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Acer BIOS

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I need to download a BIOS update for DOS for an Acer veriton M261, Windows XP, but windows is not working, The BIOS on their website is for windows only. The PC sticks at ‘Verifying DMI pool data’, whether the hard drive is connected or not.

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Clarifications

In reply to Acer BIOS

Clarifications

See Link

In reply to Acer BIOS

http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000474.htm

This issue can be caused by any of the below reasons.

Corrupt boot files on the computer.
Settings for hard drive are not correct.
Floppy diskette or CD in computer causing issue.
Boot devices not set properly.
BIOS corrupt or misc. setting not set properly.
Connections loose or disconnected.
Bad hard drive or other bad hardware.

Reponse To Answer

In reply to See Link

thanks for your help. This fault is with or without HD connected, but I will try your other suggestions

Why Do You Need a New BIOS?

In reply to Acer BIOS

Yes, the BIOS downlaod and BIOS installer on the ACER website is for a Windows based Flash program. So you do need to be able to boot into Windows to run the Flash program to update the BIOS.

My primary question is why do you want to update the BIOS?

A BIOS update will seldom repair a no-boot issue for Windows.

If the thought is that the CMOS data is corrupt, Flashing the BIOS is NOT the first step to take. You need to locate the clear CMOS jumper, set it, then hit the power button, reset the jumper and then power up again and enter BIOS setup.

CAUTION: An improper BIOS update can make it so your computer cannot be repaired.
If you do not have the knowledge and skill to verify the correct BIOS and load process, you should NOT attempt to update your BIOS!!!!!

Now, if you do have a corrupt system BIOS, the first step is to see if you can boot to a boot floppy.

If you cannot boot to a command prompt using the floppy drive, you have no method to change the BIOS.

If you can boot with a floppy, then you need to determine which BIOS manufacture ACER used. Award, AMI, Phoenix.

You can copy the BIOS companies DOS mode Flash software onto your bootable floppy, and copy the .BIN file from the ACER download.
Boot from the floppy and run the flash program.

But again, I have SERIOUS doubts that a BIOS update will fix your computer.

Odds are that your motherboard has suffered a hardware failure and you will need to replace it or your system.

Keep in mind that you have less than 2 years left before Microsoft stops support for XP. Rather than repairing this computer, it might be better to put your money into a new Windows 7 system.

Chas

Reponse To Answer

In reply to Why Do You Need a New BIOS?

thanks for your help, for just 2 years it is worth it, but then even without Microsoft, XP will still work with a good Internet Security. I take your point about the motherboard, this was the last hope before replacing it.

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