X51-R1, no post after BIOS update

There is no Dell recovery for that old a PC.  Dell does have BIOS recovery on later models (the X51-R3 is the oldest Alienware that is included). Basically the option is to replace the motherboard, but considering the age its time to bite the bullet and get a new/newer machine.

As far as a BIOS update, regardless if its recommended or optional, only update if the BIOS fixes a problem you have or if it supports newer hardware that you plan to install.  Otherwise with a BIOS "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" especially on models that do not have any BIOS recovery options.  The only exception would be the updates that were done to fix the Intel Side Channel Variants security  "hole" (but that does not apply to yours).

You can try Dell for a replacement.  No harm asking and you may luck out.

Here is the Dell policy on failed BIOS:

https://www.dell.com/community/Product-and-Support-Issues/Dell-Policy-BIOS-breaks-motherboard-CMOS/m-p/5741766#M3962

Yikes, looks like my suspicions are correct then. Thanks so much for answering but I have one last question just for peace of mind before I ditch this thing. Given what you heard do you think my motherboard is genuinely dead or is it possible that if I had an R3 or newer PC a bios mishap like this could have just been rolled back with no actual hardware damage to the motherboard? The only reason I ask this is despite this being such an old system,  my performance on it wasn't really terrible before this mishap. Either way this whole thing has been a nice learning experience and I hope I dont make these mistakes in the future, thanks again. 

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@erehcok81 wrote:

On a side note, these updates should not be "recommended" to their users when they have a possibility of bricking the computer, 

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Agreed.

I think this is the link instead. Like @fireberd says, it doesn't hurt to ask.

https://dell.com/community/Customer-Care-Wiki/Dell-Policy-BIOS-update-breaks-motherboard-CMOS/ta-p/6063959

Gonna give them a call and explain the situation, unfortunately I may be beat because it was ultimately me choosing to install the update as opposed to Dell forcing it, but I really appreciate the help.

Only joined to say I too had this issue. Braught a x51 R1 today. Read around that in order to put newer card in I had to update to a14. 

I downloaded the exe thinking it would create a bootable drive. Instead It just started installing the bios inside of windows!? 

It froze, sat for around 45 min. Pc now won't post. Get to beeps as if it's a ram issue 

Seen tons of posts on this. Unsure if I can reflash the bios with a tool and the .Bin and me.rom from the compiled exe. 

Can't even find a replacement board anywhere.. 

£300 burnt. Waited over a decade to get an Alienware and it lasted less than an hour. Proper deflated

@M3TAL 

@erehcok81 

@Tesla1856 

@fireberd 

You can either upgrade to a model like the precision t1700 and migrate your parts, ram cpu etc or get a new board and put in standard case.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/313837955608

https://www.ebay.com/itm/203752169854

X51 R1 and R2 can be put into standard case.

R1 and R2 motherboards are also easy to find.

You can also get I/O Shield from china $10 or less on ebay.'

https://www.ebay.com/itm/192866448583

You will also need a right angle Riser for the case.

https://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-MasterAccessory-Compatible-MCA-U000R-KFVK01/dp/B08BWZCY56

evga 700br psu

https://www.amazon.com/EVGA-100-BR-0700-K1-Bronze-Power-Supply/dp/B07DTP6MWS/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtfgOi8qHjU

Thanks for the reply. Not really interested in putting in another machine case as I wanted the Alienware as is.  Ideally I would like to either flash the bios chip or get a replacement board. 

Would the R2 board work with the other components? Power board etc. 

Im in the UK and only one board shows on eBay and that has a bricked bios also, and he wants £100 for it with a bricked bios. 

I have called dell on the off chance but no stock on a 10 year old machine. If I could find the board that works I'll happily pay for it but it's proving difficult. 

Just absolutely gutted that I had an Alienware for less than an hour..  

@erehcok81 

@M3TAL 

@Tesla1856 

@fireberd 

So lesson learned dont fix it if there isnt a problem.

You could use a CH341 programmer to get the bios from a working unit so dont toss the board as its fixable.  R1 AND R2 are the same. The power supply and VRM in the R2 is better. If you move the board to a real case thats not relevant.

R1 has a i3, i5 or i7 2xxx or 3xxx lga1155 processor, R2 has a 4xxxlga 1150 processor.

X51 R1 Socket LGA 1155
X51 R2 Socket LGA 1150

https://www.reddit.com/r/Alienware/wiki/x51

x51 MOTHERBOARD on Ebay UK

Not going to go into specifics.

GUIDE for upgrade to the max

https://eterna-forest.tumblr.com/post/130905348245

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@M3TAL wrote:

1. x51 R1 today.

2. I downloaded the exe thinking it would create a bootable drive. Instead It just started installing the bios inside of windows!? 

 

 

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Sorry.

1. Fairly limited model even when it was a current model. You could take parts and do a custom build (with real power-supply).

2. Yeah, never a good idea to flash these old (Legacy BIOS) systems inside Windows. They have no UEFI-Environment and no BIOS-Guard. 

You could try removing the CMOS battery and let it sit unplugged for 24 hours.

Just want to say that if you have a corrupt bios it's very easily fixable. I've just done it with my x51 R1

Firstly the board is codenamed intel msi-ms-7704 from this you can find the schematic. (Dell won't tell you this) 

Now you need a cheap tool called an CH341A programmer. 

-remove the motherboard from the chassis 

-remove the left wlan spacer 

-connect the grip over the bios pins. (The red wire goes on pin 1) 

-connect the other end to the CH341A spi1 holder. You then put the SPi1 holder pins into the top of the device. Orientating pin 1 on the 4th hole on left (if you had the usb pointing you) 

Now install the driver's For CH341A and install the programmer software and HxD software. Also search for A14.bin file for your system. (Very easy to find) 

Now open the ch341a software and connect the device via usb port. 

-click detect (if the writing on the left for bios chip info shows nothing then you need to reseat the grip, it can take a while) 

-once detect shows the bios chip info you are ready to read. 

-press read, data should populate, it shouldn't be all "FF" if all "ffs" try reseating and try again

-save the read file to desktop. Do several. Name them read1, read2 etc

-open HxD oland open read1 and read2 press "ctrl+k" the files need to match (key combo checks for you) if all matches then you have a good connection. Close HxD and rename read1.bin to backup.bin  this is the backup of your corrupt data. From it if needed you can get your service tag info, board serial, Mac Ethernet etc. 

Now back in ch341a software 

-click open 

-choose a14.bin 

-click program 

-once done click verify (data should match popup then all ok) 

-reinstall motherboard

-boot system 

-insert service tag (otherwise command centre won't work) 

-under boot choose uefi 

-f10 

-restart and boot in to Windows. 

It sounds long but it takes about 10minuites 

This works on any "bricked bios" there's no such thing as broken just needs a simple reflash. Don't waste money on a new board.