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114382
November 28th, 2013 02:00
XPS 13: cannot update BIOS
I want to update my BIOS from version A08 to A10 for my XPS 13 L322X. I don't have Windows installed, so I want to do it via FreeDOS. However, when I boot from USB and try to run the executable, I get the following error:
[Extractor] Unpacking files, please wait...
Error: Extract file failed.
The only thing that gets created is a temporary directory.
I have tried the image of A09 and even A08, but they all give the same error. I have also tried different FreeDOS images, but to no avail. There is more than enough disk space, so that can't be the issue. Switching from UEFI to Legacy also gives me a System CMOS Checksum Bad, but this probably an unrelated error.
How can I fix this?
revelation60
9 Posts
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December 13th, 2013 12:00
I finally managed to update my BIOS using the following tedious routine:
- Download the BIOS update (L322XA10.exe)
- Use FREEDOS or something else to let the update unpack. You will get an error that the update cannot install. However, there are files in the TEMP folder which you have to copy
- Start the Windows Installer via USB (in UEFI mode) and use shift+f10 to get a console
- The original BIOS update will not work. It will give this error: "The subsystem needed to support the image type is not present". However, in the files you've captured there is a file called WinFlash64.exe. Use this to call the following:
WinFlash64.exe /nodelay /silent /bbl /cvar /file BIOS.cap
The BIOS will now be flashed.
DELL-Sujatha K
Community Manager
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3.3K Posts
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November 28th, 2013 03:00
Hi revelation60,
Dell BIOS update can be done only within the Operating system. It will not work without or outside the Operating system.
revelation60
9 Posts
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November 28th, 2013 05:00
FreeDOS is an operating system that I am booting. It is not an emulator. Furthermore, DOS is on the compatibility list of the executable.
revelation60
9 Posts
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November 29th, 2013 08:00
The operating system I have installed is Linux, since I do not use Windows. Sadly, Linux cannot be used directly to flash the BIOS.
DELL-Sujatha K
Community Manager
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3.3K Posts
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November 29th, 2013 08:00
Hi revelation60,
While I check regarding the issue with my internal team, May I know why you want to flash BIOS without the Operating system installed.
DELL-Sujatha K
Community Manager
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3.3K Posts
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November 30th, 2013 07:00
Hi revelation60,
As far as I am aware, BIOS can be flashed only in Windows Operating system environment. Let me check with my internal team if it is possible in Linux. I will keep you posted once I get an update.
DELL-Sujatha K
Community Manager
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3.3K Posts
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December 3rd, 2013 08:00
Hi revelation60,
I checked with my internal team, Update I received is that Dell does not support FreeDos.
revelation60
9 Posts
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December 4th, 2013 01:00
Then how can I update the BIOS? I tried to install Windows again, but I get the error posted here:
http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/laptop/f/3518/t/19534121.aspx
DELL-Sujatha K
Community Manager
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3.3K Posts
0
December 4th, 2013 08:00
Hi revelation60,
Reset BIOS defaults and check. Tap F2 at startup to open the BIOS screen. Press F9 and then F10 to Save and exit. Let me know if this helps.
revelation60
9 Posts
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December 10th, 2013 07:00
This does not help.
DELL-Sujatha K
Community Manager
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3.3K Posts
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December 11th, 2013 04:00
Hi revelation60,
I am researching on this issue. Send me a private message with the system service tag to assist you further. Please click on my name and click Start Conversation to send me a private message.