Fix Before Upgrade to Windows 8

If you have not yet upgraded to Windows 8, you can avoid this potential issue by updating your computer's system BIOS to the latest revision prior to upgrading to Windows 8. The following table lists each system type, along with the first version of the BIOS to resolve this issue.

You may also choose to visit our Drivers and Downloads website and enter your Service Tag to get the latest version of the BIOS for your system, which also includes this fix.

System Model BIOS Update
Inspiron N5050
Inspiron N4050
Inspiron N5110
Inspiron N311z
Vostro 1550
Vostro 1450
Vostro 3550
Vostro 3350
Vostro 131
Dell recommends that you also review our Windows 8 Upgrade Checklist to be sure you follow all recommended steps before upgrading to Windows 8.

Fix After Upgrade to Windows 8

If you have already upgraded to Windows 8 and your computer is experiencing this issue, there are two options to get the latest system BIOS on your computer, depending on the resources you have available to you.

Option 1 - External Monitor Available
Connect an external monitor or TV to the computer using the VGA or HDMI ports. Most recently produced flat panel TVs have HDMI capability, so this should be a resource for customers who do not have an external computer monitor available to them.
Complete the Windows 8 upgrade process by following the instructions on the screen.
Upgrade the System BIOS using the link for your system in the table above, or visit the Dell Drivers and Downloads website and enter your Service Tag to get the latest version of the BIOS for your system, which also includes this fix.
Upgrade your video driver to the latest version from the Dell Drivers and Downloads website.

Option 2 - Second Computer Available
Using another computer, create a bootable USB key. Information on creating a bootable USB key can be found from the Bootdisk.com website.
Download the appropriate system BIOS for your computer, listed in the table above or available on the Dell Drivers and Downloads website.
Locate the downloaded EXE file that contains the updated BIOS, and copy the EXE file to the bootable USB key.
Remove the USB key from the working computer, insert the USB key into a port on the computer that will not boot correctly and restart the computer.
At the Dell logo screen, tap the <F12> key several times to enter the One Time Boot menu.
Select USB Key or USB Drive from the menu and press Enter.
When the computer has booted to the USB key, you will be at a DOS prompt. Locate and run the EXE file that contains the BIOS update to flash your system BIOS.
Note:
The BIOS will not update unless the computer is plugged into A/C power. Be sure to have your computer connected to wall power prior to running the BIOS update.
When the BIOS update has completed, restart your computer and remove the USB key.
Complete the Windows 8 upgrade process by following the instructions on the screen.