XPS Studio trying to update BIOS in Windows 7

  Its a 435MT.  Yes, I downloaded the correct version.  There's only 2 choices, Vista 64 bit or Windows 7 64 bit.  The ami utility crashes before it starts updating luckily.

Which Studio XPS Model do you have?  there are several different models.

Are you downloading the BIOS update that is applicable for Windows 7?   I've seen posts in the past of trying to update the BIOS with an update program designed to run in a different OS and that cause a problem.

Try running in Safe Mode as one possibile solution.  Also try running the install program in the Vista compatiblity mode.

  Well, I was able to run it with Vista compatibility mode and it said it was successful.  But when I rebooted, the PC doesn't POST now or anything.  It just beeps twice, pauses, beeps twice, pause again, etc.  Is there some way to reset the CMOS or do I have to call Dell for a new motherboard?  Thanks

Obviously a bad choice of updating the BIOS.  I should have made that clear in my previous posts.  If a BIOS update fails and the BIOS is permanently corrupted it will take a new motherboard.  If you are in warranty usually Dell will replace it. 

However, try a manual reset of the BIOS.  With the PC powered off, remove the CR2032 backup battery on the motherboard for about 10 minutes.  Reinstall and power back on and if you are lucky it will fix it.

A BIOS update is in the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it category".  Many BIOS updates are to fix a specific problem, that not all may have, or add support for new hardware.  If that doesn't apply to your specific PC there is no real need for the BIOS update.  Many software or other hardware vendors will pawn off the reason their product doesn't work is that a BIOS update is needed but that is usually not the case.

"Please, I'm a PC/Network engineer and have been for over 20 years now" I'm not quite sure what your point is? Is it Dell's fault that the update didn't work or is it just probability?

Please, I'm a PC/Network engineer and have been for over 20 years now.  I have done hundreds, if not thousands of BIOS updates on Dell and other machines in that time.  The update ran, said it was successful and prompted for a reboot.  And I had tried removing the battery and it didn't fix it, I spoke to Dell and they are sending me out a new motherboard. 

I only did the BIOS upgrade because I was having an issue with a USB hard drive causing the PC to hang during POST.  I had fixed this issue many times in the past by updating the BIOS. 

   My point is, that I have a lot of experience in computers and upgrades and I know what I'm doing when I flash a BIOS.  I'm not saying its anyone's fault.  Stuff happens and you deal with it.  Luckily my PC is fairly new and still under warranty and I'll be replacing the motherboard when it arrives hopefully today. 

the bios update is a good choice this time,the bios "fix"for the 1.1.4 bios is to remove the d0 checkpoint error at startup.

so i dont think u did anything wrong becoz thats how i had to do my bios update(vista compatibility mode)and it worked for me.

if i was you and removeing the mobo battery dont work i would

a)get ahold of chris m from dell http://en.community.dell.com/members/DELL_2D00_Chris-M/default.aspx he took part in geting the bios fix http://en.community.dell.com/forums/p/19262097/19628136.aspx#19628136  

b) call dell and get a new mobo <$500. ez

c)go to newegg.com and buy an aftermarket mobo  <$150.-$500.

hope this helps & let us know how it goes for you!

Sorry, I didn't mean to denegrate you, we have no idea of the technical competency when we deal with users.  If you read my bio you will see I'm a retired Network and Hardware Help Desk Manager.  I've been in computer maintenance of some sort since 1962.  I was also a Novell CNE.

  Its ok fireberd, I was just a little frustrated at a simple procedure that I have done many times before going wrong.  I have a new motherboard on the way, should be here tomorrow (I hope, hehe).  Thanks for your help though :emotion-1:

I'll add another annoying experience I recently had when updating the BIOS on my XPS9000 from A13 to A14.  The update program ran VERY slowly, and looked like it was completely locked up for a long time.  .  I gritted my teeth and resisted the urge to force a power off and I'm glad I did.  Eventually, the progress began to update, and the update FINALLY finished successfully.  If I had forced the power off, I suspect I'd have wound up with an unusable computer and would also have needed a new MOBO.  My point here is that Dell should put a warning in somewhere that says: "the updating process may take longer than you think....wait longer than you think you should, then wait some more, and finally wait....under NO circumstances power off.  Go get a snack or a cup of coffee or something , then come back and wait.  It'll be done soon."  That ought to do it.  :emotion-42: