Older systems may benefit from a bios update but don't rush into that yet. As for memory, more than likely 512mb stick is too much for that older systems, probably 256mb per slot is it. However, you should check the Dell support website for details/specs on that model system. Use the serial to proceed or just the model number, once to get the proper page, review it. You can also get the bios update for later action, but not now, at least make the system work before doing that and *save* the old bios data when prompted and have a good floppy ready for all this. Of course check all cabling, pin-1 to pin-1 ordination, master/slave setup, older bios reflects that, maybe battery status(old battery) and take 1-step at a time until it boots and shows, OK.
good luck -----Willy ":)"
Greetings,
I will try to be as brief as possible...
I am trying to do a favor for a friend of mine by upgrading his hard drive & memory on his existing computer - which is an old Dell Optiplex with a GX1 350 motherboard. I am not familiar with Dell products, but as far as I can tell, the BIOS version is A04(?).
I am having fits trying to install a 20GB Seagate Barracuda hd (7200rpm)and 512K RAM.
I guess my questions are:
1) Can this motherboard handle a 20GB hd?? And if so, how is it "found"? The error at post prompts me that "no primary hard drive can be found on 0".
2) I have put a 512K pc133 stick of RAM in this machine & it won't even boot. Too much??
3) Should I "flash" this board & try again?? Is that going to help?
I have tried running this Seagate with jumpers in all positions, but to no avail. Right now, I have the original 3.2GB hard drive running as C: (the master on 0) & the Seagate running fine as E: (the slave on 1).
I have Windows2000 Pro installed on both drives & can boot from the Seagate E:...which would be fine if I could delete the partition on C: & reformat it...or take it out entirely.
How do I get the BIOS to recognize the Seagate as my "primary" drive?
Thanks much for any & all responses...they are greatly appreciated.
Humble Dude

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