Computer issues

[Aquarius0015]

Thanks for the advice pl*co. After SpyBot the problems cleared up.

1. I'll continue to run Ad-Aware regularly. It gets updated every time I run it.

2. I have no choice but to have Norton AV because my school's network bigwigs say that you have to or you don't get to use the network.

3. I defragged once already this month.

I haven't added any new programs lately except for OpenOffice. I definitely have NOT installed WeatherBug.

4. I have no idea where to get a BIOS update.

5.The runs on "low" all the time I think but once in a while it kicks into high gear, like when I'm playing a DVD.

6. I'll try the post-it note idea, thanks.

7. I've already tried the Dell site.

 

[pl*co]

Bios update

Good deal... SpyBot found the problem that was dragging your machine down.

Meanwhile, I visited the Dell support site at http://support.dell.com and clicked on Home or Home Office, then clicked on Downloads. From there, I selected your model laptop, OS, etc and selected FlashBios. Here is the one available:

Release Date: 07/15/2004
Description: Dell Inspiron 8500 A06 System BIOS.

There is also a link for Previous versions (before A06). You may want to scan through the descriptions to see if any of them address heating issues. I wouldn't download the latest just to have it, but Support will definately ask you if you have the latest (the latest usually includes all the previous updates), should you call them for help. Sounds like you know enough about your laptop to know the BIOS version, but just in case, you will see it flash on the bottom of the screen during bootup. If you miss it, you can go into Setup during the boot and see the version number there.

 

[Ayrianth]

Aquarius, you can update your bios at Dell's site most likely. If not, you'll have to find out who manufactured your mobo (motherboard) and go to their site. Make sure you have a back up power supply while doing the upgrade though. If you lose power during the upgrade, you're pretty well screwed. Unless of course you can find the jumper on the mobo to reset the bios. Better to be safe and use a backup power supply. If you don't have one, find the specs for your mobo first just in case.

 

[pl*co]

True. The update won't even fly if you are on battery.

 

[Ayrianth]

Aquarius, if you want to consider building your own machine in the future, there is an excellent step by step article in the new Maximum PC (Nov 2004 issue) mag this month.