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5728
April 9th, 2018 15:00
13 R1, BIOS update froze during installation, blank screen
Hi,
I know my laptop is a few years old (Alienware 13), but I went online to check for driver updates. I noticed one under critical, and that was a bios update that came out February. I decided to go ahead an install it, it was going fine until the computer locked up. I ended up leaving it for 3 hours because I could not turn it off, and it remained froze and the fans were on the entire time.
Once the battery drained I tried turning it on, the keyboard turns on and the fans, but the screen remains blank and nothing turns on or shows up on it at all. I installed the BIOS on the jump drive but cant seem to access the startup since the screen is blank, I also tried plugging in a HDMI to see if it would display there but it wouldn't.
I unplugged the battery to try to use just the power supply, same results.
Any tips or is it bricked? I still have a little under a year of payments left to make so would be bummed if I'm paying for nothing.
Thanks for any help.
LSUFAN51
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April 10th, 2018 21:00
Please check if there's a BIOS recovery tool on the system by following steps in the link below:
BIOS Recovery options on a Dell PC or Tablet | Dell US
DerekSP13
8 Posts
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April 11th, 2018 16:00
Alienware-Tammy
81 Posts
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April 27th, 2018 10:00
Hi @DerekSP13!
We are sorry to hear about your problem. As a recommendation, try clearing the CMOS battery. This should reset your BIOS to default settings. Click here to watch a video on how to perform this procedure.
DerekSP13
8 Posts
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April 28th, 2018 11:00
Thanks for the assistance. I have an older model, maybe its the R1 model? It was purchased 3 years ago.
These are the specs from the Manual:
Any other videos on how to unplug the CMOS battery on my older model?
LSUFAN51
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April 30th, 2018 06:00
It's a Alienware 13 r2 computer.....
Please read Service Manual thoroughly for removal of coin cell battery procedure in the link below:
Support for Alienware 13 R2 | Manuals & documents | Dell US
Also watch video in link below, hopefully it will be a help to you as well.
Dell Alienware 13 R2 (P56G002) CMOS Battery Removal ...
LSUFAN51
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April 30th, 2018 06:00
After removing or disconnecting coin-cell battery:
1. Press the power button for at least 10 seconds to drain all residual power from the system.
2. Re-insert or re-connect the coin cell battery
3. Assemble the unit and verify functionality
Note: When the system is powered on, it will warn that the date and time is not set, indicating a successful reset
DerekSP13
8 Posts
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April 30th, 2018 09:00
Thanks for the assistance, followed the video and your instructions, re-assembled the device and i'm still having the problem. The only difference is it made 3 or 4 loud beeps when I first turned it on. Screen is still blank/inactive, keyboard still lights up with my set colors, and fan can be heard.
I also tried using a HDMI to connect it to another monitor, but nothing.
Could it be something other than the BIOS/CMOS Battery?
Alienware-Tammy
81 Posts
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April 30th, 2018 12:00
Unfortunately, it could also be the motherboard. However, we cannot confirm that unless we have it diagnosed in the repair facility. Since it appears to be a hardware issue, send me your Service Tag in a PM, so we can check the available repair options.
DerekSP13
8 Posts
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May 2nd, 2018 08:00
Alright, I have sent you a PM with the requested information.
Thanks for the help,
Derek
LSUFAN51
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May 2nd, 2018 13:00
We're looking forward to the update.
DerekSP13
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May 6th, 2018 17:00
My laptop is out of warranty, so I have an option to call dell and setup repairs for a fee. After doing more research online and trouble shooting, I do believe it is the motherboard.
I'm in my last year of a four year payment plan with dell to pay it off, and it seems the motherboard repair will cost around $500. (What I roughly owe still).
I will probably just wait until its paid off and get another computer elsewhere. I'm going to get an adapter for my hard drive so I can remove what I need off it.
The fact that it happened during a dell recommended update kind of turns me off from wanting to buy another product from them, i'd figured id get at least four years off a laptop that cost so much.
That's my update, sadly.
mc_iwan
1 Message
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August 27th, 2018 05:00
your problem solved or not because mine also exist
Ghost1539
2 Posts
1
November 16th, 2018 11:00
Same for me. The laptop stop working after doing an update. The tech tell me my laptop is bricked.
Felix1982
1 Message
1
November 21st, 2018 12:00
I am the same situation. I do not know how to solve this problem.
Ghost1539
2 Posts
1
November 21st, 2018 14:00
Hope for you it’s not the same situation because my laptop now need a new motherboard... and I will not pay for that. No more alienware. They don’t return call and they transfer me 5th time at different place.