Some Direct2Dell readers like SuriV and Kevin have reported problems booting their systems after updating their XPS 700 with the version 1.4.0 BIOS. We are currently researching the issue. XPS 710 users are not affected.
For the time being, if you are an XPS 700 customer who has seen this issue, you need to flash to an earlier version of the BIOS from a DOS prompt. Here’s how to do it:
- We have provided BIOS version 1.1.6 for download
- If the system is still bootable to Windows, click on the downloaded file and allow the system to compete the flash
If the system is not bootable to Windows, follow these steps:
- Create a bootable floppy disk from another Windows XP system: Open My Computer, right-click on the A:\ drive and choose Format.
- Choose Quick Format then Ok. Choose Create a MS-DOS Startup Disk and choose Ok.
- Copy the downloaded file to the floppy disk (DXG061-010106.exe). Right-click on the file and choose “Send To” and choose “3 1/2 Floppy (A:\)”. Leave the floppy in the drive.
- Power down the system
- Pull the power cord (keeping it removed for 10 seconds)
- Power on your system again
- Press F12 and when you see the options on the screen
- Use the keyboard arrows to select Onboard or USB Floppy Drive and press enter
- At the A:\ prompt, type DXG061–010106 –classic, then press <enter>. Follow the instruction to flash the BIOS
Dell engineering is working the issue. We hope to have an updated XPS 700 BIOS version soon.
Update (5/23): I know several of you are asking about when the updated version of the BIOS will be ready. Just heard from the development team that our goal is to have it ready by the end of the month. Thanks for your continued patience.