Inspiron 570, BIOS Update, BSOD

Question

Hi,

I updated my BIOS via Windows, got a BSOD and now my PC won't boot. I've removed and replaced the battery, swapped the CMOS jumper around, but nothing happens - the fans start up, but there's nothing on screen, no keyboard lights, just a beep every 5 seconds or so.

Is there any way to salvage the motherboard/reinstall whatever is required? It is the one that came out of the box with the PC, which I believe is model 4GJJT.

Unfortunately I wasn't prompted by a Dell support rep to run the update, so I'm not eligible for a replacement motherboard (see https://www.dell.com/community/Customer-Care-Wiki/Dell-Policy-BIOS-update-breaks-motherboard-CMOS/ta-p/6063959).

Absurd that a piece of hardware can be broken beyond repair with no way to resolve the issue after a software update.

RoHe · Answer

How did you do the update? Via SupportAssist or download and run it manually?

This is an older PC, so I don't know if it has any of the BIOS recovery options but check the table here. If does, follow the instructions for the corresponding version of BIOS recovery tools mentioned on that page.

If that doesn't work, the only fix will be a new motherboard since you've tried the obvious by removing the motherboard battery and moving the jumper. BTW: did you put the jumper back in the correct position?

And please keep in mind that a BIOS update isn't a simple "software update", as you called it. A BIOS update writes new code directly onto a chip on the motherboard. It's not like copying a file onto a hard drive. If the BIOS update fails, the chip won't work and the PC won't boot...

BlueMonday84 · Answer

This happened a few months ago, I believe it was via support assist, and I have replaced the jumper. The desktop doesn't appear to be supported for bios recovery.

Looks like I'll need to buy a second-hand replacement motherboard on ebay, unless there's an equivalent motherboard I can purchase that works with the out of the box components that came with the 570.

gb755cs · Answer

Even though you're out of warranty Dell should offer to send you a motherboard provided you give the technician a credit/debit card over the phone or web assistance from another computer.  How much it will cost you and whether they will just send you the motherboard or whether the charge will have shipping and labor charges I'm not sure.  Keep in mind any motherboard you find on eBay will most likely be used and who knows how much longer it will work for you.  Also watch where it's coming from if it's coming out of China or some other country should it be DOA it'll cost you an arm and a leg to ship it back to the seller.

speedstep · Answer

Inspiron 570 would not be an ACPI 2.0 windows 10 UEFI system so support assist would also not apply. This system is over 12 years old now and End of Life, End of Support.

Dos, Windows XP, or Windows 7 would be the only supported OS for updating bios. Windows 10 is not supported on these models but it is possible to get it working with OEM System builder DVD.

If you do not have AT LEAST windows 7 licence you will have to buy your copy of windows 10 Home or Pro.

Since these models are so old and so slow I do not recommend you do that.

Instead I recommend getting Optiplex 3020 7020 9020 tower or newer which supports windows 10 and does not require any upgrades.

OLD models will have spectre and meltdown issues that will not be fixed.

https://www.lambroinc.com/desktops?lightbox=dataItem-jif0yike

BlueMonday84 · Answer

Thanks for your replies.

I’ve been looking at replacement motherboard options and saw that it’s possible to purchase a replacement BIOS chip, specifically for the motherboard. Is this something you would/wouldn’t recommend?

From a quick search it looks like I’d need some equipment to do it myself so I’ll probably take it to a repair shop to do.

RoHe · Answer

It takes special capabilities to remove/replace that chip and to reprogram it. It can be done, but probably not cheap. There are companies that specialize in doing this and I would not trust an ordinary PC shop.

See how much the motherboard costs vs sending it somewhere to replace/reprogram the chip and then you can decide, or if the money would be better spent on a new PC...