How to update the bios of a Dell Optiplex GX280 with Windows XP?

Question

My computer BIOS for Dell Optiplex GX280 with XP Pro has been failing me miserably. So, I have decived to update/replace the BIOS. Now, my questions are: What files do I put on that bootable floppy? Where can I find those files? Any help and pointers will be gladly appreciated. Thank you!

Answer 1

You don't need a floppy.

Installation Instructions

The file GX280A07.exe is using the Universal (Windows/ DOS) format and is designed to be directly executed from Windows environment.

Click Download now.The File Download window appears.

Click the Save button.The Save As window appears.

Select Desktop using the drop-down menu to the right of Save in.

Click the Save button.A progress meter moves as the download is completed.

If necessary, click X in the upper right-hand corner of the Download Progress Window to close it upon completion.

NOTE: Shut down all other applications prior to running the BIOS update utility. The update utility reboots your system in order to get the new BIOS loaded.

Having said that, "XP Pro failing you miserably" is hardly related to an older BIOS, the reasons for that are usually to be found elsewhere.

Read the change log and decide if you really benefit from the upgrade.

Here is what the latest BIOS does:

1. Update Video Option ROM to version 1235.
2. Improve keyboard parser functionality.
3. Add Service Tag edit feature in Setup.
4. Improve detach support for USB keyboards.