Dell OS Restore Discs & Bios Problems

Hello

Did someone say Flash the Bios?

In regard to Bios Problems, I've read here in other posts that trying to FLASH the Bios with Dell computers is not easy, and Dell themselves say that after you have done so, hardware related issues could arise - so the heck with that for the moment...

I'd love to crack the Dell Bios Code, and find out just exactly WHY some Dell
Restoration OS CD's will work in some Dell Bios Settings, and NOT in others???

I happen to like Dell Dimension's 4100 (800 MHZ-1 GIG), Desktops. Especially the ones that have BOTH a PCI Sound Card, and an AGP Graphics Card....
I have 2 of them - And what I've found out (so far), recently is that Dell Bios Version A04 will ONLY Reformat to it's original OS Disc, 98SE, and XP Home SP-2.

I do have Dell Restore Discs SP-1, and SP1a. I have been in and out of the A04 Bios trying to get it to RECOGNIZE SP-1 - IT WILL NOT BOOT UP TO IT...
But it will boot up to SP-2, and of course Microsoft will ask for registration within 30 days ....

I'D LOVE TO GET THIS 4100 TO BOOT TO SP-1!
Why SP-1, and not SP-2? Because I have major software that will NOT work in SP-2..

How do I do that?

Dell sez it's because the Bios of A04 needs updating?

But then why will it Boot to SP-2 and NOT SP-1?

Does anyone know what Dell Bios Versions will accept WHAT Dell OS Restore Discs?

Maybe one way out of this would be to buy a genuine copy of Windows 2000 - Perhaps I can reformat as many times as I want without regard to Microsoft's registration, NOR conflicting Bios versions???

Than for your help!