Notebook crashed during bios update

Question

My Dell Inspiron 1501 crashed while updating the bios with the latest update (Dated 27/11/07)computer will not boot.   It got to the point on the update where its reading both the new and old update the computer just shut off. The battery was fully charged and also running off the mains.   Is there anything I can do to remedy this problem.

ejn63 · Answer

If the system won't power up, the mainboard must be replaced with a new one. There's no way to recover from a failed flash.

Neilstapley350 · Answer

Cheers I bit the bullet and called tech support they told me that to man this will be expensive

memaro · Answer

Seriously though, with all the DELL INSPIRION 1501 bugs and crashes lots of owners are experiencing, they should replace it for free. The realese a BIOS to fix a bug with the HW design (which is actually random crashing) and blame you for a crash during flashing?

Neilstapley350 · Answer

Thanks I will mention this when they call to tell me how much it will cost to replace the motherboard.

ejn63 · Answer

It won't save any time, and it likely won't save any money - this isn't a do it yourself at home job, as you'll need a EEPROM flasher plus considerable soldering skills - I will bet any shop capable of doing the job will charge you at least as much as you'll pay for a replacement board:

http://www.parts-people.com/index.php?action=item&id=3845&prevaction=category&previd=141&prevstart=0

Neilstapley350 · Answer

Seen as the machine is out of warrenty. I have taken the laptop apart to take a look at bios chip aparantly its just a normal flash memory chip. With the right tools can the chip be replaced and reflashed saving alot of time and money

Neilstapley350 · Answer

I am in the process of trying to sort it myself as you can see from above. My work college has a chip programer and in the process of trying to purchase the correct chip to replace it.   There is no way I am going to give them my money to fix something that should have never been able to happen in the first place.

Ray Roughmoose · Answer

Just had the same thing happen on an Inspiron 8500 going to A08. I can't believe what you're telling me if it's true.   Let's see if any of the mods come on this thread and justify this.   Dell encourage you to keep your system up to date, buy Dell parts, take part in their surveys and all that 'we value you' rubbish and then give you the bird when their sub-standard components / flake-ware renders a previously operable system useless.    :smileymad::smileymad::smileymad::smileymad:

Neilstapley350 · Answer

Currently prooving difficult as the actual chip had been discontinued in 2006 so trying source an alternative.   Dell informed me they would charge £193.99 plus VAT.     Will let you know if it has been successfull.

Ray Roughmoose · Answer

Let me know how you go on. Just sourced a replacement board (non-Dell source) for nearly £200 so only God knows how much Dell would charge!!

Ray Roughmoose · Answer

Replaced with a known good motherboard but still doesn't boot????????   Had to swap processor, RAM and graphics card so presumably it's one of these that's causing the problem. Does that sound plausible? Why would those components stop the POST from starting?

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Notebook crashed during bios update

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