Backup. Are you updating the Bios to correct a specific issue? What Bios are you attmpting to load? Provide the link.

I have A02 latest is A11. No it's not to fix anything. Yes don't fix if it aint broke. Mostly compatiblity/enhacement/stability.  Update says correct machine, but fails on the write. Not sure if there is a setting on Dells or just not compatible and that's just a generic error. It's from the Dell's driver site. Don't have service tag right now. Aurora R4 x79 chipset.

I noticed today, August 3/12 that there was a BIOS A11 update after reading this post.

I have A03 installed on my Alienware R4.

I've downloaded the update and with an Admin account, run the update. It states my current version as A03 and that the new version is A11 and then goes to update the BIOS.

A message comes up to reboot the computer, which I have done.

However, after the reboot, the BIOS is still at A03. I've run the update 2 times already and my BIOS is still stating it's at version A03 and not A11 as the updater is stating.

Wondering if since this only came out today, there may be bugs in the update ? Thanks for any assistance.

Last screen print.

Thought I'd add screen shots that may assist in resolving the issue. It's now the 3rd time I've run this update and still I remain at A03.

Doubtful the BIOS releases would be up to A11 for R4.

This shows current BIOS release as A03 for Aurora-R4

http://www.dell.com/support/drivers/us/en/19/DriverDetails/DriverFileFormats/Product/alienware-aurora-r4?DriverId=YCYJY&FileId=2882585199&urlProductCode=False

No. I don't recommend doing it, and if you must ... do it from OUTSIDE WINDOWS with a flash drive. Know that you may brick or kill your motherboard if it fails.

It installed some software when I clicked on the Analyze button and I had to click it again after the install.

Then it gave me a list of updates...several were there for Aug 3/12.

Just tried it again and it doesn't seem to appear...not sure why it did earlier.

Thanks, that looks correct. I think I'm trying to use an R1 to an R4. When I entered my service tag. The A11 came up as an option, it didn't appear specifically for my machine. The options list a bunch of other apps and drivers. BIOSes shouldn't be one of the them. That's on Dell's FTP site too, though there's no R4 files.

I did the flash outside of Windows and that's how I came up with the "write protect error" Dell's way of saying this is not for your machine. So a good thing.

I got the update from the Dell site when I ran a diagnostics on my Alienware.

Downloaded it right from their site....I was wondering as well how it could jump from 3 to 11...but why would Dell have it on their download list and suggest it when you run the diagnostics ?

I saw the one you indicated at first as well, but after reading the download site and not being sure what I had on my machine already since I just received it a couple of weeks ago, I decided to run Dell Alienware's own analysis program.

That program gave me the update that had the A11.

Most other downloads that are on Dell's site, if they aren't for your type of machine, will abort and state that it's not intended for you, or you don't have it installed.

This A11 gave no such indication and it stated it was for the Aurora R4.

Hi Chris...clicked on your name in this post and couldn't see a private email....not sure how I go about letting you know..thks.

Wow and I put it in there...hmmm....should I call Dell or do you have a number there I can reach ? Can you put it into the start conversation on this site ?

I go to support once I sign in at the Dell site.

Then click on Find Drivers, BIOS and other system updates.

On the right hand side it says System Configuration >.....click on that.

Next page click on Drivers and Downloads.

I'll try to put a screen print in here...it's telling me it's too big...so let me try to downsize it.

Ok, just clicked on you to be a friend.....It sent my email there...so I guess you can look up my Service tag via that ? If not let me know and I'll send via the friend messaging...thanks.

All it does is ask me to Accept you as a Forum friend. I got the other message though. No tag in it.