Tried to fix problem as suggested by going into BIOS setup, but all I get is downloading 3 updates from windows which doesn't happen and then closes down, only to proceed exactly the same again... I cannot download the drivers needed to reboot BIOS of my Del Inspiron 531 Desktop

Check if UEFI is disabled after flash with newer BIOS version. If you flash BIOS the default settings gets loaded again. Check hard disk settings and boot settings.

No need to update bios if windows are normally run..!

Here is the link, some of the text is in Danish, but just press the download tab, and all of the useful text is in english.http://www.asus.dk/Motherboards/Intel_Socket_478/P4S800MX/#downloadGlobal
If you already have tried this download, are you sure this isn't the se version of the motherboard?
Regarding the usb and sound; first of all have you installed al the drivers supplied with the motherboard? If you have, then have you connected the internal usb pins to the external ports and tried every usb port including those on the back?
Unfortunately that is what I can suggest at this point... If that doesn't work, and updating the bios doesn't work, then I suggest resetting the motherboard.
Hope this helps

Hi jimi james

There are several widely known issues about the reliability and stability of Win 7 Starter after the installation of Updates.

It seems the Updates download was either corrupted, disrupted or incomplete, or the computer did not properly complete the restart/reconfiguration sequence after download and installation of the Updates, leading to a corruption of the System Files and the subsequent loss of speed and performance of which you complain.

Your girlfriend has a number of remedial options to try before considering the exercise of her Warranty rights, none of which will invalidate the Warranty.

OPTION 1
Resetting the BIOS within BIOS Setup, will not invalidate the Warranty.

Enter BIOS Setup at the first POST Screen by tapping F2 or Del > Advanced > Set Default Values > F10 > Yes > Enter.

OPTION 2
Restore the computer to a time and date before the relevant Updates download.

Launch the Web Browser > go to:

http://www.eusing.com/free_registry_cleaner/registry_cleaner.htm (www.eusing.com) >

download and install Eusing Free Registry Cleaner 2.8 > Skip > Scan > Repair.

Start > (All) Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore > select a highlighted date on the Calendar to the left and an event in the Event Schedule to the right that both precede the relevant Updates download > Restart the computer > Start > (All) Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Clean Up > tick all items in the list including Downloaded Programs > OK > Yes > Restart the computer > Start > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter > Defragment all partitions now (sequentially) > Restart the computer > test the computer's speed, stability and performance.

OPTION 3
Uninstall all the relevant Updates and attempt a further, uncorrupted first session of Updates Download and Installation (ideally using a wired LAN/Ethernet/RJ45 Cable between the computer and a landline Broadband (Router/)Modem, rather than either wirelessly or with a USB Modem (later Updates downloads can be over WiFi or USB Modem).

Start > Control Panel > Category View > Check for Updates > View Update History > Installed Updates > highlight relevant Updates > Remove or Uninstall > Restart the computer > Start > Control Panel > Check for Updates > Check for Updates > Restart the computer > test the computer's speed, stability and performance.

Maintain a regular 'spring cleaning' schedule of Registry Cleaning, Defragmentation and Disk Clean Up (remember to untick Program Files and leave them unticked from then on).

I hope this helps.

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Hi,

According to your problem first check the hard drive status and make sure that it is ok. If it doesn't detect in bios setup then you can change the cable of the hard drive. Also make sure that the DVD Rom working fine. If the hard drive doesn't detect while you begin setup then clear the bios first. Then reset the bios properly. You may need a firmware update also. If you can not continue the setup then break the partition of the hard drive. You can use partition break up software, like partition magic etc also. If it doesn't solve your problem then you may need to replace the hard drive. To check the hard drive status you can try with another OS installation. Best of luck.

Hi there,

Usually if this happens you have one of the 2 possible problems.

1. The power adapter, if you're computer has the capability to detect the power adapter in the BIOS try checking if it will be able to detect the adapter properly.

(try using an identical power adapter and see if it will work)

2. The battery, remove the battery and try to power the computer up without it and see if an error message saying that the adapter is not recognized or uknown adapter will come up.

A solution you might want to take is to update the BIOS version of your computer, you can do this by going to the laptop manufacturer's website choose the BIOS update download and install it.

NOTE: I suggest you do this with the help of a technician or a representative over the phone from your computer manufacturer to make sure that whatever happens you'll be safe.

