A few Dell update files not launching

[Ozpa]

Hello everyone!

We have bought my gf a new Dell Inspiron N5010 (i3-350, 4GB RAM, 500GB HDD, Radeon 5470, 15.6' etc etc.) laptop a few days ago. I was downloading and installing the dell drivers from their page but a I can't get the BIOS update and the DVD-ROM firmware update to work (as if the downloads are damaged).

I have a few Dell downloads that I can't get to work:

Dell Inspiron N5010 System BIOS ( link )
PLDS DS-4E1S 12.7 Tray BD-Combo ( link ) (DVD-ROM firmware)

I've read the instructions and the files don't launch/work like described. I'm using Win7 64-bit Ultimate and WinRAR 3.93 64-bit.

I tried using WinXP SP3 and Vista SP2 compatability modes on the files and launching them from Desktop and Total Commander (which I use all the time).

 

[Bill2]

Two bits of advice for you.

1) DO NOT use compatibility mode on the bios update.

2) Listen to what your system is saying. If the bios is getting rejected there may be an issue. Contact Dell.

3) Bios updates are not essential, unless A09 offers added functionality, you can continue happily with the current bios.

 

[Ozpa]

Yea, you're right, it's not necessary but I like my stuff up to date :-(
I guess I'll contact Dell then.

 

[Bill2]

Ya, contact dell. See the thing with bios updates is just because they have a higher version number doesnt mean they'll necessarily do your computer any good. E.g. I have a dell studio xps 1645 and its current bios is A12, but most chaps on the dell community forums believe A09 is the best version for this model. Go carefully through the changelog of the bios update and see what advantages it offers over your current version.

 

[kword88]

you could try redownloading the files. and read the installation instructions. the is usually a small utility for installing BIOS updates and you may have to put both on removable media and install it when you reboot your computer, before windows loads. although i seem to remember flashing a BIOS from within windows awhile ago, 99% of the time was the way i described.

 

[hotbowler]

Speaking of Dell Bios. The Bios for my desktop is A03 (7/7/2006) and according to Dell this is the latest version.
I have made a few changes from the original configuration and am wondering if there is an update available or if I really need one. Everything seems to be running fine and have had no problems, just don't know if it could do better.
Originally this came with 512MB Ram, nVidia GeForce 6800, 160GB SATA HD, Windows XP, Sound Blaster Live. See system specs for current configuration.
Just looking for an opinion.
Thanks

 

[Bill2]

A03 IS the latest for your computer, so theres nothing to update to. I have an old Fujitsu, latest bios for that is 2005. Theres nothing you can do, after a while mobo manufacturers stop releasing new updates for outdated models.

 

[hotbowler]

Thanks

 

[Ozpa]

Oooooook.. today I redownloaded the 2 files (BIOS update and DVD-ROM firmware) and I noticed the file icon is no longer the generic "file" icon but has changed to Dell driver icon. This made me smile as I thought the file would work now and it did! (updating BIOS atm on the laptop)

ALSO, the DVD-ROM firmware zip file size has changed in size (I had the old versions of files saved) and I can open it now! Seems like Dell has updated/changed the files to work now!

I swear I had re-downloaded those files plenty of times yesterday and I'm almost sure it's Dell's fault. I had UAC disabled and everything I run has admin rights so it really felt weird having such problems.

I guess you can never count out that there can be faults "on the other side"

Lesson learned.