## Note: There are risks associated with BIOS updates. Follow this process at your own peril. ##

1. Create a DOS bootable USB stick on your Windows computer
1a] Download USBDOS tools from the end of this guide.
1b] Unzip and run HPUSBFW with a spare/empty USB stick plugged in. Select 'Fat32' & 'Create a DOS startup disk', and point the 'Using DOS system files' to a systemfiles folder wherever you unzipped USBDOS.zip. I used WinMe, but either will work.
1c] Download the BIOS update utility from Dell (select DOS Version) and save it to your USB stick: Drivers & Downloads

2. Flash your BIOS
2a] Make sure your Mini 10v is plugged in to power.
2b] Boot the Mini 10v from USB stick.
2c] Run the BIOS update utility by typing the file name and then the force options - in my case "R225278.exe /forceit /forcetype" (without quotes)
2d] The utility will run, beeping loudly (!do not try this in the middle of the night or when wife's favourite TV show is playing nearby!) for several minutes while displaying progress.
2e] System will reboot. If successful, you now have A04 BIOS. If not, you now have a borked Mini 10v. May I suggest... doorstop? :-P

Credits
Dashken: Creating A DOS Bootable USB Key (All-in-One Package) - Dashken's I-Blog
Drumma92: http://www.mydellmini.com/forum/dell...html#post92205

Edit: It turns out that although the HPUSBFW supports a wide variety of USB sticks, some have incompatible chips. In that case, you can try the MKBT (2nd) method from here:
Creating A DOS Bootable USB Key (The Easy Way) - Dashken's I-Blog

[Zirus69]

Thanks for this Guide but is it also possible to downgrade from A06 to A05 or first downgrade from A06 to A04 and update to A05?

Maybe U can update this to your guide?

[R3Y3S]

Once I downgrade my bios. And after installing all the osx updates. Can i upgrade my bios once again to A06?

[danwan]

As I am a MAC only user and I don't have a PC so I have no experience at all in this system I followed your guide in these steps:

formatted a 14 GB stick as FAT32

Downloaded the USBDOS tools with HP desktop machine and put them in a folder in the desktop called "danwan"

Downloaded the DOS driver A04 from the dell site

Run the HPUSBFW app choosing at first the ME system files from my folder where I unzipped the USBDOS tools

Followed the instructions and copy the DOS file in the stick.

In the Mini 10v booting from the memory stick I read only as follows:

the Windows millenium copyright infos
then

C:\>

What do I do next?


maybe this is an error in which case how can I solve it?


Thanks a lot

[Crisu]

Hello!

First it is important, the mini10v is plugged in to power.

Now we go back to the this step, you have mentioned:

"In the Mini 10v booting from the memory stick I read only as follows:

the Windows millenium copyright infos
then

C:\>

Ok, have you copied the Dell A04-Bios to your USB-stick?
Which name has the filename of the bios?? Do you know the name??? Please note down, which name the file has

Ok, where C:\> is prompted, you have only to type:

filename.exe /forceit /forcetype

(the name of the filename is maybe R225274.exe, but you have to look for it)

The utility will run, beeping loudly ... wait until all is done. It will last perhaps 5 minuted.

This should work!

[Crisu]

Originally Posted by R3Y3S

Once I downgrade my bios. And after installing all the osx updates. Can i upgrade my bios once again to A06?

This is a interesting question. Does anybody know??

And other question: is Bios A06 available for DOWNLOAD??
I can't find it on the Dell-Homepage. Only the version A04 I can find.

But I think A04 is very stable.
What is the advantage to upgrade to Bios A06

[Skiz]

Ummm... now what?

I followed the tut perfectly.

http://i36.tinypic.com/2m6sgtt.jpg

I downloaded the same file as you had from Dell.

[Max_Carnage]

You downloaded the windows bios update utility.

Try the DOS one.

[Skiz]

Originally Posted by Max_Carnage

You downloaded the windows bios update utility.

Try the DOS one.

Are you sure? It has the exact same file name as the example in the tutorial...

I'm not doubting you, I just don't want to have a doorstop.

[Max_Carnage]

Yes, I'm sure.

You want R225278.exe from here:
Dell - Support