to do with its power management options.

Great idea there Bob! I downloaded the Knoppix distro and booted
successfully from a CD. Unfortunately the PC still dies when I get it
off AC Power. And the boot-time warning about "Unrecognized battery; will
not be able to charge it" persists. But I peeked in the
/proc/acpi/batter folder. Knoppix recognizes the battery. It even tells
me its design Amp-hrs etc. Unfortunately its current charge state seems
to be close to zero.

I think the chargers being told not to charge the battery. If I could
somehow circumvent that Linux would run off the battery. XP too perhaps!

 

[MAP]

I suspect the reason might be this: Dell seems to have proprietary
BIOS on there that does all sorts of strange sneaky checks and
restrictions etc. Maybe they forgot those in their later BIOSes or
people forced them to remove them. Or else I need a "clean" Award
etc. BIOS. Not the hacked "Dell" version!



Great idea there Bob! I downloaded the Knoppix distro and booted
successfully from a CD. Unfortunately the PC still dies when I get it
off AC Power. And the boot-time warning about "Unrecognized battery;
will not be able to charge it" persists. But I peeked in the
/proc/acpi/batter folder. Knoppix recognizes the battery. It even
tells me its design Amp-hrs etc. Unfortunately its current charge
state seems to be close to zero.

I think the chargers being told not to charge the battery. If I could
somehow circumvent that Linux would run off the battery. XP too
perhaps!

I flashed my BIOS a few years ago using the Dell download, it was very
painless.

 

[Tommy]

I bought it in May 2006. So almost 2 years old.

Hmm....ebay? ;-)

I know! Its ridiculous. That's why I'm dying for a solution!

Rahul

Duh... It seems to be a setting. Try control panel - system - Haedware -
hardware profiles - and make sure that "this is a portable computer" is
ticked. I don't know about others, but like doing a crossword I like the
thing to be in front of me. Have patience, someone here will 'remember'
where all the other settings are. There has to be a 'tick' unticked
somewhere if I could remember :-

I'm going to take out my 4 yr old dell, dust it off and try to fork it up

Cheers
Tommy

 

[Rahul]

Duh... It seems to be a setting. Try control panel - system - Haedware -
hardware profiles - and make sure that "this is a portable computer" is
ticked. I don't know about others, but like doing a crossword I like the
thing to be in front of me. Have patience, someone here will 'remember'
where all the other settings are. There has to be a 'tick' unticked
somewhere if I could remember :-

I'm going to take out my 4 yr old dell, dust it off and try to fork it up

Thanks for your help Tommy! The group has been really helpful so
far! But today I sent the battery back to Kahlon. I probably try
pacific battery or one of the other suppliers the guys recommended.
Dell; no way! Just too expensive! I'd rather buy a new Laptop than
pay Dell 200+$ for a battery!