BIOS Question

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Viwithingor84

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Hey guys. I have a question regarding the editing of my current bios. I'm fairly new to the entire windows vista tweaking scene, so you may have to indulge me somewhat. I'm running windows vista home basic with the default BIOS configuration (pheonix bios, version 2.3.0). I was under the impression that there were a host of settings, both basic and arcane, that were available for editing in all BIOS setups. However, this bios menu has probably 5-10 settings that are readily visible. The dell support team is no help (According to the official book keepers at the Guiness institute, this is currently the largest surprise of the century). There is a "password" section which i'm halfway convinced leads to more setting configuration possibilities. Additionally, I believe there is at least one upgrade available at Dell.com, therefore I may need to upgrade before I attempt anything. Would anyone care to lend some expertise regarding the process as a whole (flashing, configuring, upgrading)?

Much appreciation,
Landon O' (feckin') Leary
 
Find out the model and make of the motherboard in your PC by either booting up the PC and checking the information or opening up the case and checking the motherboard directly for something that say "Gigabyte GA-5224665" or whatever.

Flashing your bios should maybe open up the settings as some motherboard makers can restrict it but with the bios update, you pretty much resetting it - just be very very careful.

New motherboards are fairly safe, they wont really allow you to flash the board without yelling at you REALLY hard if its not sure if its the correct bios, older motherboards u shouldn'jt flash because they'd let you use any bios update and then your mobo would be dead.
 
Seems it will be a dell propriety mobo so there is going to be no oc'ing possible, same with hp etc :(
 
my specs

Upgrading/replacing my BIOS with the most current version requires "flashing", correct? I'm using an inspiron notebook that I bought mid-2007.

As far as my motherboard is concerned, it's one of those video card integrated types I believe...I'm delegated to merely listing off all pertinent motherboard information and hoping I sink the battleship at some juncture. It's an ATI xpress 200 (RS480). "model" is 0UW744. According the computer manual, the system chipset reads as "ATI RS485/RS485M/SB600". Any of this working for you?
 
Here goes some info for you:

According to Dell and a bit of tinkering on my side, this is the latest BIOS available for your machine http://support.euro.dell.com/support/downloads/download.aspx?c=za&l=en&s=gen&releaseid=R174470&formatcnt=1&libid=0&fileid=236967. It's 2.6.3 as you mentioned in your PM.This can be run from the desktop. There aren't any "hidden" features in the bios itself, even on the security tab. It simply allows you to password protect the BIOS so that no one else can fiddle with it and change settings. On the system response side, there isn't much that this BIOS allows you to tweak, it has the normal "fast boot" options, like displaying the logo during boot up, etc but that doesn't mean squat. Also, because this BIOS is made by Pheonix, you could possibly run "hyperspace" discussed here (http://www.wired.com/techbiz/it/news/2007/11/phoenix). I have run this app and it works in reducing boot times, but I have NOT run this app on a Dell laptop, so if you want to go this route, do alot of reading first. This app is also not a magic bullet. Inspiron's, in my experience, tend to be sluggish. They still get the work done though. Hope this helps, a bit.

BTW, there is also a firmware update available for you DVD writer.

Regards,
Morne
 
so

ARgh....that's bastardizing to my soul. So is there anything I can do to improve my post-boot performance significantly with my current bios settings available for configuration? I can post them if it helps (or repeat them from memory, considering they're so few lol). I know it's a mediocre factory piece of work, but there has to be something. Hell, I'd even be up for buying RAM. Any moderately cost-effective suggestions?
 
Usually brand name PC's have bios interfaces that are dumbed down. Less support hassles that way, I imagine. :p
 
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