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February 22nd, 2012 02:00
BIOS update failure on AuroraR4
hello
today i just downloaded the latest A03 BIOS from dell website to update my alienware aurora r4.
but after the restart it required, the system stuck there and won't go any further. no self-post any more.
i kind of doubt its the A03 BIOS's problem, but i can risk another aurora r4.
so could you guys just re-check it if you are using any previous bios version?
i update to A03 from X01 version
and now i think i need some methods to recovery my rig, any help would be appreciated.
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Tesla1856
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February 23rd, 2012 20:00
You can try the CMOS Reset jumper or carefully removing the CMOS battery for a while ... if your tech skills are low, I wouldn't try it.
However, since the machine is so new ... I would be interested to hear what phone tech support suggests you do. AW did release the BIOS update and recommend people use it.
Failed BIOS updates go back to the beginning of the AW desktop line in 2009. Often, the motherboard gets completely "bricked" or killed. Seems to have gotten worse lately. Chances are 50-50.
Dell should make it easier to update from bootable flash drive from outside Windows (which is how it should be done anyway). Disturbing to hear that the new R4 still doesn't have "Dual-BIOS" or easy recover capability (especially since it has been reported so many times).
kiss4luna
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February 23rd, 2012 23:00
hello tesla,
i'm a little confused that i didn't find the cmos reset jumper. could you help me with this?
many thanks.
Tesla1856
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February 24th, 2012 00:00
No offence ... but if you have to ask you might not be "up to it". Just let phone support sort it out for you.
Download the Aurora R-4 Owner's Manual. I know it looks like a Service Manual but that's all I saw the last time I checked. The location of the jumpers and CMOS battery are in there.
Here is a thread where we were able to revive a machine (surprisingly). Just ignore the stuff about memory dimms.
http://en.community.dell.com/owners-club/alienware/f/3746/t/19405753.aspx?PageIndex=1
If you can get it working again, great. If you can only get a BIOS display and it says it's corrupt or you know you are going to have to re-flash the BIOS again ... be sure to do it from a bootable flash drive this time (outside of Windows).
kiss4luna
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February 24th, 2012 07:00
thanks for your help Tesla, i will try it next monday.
kiss4luna
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February 28th, 2012 21:00
<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>
i tried to reset the cmos
if i set the clear password pin to 2-3 position, the rig won't start at all. i have to put it on 1-2 position
and currently i still can't get my aurora r4 back, where could i download a r4 bios that can be updated in dos mode?
thx
kiss4luna
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February 28th, 2012 21:00
sorry, i mean 1-2 for clear password jumper
Tesla1856
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February 28th, 2012 22:00
Again, you really need to call Dell and let them help you. Your "full return" window is closing quickly.
Flashing the firmware from outside Windows is the best way, but Dell doesn't make it easy. You have to create your own bootable flash drive. The instructions (many diferent ones) ... are in the forum thread I already linked to above.
If the machine won't start at all, you CAN NOT try to flash it again.
Re-read and try to understand my posts above.