Some time ago, Intel detected a bug related to a wrong dynamic video ram assignment (DVMT) on its GM965 chipset. This affect several Dell Notebook using the GM965 chipset and VBIOS version 1466. To solve the issue, Intel emitted a new VBIOS version 1588, which can be found in many official drivers. The VBIOS must be combined with the system BIOS by the system or motherboard manufacturer before it can be flashed. Based on that, Dell emitted the following BIOS updates: Dell Inspiron 1420 A09, Dell Inspiron 1520 A09, Dell Inspiron 1525 A09, Dell Inspiron 1720 A09, Dell Latitude D530 A07, Dell Latitude D630 A12, Dell Latitude D830 A13, Dell XPS M1330 A12, Dell Vostro 1400 A09, Dell OptiPlex 330 A15. That left the Vostro 1500 behind. The symptoms: This bug causes memory corruption with a lots of blue screens (BSOD). Also, copying or compressing very large files (500mb to 1gb) can end on a corrupted file or unrecoverable ZIP file. I have tried many Vista x64 and Windows7 x64 drivers, and even they seem very stable, somehow still have the bug. My last hope is trying to make a Mod BIOS, with latest DELL A06 BIOS and the VBIOS update from Intel. Is this even possible? I have no experience in Mod Bios, but I'm a fast learner. Please, any help would be very appreciate, I have lost all faith in DELL.
OMG! I simply don't know how to thank you. You just save my life. I've been carrying this issue for at least two years. There are so many people out there with exactly this problem. I'm from Argentine. Please, if you plan for a travel over here, please let me know. I will be really glad to meet you and buy you a bear. This BIOS simply made my life easier. Thanks a lot!!!!!
Doubtful I'll ever be there, but it's nice to get the thanks. A virtual beer will suffice. I assume that you've already loaded it though and it's working for you?
Yes! Works like a charm! And my VBIOS version shows 1588. This is awsome. Thanks tqhoang. I really mean it.
Not working I have a Vostro 1500 with this issue. I did the bios upgrade 8 days ago, and I just had a blue screen today. Running Windows 7 64 bit with 4 GB of memory. I greatly appreciate your attempt, tqhoang, but I honestly don't think it fixed it.
Actually, I think I have a different problem. It's driving me crazy though, because I've had it over a year now (something like that, I'm starting to lose track) and I have tried everything. I have two different programs that display blue screen information and for about every BSOD they say it's caused by ntoskrnl.exe Here is my history for most of this year:
Already tried that. I put the original sticks back in, and I still got the same blue screens just as frequently. Also tried different hard drive...no difference. Clean install of windows 7...no difference. Tried running security essentials instead of norton...no difference. I love the laptop itself and it's not like I have extra cash laying around to buy a new one anyways, but this is driving me insane! I think it might have something to do with Windows 7, because I don't think I ever had this problem with XP. Drivers? Oh yeah, I've already tried updating every major driver!
I have a Dell Vostro 1500 with the PM965 chipset, with nVidia GeForce 8600M GT, not the GM965 with Intel graphics. I too am experiencing a lot of random unexplainable blue screens, besides the explainable ones. Can I use the BIOS which tqhoang was kind enough to modify? Or is it only for the GM965, not PM965? I hope tqhoang sheds some light on this issue, because I have it for 4 years with random BSOD, and multiple checked everything hardware and software with no result.
i have inspiron 1520 with 8600m gt and never had bsods. have u tested hard disk and ram ? fresh install win 7 32 bit? the video card (discrete= not onboard) can be faulty sometimes. not as often as the 8400 model.
I install Windows at least 3 - 4 times a year. Used multiple RAM sticks over time, tested them with Memtest86+ multiple times overnight. Checked both HDDs multiple times with no corrupted files. The video card works with no artifacts, no overheating, and never-ever-ever got a blue screen or freeze while gaming.
I only upgraded the Intel video BIOS. If BIOS A06 doesn't work then you'll have to see if there is a newer nvidia bios floating around.
Hi there, Sorry for bumping an old thread, but would it be possible for you to do the VBIOS mod for the Studio 1535 A06 BIOS (sorry can't posts links)? I have had numerous BSODs which I believe are caused by the same issue.
I don't understand, are you saying you have to pull the new VBIOS from a working BIOS? My laptop has the GM965 with X3100. The latest VBIOS is inside the driver zip here: downloadmirror.intel.com/18232/a08/Win7_64_1512754.zip The latest BIOS for the laptop (with VBIOS 1318) is here: dell.com/support/drivers/us/en/19/DriverDetails/Product/studio-1535?driverId=R205675&osCode=WLH&fileId=2731123573&languageCode=en&categoryId=BI