Member Avatar for thydreamwalker

My first question here for awhile ; as I help others in other forums,but I haven't a clue how to rewrite bios-phoenix for a dell4700dimension with glorious parts: (3gb ddr2,2.8ghz P4 HT IntelPrescott CPU,ati hd radeon55701gb,2 x 500gb hdd sata with 480wattpsu,2 x dvd-r-rw-dl burners)Win7sp1 runs great ,jus' Cannot install Win8Pro cause bios doesn't have XD function :{ ;Dell will not rewrite or allow me to download 'cause I bought this Dell and other computers not directly from them! Thank you , thydreamwalker

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by david.phillips.902

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Short checklist and practical steps to resolve the "no XD/No Execute" problem on an older Dell Dimension (as described by ).

Windows 8 requires CPU/BIOS support for hardware DEP (the NX/No‑Execute bit, labeled XD in Intel BIOSes). The installer will refuse to proceed if that support is missing or disabled. The root cause is either (a) the Prescott CPU in that box does not expose the NX/XD feature, or (b) the feature is present but turned off or hidden in the Dell BIOS.

Quick diagnostic steps:

  • Confirm CPU capability: run a small CPU-info tool (for example Sysinternals Coreinfo run as administrator) to see whether the processor reports an NX/NoExecute/XD flag.
  • Confirm BIOS exposure: reboot into Setup and look under Security or Advanced CPU settings for options named “Execute Disable Bit”, “No‑Execute Memory Protect”, “NX”, or “XD”. Some OEM BIOSes hide the option or enable it automatically when supported.
  • Confirm Windows sees it: on the running Windows 7 install open System → Advanced system settings → Performance → Data Execution Prevention. This GUI won’t prove CPU support directly but helps confirm DEP configuration.

If coreinfo shows the CPU supports NX but the BIOS has no option enabled, updating the OEM BIOS is the usual fix; follow the vendor’s BIOS-flash instructions exactly (stable power/UPS, full battery removed if laptop, backup important data). Flashing carries risk — have a recovery plan. If the CPU lacks NX, the only practical choices are replacing the CPU (if the motherboard supports a compatible NX-capable chip), sticking with Windows 7, or moving to a different OS.

Notes tied to earlier replies: as suggested, identify the exact Dell model/service tag before searching for BIOS files; and as indicated, check any available BIOS release notes to see whether Execute Disable/XD is mentioned. Avoid unofficial “bypass” hacks for the NX check — they leave the system insecure and unsupported.

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Member Avatar for caperjack

i bought my Dell used from another seller ,and i can and did update my bios from dell support .
what model Dell ,does it still have the service tag on it

Member Avatar for david.phillips.902

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I downloaded the d4700a10 bios update from dell and i don't have a dell computer, try the link above and see how you go. i don't know if it supports dx or not but a little further digging around might supply the answer. a10 is the latest upgrade i think, might be worth a try, good luck. let us know here if it works and maybe it can help other. you could also try running a compatability test for win 8 from an online site, look around i think there are a few.

Edited by david.phillips.902
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