Dell Optiplex and Latitude BIOS

Keep your BIOS (basic input output system) current. Most people know to keep their operating system and programs up to date. Yet, most users overlook keeping the BIOS current.

What is BIOS?

BIOS is the software that runs the computer without using the operating systems or other programs.

What is my BIOS version?

When you start your computer, one of the first screens to appear is the BIOS screen. The BIOS version will be displayed on this page. Go to you computer manufacturer’s web site and find if your version is the most current. Most manufacture web sites have downloadable BIOS files with instructions for updating your BIOS.
Here is a list of Dell computers that I work with and their current BIOS version.

Dell BIOS Versions.

Updated May 10, 2008
Current BIOS for Dell Optiplex GX110, GX240, GX260, GX270, GX280, GX620, Optiplex 745, Optiplex 755 and Dell Latitude D410, D420, D430, D600, D610, D620, D630, D800, D810, D820 and D830.
As of May 10, 2008.

Optiplex
Model / BIOS Version
GX110 / A09
GX150 / A11
GX240 / A05
GX260 / A09
GX270 / A07
GX280 / A08
GX620 / A11
745 / 2.6.1
755/ A09

Latitude
Model / BIOS Version
D410 / A06
D420 / A05
D430 / A03
D600 / A16
D610 / A06
D620 / A08
D630 / A06
D800 / A13
D810 / A05
D820 / A07
D830 / A06

Current BIOS for Dell Optiplex GX110, GX240, GX260, GX270, GX280, GX620, Optiplex 745, Optiplex 755 and Dell Latitude D410, D420, D430, D600, D610, D620, D630, D800, D810, D820 and D830.

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Almost every day, I work on computers where the hard drive fails. The failure often leaves the user in a state of panic. Why panic? They usually do not have their data backed-up. It is frustrating to me that they have no back-up of data when they have a CD/DVD burner, flash drive, or access to a server for storing data.

Why hard drives fail? The question is not really why, buy when. Hard drives are man-made and will fail at some point. Hard drives are susceptible to heat, humidity, dust, electromagnetism, static electricity, and rough handling.

Your data can become corrupt or lost due to a hard drive failure. Data can also become corrupt because of an improper shut down, poorly written software, viruses, and mechanical issues.

Myth: I will know when my hard drive is about to fail. Truth: Maybe not. There are systems like SMART that will give a warning before hard drive failure. However, even if you have SMART enabled in your BIOS, you may have an unexpected failure.

Your system may give you some signs that the hard drive is about to fail. For example: unusual hard drive noises, unexpected shut downs, BSOD (blue screen of death), error messages, files/data disappear, and file folder name changes.

What to do if you receive any signs of failure? If you hear unusual noises, shut the system down immediately. Turning off the system may allow any remaining life in the drive to be used for backing up data. In case of other signs: Back up your data!

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