Hi there everyone,

1st post so here goes!

Few days ago I tried to update the video bios on Geforce 4200 to go 64Mb on my Inspiron 8500. I was using the latest available bios from the Dell Europe support Web site. I was trying to apply the update from within WinXP. I know after reading in these forums that was a big mistake. Went to apply the update, the window was showing that the bios was in the process of flashing. It seemed to be doing it for a long time so as you do I started to get a little concerned! Anyway after a good while 15 minutes or so I looked and it was still saying that it was flashing!!! Knowing this could/should not be possible seeing the eeprom is not that big a memory space I hit Ctrl+Alt+Del for Task manager. Task manager was showing that the process had stopped responding. Now I am starting to get really worried. Anyway I went away for another 15 mins to see if it would right itself. Came back still showing not responding. I thought at that point I'll just stop the process and try install after reboot. Did that and 8500 not booting at all. Now devastated! On trying to power up hard disk spins up then you hear a click like when you shutdown, no bios at startup, no option to go into bios, no display, nothing.

Stuff I have done so far:
i. checked memory chips - reseated etc.
ii. checked suspend key not sticking on keyboard.
iii. removed button control panel from top of keyboard (one with power buttons, volume control etc) to check the lcd display dip switch was not stuck down (as when closed lid).
iv. checked hard drive (as above) removed/reinstalled.
v. while button panel I noticed the copper heat pipe was getting warm. If I left the 8500 powered on it would get hotter and hotter and processor fan would start up so i'm guessing the processor is OK?
vi. totally disassembled unit to check for loose connections. None I could see!

Don't know what else to do! I'm considering buying a new Graphics card and seeing if that solves the problem but don't want to keep buying new parts if I'm just stabbing in the dark. Could end up v/expensive.

Any help much appreciated and desperately needed!

Best regards, Dan UK.

P.S. I'm out of warranty, and Dell Euro support were no help!

Does anyone out there have any idea's where I go from here? Thinking of breaking down the 8500 for parts including:

WUXGA 1920x1200
A Gig pc2100 DDR266 memory (2x 512Mb)
24 speed CD/RW internal writer
30Gb Fujitsu HDD @ 4200 (original HDD)
60Gb Hitachi Travelstar 7200rpm brand new (bought as thought had hard drive failure)
Mobo (if it works)
Geforce 4200 to go 64Mb (if it works)
Pentium 4M @ 2.2Ghz
Keyboard / Touchpad
Power supply
Battery
Casing - silver
All wiring...

There you go one very upset Dell customer

Well, you are limited for options. You will need to purchase a new video card in order to use the laptop again, you are much better off doing this rather than scrapping for parts because you would get so little.... at least if you had video it could be sold as a complete package. So, your option is to scour ebay for a video card, or order one from Dell Europe to replace the broken one... it won't exactly be cheap but it is a lot less than buying a new lappy! You don't necessarily have to buy that same card either, if you want to save some cash, or even upgrade, you can use any of the following cards:

- 32MB or 54MB GeForceFX 5200Go
- 64MB Mobility Radeon 9000
- 64MB Geforce4 4200Go
- 128MB GeforceFX 5650Go (will require heat mod)
- 128MB Mobility Radeon 9600 PRO TURBO (will require heat mod)

There are also several CAD based cards (Quadro) that you could use, but they are a lot more expensive and not worth getting unless you do CAD work.

Thanks 4 Ur comments sakor1...

I managed to get hold of a ATI Mobility Radeon 9600 to try on the 8500 from a friend and it booted up just fine. I didn't mod it just tried it to see if it was the card for sure.

Problem I have now is I cannot find a card anywhere. Tried Dell Europe and they said they haven't got any in stock. (So what happens then if you have a new machine under warranty then the video card goes? I bet they can find one then!) Tried numerous sources on the net including eBay and various companies in Europe. No joy.

If anyone can source one of these cards for me then post reply here please.....

Regards Dan

If the notebook was bought thru dell then Dell Spare Parts in europe would gladly sell you one sadly im not sure how you can contact them in Europe. Look for the owners manual you should be able to locate a number that can eventually lead you to Dell Spare parts in Europe. Good Luck

Thanx DELL-Machina,

Notebook was bought through Dell and have spoken to Dell Europe by first calling their technical support dept to report the problem. They passed me on to their parts department. The guys there seem to not want to sell me the Radeon 9600 card I want. Obviously they know I have a 8500 and are don't seem willing to sell me the card for my lappy. Might keep trying with technical support see if they will eventually give. Or might try a little lying by telling them I have an 8600 with faulty card.

Will keep you posted...

Regards, Dan.