Dear All
Thank you all for the contributions. I think we have reached the end.
First let me mention that the BIOS version mentioned in the BIOS is A02.
The later version is A05 and found here.
https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-uk/product-support/servicetag/0-YXhUR091TFhQWVdkR0VXeUY0cTREQT090/drivers
This is the version I downloaded. It is ten years after A02.
I managed to put ReactOS onto my memory stick. I did this as an
experiment unconcerned with the later issue of how to execute the BIOS
upgrade file. It did not boot. It got stuck at around the same stage
as the boot from the DVD.
So I decided that it was slightly easier to put back Windows 7.
I used gparted to wipe the HDD
I installed Windows 7, the original OS that was on the laptop when it
was purchased, all those years ago.
I copied the BIOS update version A05 file onto the HDD.
I executed it with a double click
I got the usual messages about closing all other programmes
I clicked OK
Nothing happened. I waited patiently for a few minutes.
I have done BIOS upgrades in the past. I expected to see something
happen. There was no screen going blank, no reboots, nothing.
I booted into the BIOS and the version was the same A02.
I rebooted back into Windows 7
Well, I am at at a loss. Assuming that is the end of the matter my next
option is to reinstall Kubuntu and see if VMware works where VirtualBox
did not.
Along the way I have learned about the tools that allow you to take a
file out of a compressed file, edit it and put it back. So I got
something out of this. This is a superb work horse of a laptop, silent,
robust, fast and very reliable. It will serve me well for years to come
and with Linux/WINE and perhaps VMWare I am not at a loss for
compatibility with my favourite Windows applications.
Thanks again everyone
Best wishes
Stephanos
On 09/04/2021 22:12, Liam Proven wrote:
On Fri, 9 Apr 2021 at 21:41, tom ehlert <t...@drivesnapshot.de> wrote:
It is safe but will not solve your problem. The BIOS updater .EXE is a
Windows program, and will only run on Windows.
Tom, do not guess. Check, be sure, before you post.
Here is the BIOS update:
https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-uk/drivers/driversdetails?driverid=r281635&lwp=rt
Note what it says:
«
This file format consists of a BIOS executable file. The Universal
(Windows/MS DOS) format can be used to install from any Windows or MS
DOS environment.
»
EXE is the file format for Windows (and OS/2) as well as DOS, you know.
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