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Downgrading Bios from A10 to A05 - Alienware m17x R4
Hi,
I have an Alienware M17x R4 with Bios A10 and I would like to downgrade it to A05. I have no issue right now running this version but I heard the only way to disable USB 3.0 on Bios was to have an unlocked bios and to flash an unlocked bios, I need A05 or lower. If there is a way to disable USB 3.0 without unlocking/downgrading the Bios it would be really nice. The reason why I want to do that is that i'm running also Mac OS X Mountain Lion on my laptop and it is not compatible with USB 3.0 so no USB at all working into it :(
I also asked my question more precisely here : http://forum.techinferno.com/alienware-m17x/2936-how-downgrade-my-bios-a10-a05.html but also came to Dell forum because Alienware is built my Dell :)
Btw, would it void my Waranty if I flash a unlocked Bios? Shouldn't right?
Thanks you all!
Tesla1856
8 Wizard
8 Wizard
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17K Posts
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February 14th, 2013 20:00
CPU-Z or this should work:
www.cpuid.com/.../pc-wizard.html
DELL-Kiran K
2K Posts
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February 13th, 2013 18:00
Hi jamesstp20, .
Dell does not recommend downgrading BIOS. However, even if you perform this operation warranty will not be voided.
Request you to follow the below steps to disable USB 3.0:
(1) Turn on the computer. At the Dell logo, keep tapping F2 key.
(2) BIOS screen appears, move to advanced tab and select Miscellaneous devices
(3) Now select USB debug and enable it. (4) This should take care of the issue.
You may also use the below link for reference: http://dell.to/XMUHkV
To know more about Dell’s products, services and drivers & downloads, please go to http://dell.to/QjjZDA
jamesstp20
12 Posts
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February 13th, 2013 20:00
Thanks you for your reply :) Hmm looks like it is not enough for Mac OS X to reconize my USB Ports properly, OS X still reconize them as 'USB 3.0 Fast' and no USB Key or anything works :/
Looks like my only chance are unlocking the Bios.. :( Any clue on this?
Tesla1856
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February 13th, 2013 20:00
You might want to make sure your Hackintosh software support both the Intel and USB chipsets (Renesas, etc.) in your m17x-R4.
jamesstp20
12 Posts
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February 14th, 2013 17:00
Hi,
That must be right, how can I know what chipset I have and all?
Here is the full config details : www.ma-config.com/.../88784-1_summary.html
I noticed that USB 3.0 Device works on my Hackintosh but not USB 2.0 Device.
jamesstp20
12 Posts
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February 14th, 2013 19:00
I have a triple boot Windows 8/Mountain Lion/Fedora 18 :) So what tool ? :D
Tesla1856
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February 14th, 2013 19:00
http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/chipsets/performance-chipsets/mobile-chipset-hm77.html
You can also look at Service Manual for laptop for specs.
Looks like USB 3.0 might be supplied by Intel HM77 natively. I could recommend some chipset identify tools for Windows, but not OSx.
jamesstp20
12 Posts
0
February 15th, 2013 21:00
it is really odd, I disabled xHCI in my Bios and went back to OS X and the USB worked fine and reconized as EHCI USB 2.0. Rebooted and didn't touch anything again in the bios and now OS X doesn't reconize any USB at all. I just got lucky once.. There must be a way to force activate them.. but how .. ?
johnnyb1971
3 Posts
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December 27th, 2013 15:00
I really need help with this I upgraded BIOS A07 to A10 now none of my drives work on my alienware Aurora r4.
I reload windows for some reason says I need drivers for the seagate 1 TB drive.
I have tried to downgrade BIOS back to A07 but it wont let me do that in DOS.
This really a bad update sent by Dell really has caused me a lot of problems and I have all my work on my computer that I cannot lose.
I have already lost 2 days with out my alienware and it worthless right now.
HELP ME