Comments on: Dell Inspiron 530 BIOS Updated

By: Christopher Price

Christopher Price — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 16:47:21 +0000

Angry, I assure you, whoever that is… it isn’t me. That’s not my eBay user name to begin with.

I’ve picked a lot of hokey names in the past for products and services, but I don’t think I’d ever call a company “Reboot Computer Tech”.

By: angry

angry — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 18:13:00 +0000

Beware of Chris Price of Reboot Computer Tech a.k.a. 2sznuff on Ebay. He is a lowlife who likes to scam and trash competitors.

By: Dave Big

Dave Big — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 05:25:11 +0000

Hi there, alot of great info here. I’ve been doing alot of reading today regarding the hardware virtualization setting on the CPU. I work from home and have been using a SRD (secure remote desktop) and a VPN connection for work ok for quite awhile until having troubles this wk. My company’s tech support said my problem is the hardware virtualization setting being NO/disabled. He wasn’t sure what could’ve changed it or how I could’ve worked so long with it like that but said it’s gotta be changed. He’s also a bit limited on how aggressive of steps he could give me, hence my research today.
I have a inspiron 530 with intel pentium duel cpu e2 160 @1.80 ghz. I have BIOS version 1.0.5 and I looked all through there and did not find the VT setting to change. Further readings almost had me convinced to try upgrading my BIOS to 1.0.18 but after reading this I’m glad I hesitated. The only change I’ve made to my system is a new PCI video card so mostly factory PC.

So my questions would be….

What’s the easiest way to reset the HW VT to YES or enabled?

If it does involve upgrading my BIOS which version after 1.0.5 has the fewest problems and will offer this setting to reset?

What’s the safest way to upgrade the BIOS and what can I expect afterwards? IE total OS wipe so total rebuild, or problems with current downloads/files no longer being compatable with new config, etc etc.

The company tech guy suggested either a repair shop or new PC but I thought I would at least try myself first. I’m willing to take a risk since a new PC is already looming but I would obviously like to get some more use out of this PC before investing in new PC.

thanks for all the great info and look forward to seeing more.

By: Brett

Brett — Wed, 11 May 2011 05:59:13 +0000

Dano – I have the exact same problem as well. Fan runs at full blast after warm reboots.. I too have had this problem with no fix since 2008 when I purchased it. Please update us if you come up with a resolution.. I will continue looking as well.

Thanks again,
Brett

By: new orleans computer repair

new orleans computer repair — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 06:00:02 +0000

I concur with Danno, it’s a stupid and strange numbering system.

Which one is the latest. 1.0.18 or 1.02?

By: danno

danno — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 17:22:26 +0000

I’m still having the random occurrence of the CPU fan running at max speed after warm reboots. This has occurred from the time I bought this back in 8/08, and now with BIOS ver 1.0.18. When I went to Dell’s website and entered my service tag, it showed latest BIOS ver as 1.0.18, so I assume that it properly detected the motherboard version.

Would ver 1.0.16 fix this problem? I don’t recall the original BIOS version back in 8/08, so I can only guess.

Strange numbering system – I would think that 1.0.18 is newer than 1.0.2. Since this fan problem has been widely reported for a long time since 1.0.18 and Dell has done nothing, I assume that they’ve abandoned support for this computer.

By: Rob

Rob — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 21:25:56 +0000

@Dave

I have just upgraded to 1.0.18 and I have 6gb RAM running successfully on Vista Business 64bit. Before the BIOS update, the system was only seeing 3gb in dxdiag and task manager.

By: Kelly

Kelly — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 02:32:47 +0000

I have a 530s which Ive used for about 4 months and after the last Windows vista updates ran the computer has been stuck on the Dell splash screen. It states Im using Bios 1.0.15 – I have tried unplugging it, reseating the hard drive, etc. I ran the diagnostic test which came back all tests passed and have also tried to use the reinstallation dvd for vista- but it cannot find any drivers on my pc. Any ideas? BTW I bought it 2 yrs ago and only recently started using it so my warranty is up.

By: Christopher Price

Christopher Price — Sat, 25 Dec 2010 09:19:59 +0000

I would upgrade the BIOS regardless of PSU. A BIOS that old is just increasing the potential for crashes and glitches. Especially if you are going to upgrade your CPU, having the latest BIOS is essential.

I wouldn’t bother with a motherboard upgrade on an Inspiron.

By: Gary

Gary — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 07:12:50 +0000

Hey Chris,
Wondering if there’s a simple answer to this question:
I’m currently running an Inspiron 530 (1.66MHzCPU*300wPSU), all equipment is factory original, except for the graphics card which I installed (ATIx1650PRO) and 4x1GB RAM.

I’m not at a point where I can spend money on a new system, but I’d like to upgrade a bit for recreational gaming purposes.
I don’t play around with any “overclocking”, etc. Just want to be able to play a couple of new games that are out, which I don’t believe this system can handle (CIV5, which I’ve tried, and I know there’s some lag, BIOSHOCK2, and Fallout NewVegas).

Would like to do a couple of upgrades, maybe extend the useful life of this system by a couple years, and allow me to save up to buy a new/future system as far out as possible.

So, the 1st upgrade I’m looking at is to install an ATX 650W PSU
THE QUESTION IS: I know the BIOS is factory original (1.0.2)….do I need to upgrade it for the new PSU?

Next upgrade would be an ATI 5770 graphics card.
Then, if by that point I haven’t turned the system into a steaming pile of slag, I’d begin contemplating a CPU/MOBO update.

Would apprecaite your answer to the BIOS question first and foremost, then any thoughts you have on my approach.
I’ve priced things out, and can do the PSU and graphics card updates for about $200.

Anticipate the CPU/MOBO being another $150-200, and then (if it’s required), updating from XP to W7 for another, what, $100+change?

Thanks?