Hope this helps!

http://majorgeeks.com/ASUS_Update_Utility__d4435.html
ASUS Update Utility - an utility that allows you to save, manage and update the motherboard BIOS
The ASUS Update is an utility that allows you to save, manage and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows® environment.
The ASUS Update utility allows you to:
· Save the current BIOS file
· Download the latest BIOS file from the Internet
· Update the BIOS from an updated BIOS file
· Update the BIOS directly from the Internet, and
· View the BIOS version information.
You need an Asus motherboard in your system.
Rules for Safe BIOS update:
1. For safety reasons, always use the most updated BIOS utility!
2. Do not overclock the system/CPU during BIOS update!
3. Load "Setup Default" in BIOS menu before BIOS Update.
4. Make sure you have "Administator" privilege on your Windows system (WinNT4/2000/XP).
5. Close all application programs under Windows.
6. Disable any existing Anti-Virus applications in the system.
7. Reboot the PC after the BIOS update is complete.
8. Switch on the PC and load "Setup Default" in BIOS again. Hope this helps

I have tried to install windows 7 onto a viao laptop and had similar problems with items not working and it seems that on some things, there is no fix, the only thing I can suggest would be to go to Sony's website, and try downloading the latest drivers from there, if there are no windows 7 drivers available then try the older ones in compatibility mode.

Step 1 .Reset the default BIOS settings:
You can try resetting the sound default in the BIOS. Here's how:
1. Turn the laptop on. When the Windows logo first appears, press the F1 key or Dell key repeatedly until you see the BIOS setup screen appear.
2. Press the F5 key ( Setup defaults). In some other PCs depending on the manufacturer the BIOS at start-up will have one of the default options that have names such as - ‘Load Fail-Safe Defaults’ and ‘Load Optimised Defaults’.You will have to choose ‘Load Optimised Defaults’
3. Select Yes or OK, then press the Enter key on your keyboard.
4. Press the F10 key, then select Yes or OK to save the default settings. Press Enter.
5. Exit the BIOS and restart your system checking for sound.
( For most system's entering the BIOS will be the same but if it differs for your system, consult the operating manual for instructions on entering the BIOS.)

If this doesn’t work go to step 2

Step 2 . Configuring on-board sound in the BIOS:

The on-board sound setting in the BIOS should be Enabled. To enter the BIOS, turn on the laptop and when the first screen appears, press the F1 key /Dell key repeatedly until the BIOS Setup screen opens. Use the LEFT and RIGHT ARROW keys to select the Advanced tab. Press the DOWN ARROW key to select Onboard Audio Options and press ENTER. If Onboard Audio Options is not available, select I/O Device Configuration and press ENTER. If Audio Codec is listed, select it and press ENTER. Select either Enabled or Disabled depending on your configuration and press ENTER. Press the F10 key and then press ENTER to save and exit Start Windows and check for sound. If there is still no sound, continue to the next Step.

Step 3 . Reload the current sound driver

To do this, follow these steps
1.Click Start, type Device Manager in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER.
2.In the Device Manager dialog box, expand Sound, video, and game controllers.
3.Locate the audio device that was included with the computer.
4.Right-click the device, and then click Properties.
5.Click the Driver tab.
6.Click Uninstall.
7.Make sure that the Delete the Driver Software for this device check box is cleared, and then click OK.
8.In the Device Manager dialog box, click the Action menu, and then click Scan for hardware changes.
You should see a message that a hardware device is being installed. Additionally, the uninstalled audio device is now present in Device Manager.
9.Close the Device Manager dialog box, and then determine whether you can hear sound.

If that doesnt work and you have an installation CD, the audio drivers should be on the disk.

If you don’t have the CD go to your computer manufactures web page to search for updated sound driver software. Read the instructions on the download pages carefully
before installing.

If there are no updated sound drivers available, use Microsoft's Windows Update feature. Connect to the Internet and try the following items until Windows Update opens:

1.Click Start, and then click Windows Update (if it is listed).
2.Click Start, click Settings, and then click Windows Update (if it is listed).
3.Click Start, click All Programs, and then click Windows Update (if it is listed).
4.Go to Microsoft's Web site and click Windows Update from the Downloads menu.

Check if the sound works now….if it still doesn’t work then most likely the sound card might be faulty.

Hi! and Welcome to Fixya,

just suggesting, in my own view, of how to troubleshoot USB problem.

BIOS Setup:

• restart your PC
• in booting process, press F2 or Delete tab, to show BIOS set up.
  
• in BIOS setup, find the USB port see if it is Enable or Enable it.
• save the changes and exit.

OS Problem:

• Update your system to Microsoft, SP1, SP2 and SP3, browse the MS website for any drivers update that applicable to your system.
  
• at the link below, see some updates to MS website:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/downloads/default.aspx

Drivers Problem:

• update your system to Unit manufacturer or Motherboard Manufacturer for new drivers update of your system.
  
• at the link below, see some updates to Intel websites.

http://downloadcenter.intel.com/

thank you for using Fixya

aclamonte