Unable to install new A09 BIOS for Dell Venue Pro 7130

Exactly the same problem with mine. I have tried all versions of the BIOS I can get for my 7130 both updating using the .exe in Win 8.1 and the flash update utility in BIOS. I am stuck on A10 forever. I was hoping the updated BIOS would fix the issue with it not sleeping and turning off instead.

Stuck at A06, still no solution...

How is there still no fix for this issue?  Dell is really dropping the ball here.

We have units in Intel's hands for this issue and they can reproduce.  They are working towards a solution but still don't have one yet.   For now, the only solution if you have this problem (which is not common at all by the way) is a system exchange.

Apologies.

Dear All, Brian,

I managed to flash my Venue Pro 11 (7130, i5 vPro) to A13 BIOS which was stuck on A10 until yesterday; I don’t know which step triggered the switch that enabled the flash, so I thought I should just tell everyone what I did:

1) I tore down system right to the bare motherboard, and removed the motherboard from the chassis and disconnected the CMOS battery.

2) I reinstalled the motherboard to the chassis, but left the SSD card, WiFi card, WAN card, Speakers’ cable and Vibrating motor’s cable outside/unconnected.

3) I powered on the system on the docking station, with CMOS battery and main battery both unconnected, then I powered it off.

4) I reconnected the CMOS battery and installed the main battery, put the machine on the docking station, and connected a USB drive on the dock with A13 BIOS file saved in it.

5) I powered on the system, use the volume keys to change the boot mode to Legacy, and reboot.

6) I used the volume keys to enter the BIOS flash utility, chose the A13 BIOS file that saved in my USB drive. (Note: the SSD is still outside of the machine, I did not entre Windows/DOS, I only used the upper volume key to enter the boot manual, and selected the BIOS update function)

7) The machine rebooted and the flash utility initiated as normal. The Intel Management Engine update part was stuck at 84% for approx. 2 minutes but continued as usual, don’t panic.

8) The machine rebooted and I confirmed the BIOS has successfully updated to A13, and then I reinstalled all the components I left out, machine functioned like a dream, all problems (exclamation marks in device manager, 25 seconds boot freeze etc.) all gone!

I suspect the keys of the success are CMOS battery disconnection, Flash from BIOS utility without SSD, WiFi card, WAN card (if present) connected. Anyone who would like to give it a try can try these without the removal of motherboard from the frame, however in order to access the CMOS battery you may need to remove the bottom case frame, which isn’t particularly easy due to multiple plastic clips. (I broke mine, and would like to know if I can get a replacement frame at a reasonable cost? But anyway, if this solved everyone’s problem, it was a frame well worth to break!)

you win! I followed your instructions exactly as I didn't want to have to do it again if it still failed, but I really think pulling the cmos is the key.

Dear All, Brian, I managed to flash my Venue Pro 11 (7130, i5 vPro) to A13 BIOS which was stuck on A10 until yesterday; I don’t know which step triggered the switch that enabled the flash, so I thought I should just tell everyone what I did: 1) I tore down system right to the bare motherboard, and removed the motherboard from the chassis and disconnected the CMOS battery. 2) I reinstalled the motherboard to the chassis, but left the SSD card, WiFi card, WAN card, Speakers’ cable and Vibrating motor’s cable outside/unconnected. 3) I powered on the system on the docking station, with CMOS battery and main battery both unconnected, then I powered it off. 4) I reconnected the CMOS battery and installed the main battery, put the machine on the docking station, and connected a USB drive on the dock with A13 BIOS file saved in it. 5) I powered on the system, use the volume keys to change the boot mode to Legacy, and reboot. 6) I used the volume keys to enter the BIOS flash utility, chose the A13 BIOS file that saved in my USB drive. (Note: the SSD is still outside of the machine, I did not entre Windows/DOS, I only used the upper volume key to enter the boot manual, and selected the BIOS update function) 7) The machine rebooted and the flash utility initiated as normal. The Intel Management Engine update part was stuck at 84% for approx. 2 minutes but continued as usual, don’t panic. 8) The machine rebooted and I confirmed the BIOS has successfully updated to A13, and then I reinstalled all the components I left out, machine functioned like a dream, all problems (exclamation marks in device manager, 25 seconds boot freeze etc.) all gone! I suspect the keys of the success are CMOS battery disconnection, Flash from BIOS utility without SSD, WiFi card, WAN card (if present) connected. Anyone who would like to give it a try can try these without the removal of motherboard from the frame, however in order to access the CMOS battery you may need to remove the bottom case frame, which isn’t particularly easy due to multiple plastic clips. (I broke mine, and would like to know if I can get a replacement frame at a reasonable cost? But anyway, if this solved everyone’s problem, it was a frame well worth to break!)

Doing number 6 on this I am unable to progress. I get an error saying:

try (hd, o): fat32 nogrdlr

try (hd0, 1) invalid or null

try (hd0, 2) invalid or null

try (hd0, 3) invalid or null

try (fd0) invalid or null

cannot find grldr.

press space bar to hold the screen, any other key to boot previous MBR..

Timeout: 0

An operating system wasn't found. Try disconnecting any drives that don't contain an operating system.

Press any key to restart

Any ideas?

I suggest you to reformat your USB pen drive using FAT32 format, copy the A13 BIOS update file, and try again. If problem persist, try use a different USB drive, again use FAT32 format and ideally to be small one.

Hi Brian,

Is there any status updates on this issue with the Bios A13 not installing? I work in an IT department and we handle about 250 Dell Venue 11 Pros that are being used by employees and I'm starting to experience this issue with more than a handful of devices. Some of them are still stuck on Bios A10 and will not even update to Bios A11 or A12.

Hi, I've tried what you've posted multiple times, but I don't own a dock, so I use the power supply included. I have a 7139 with the BIOS update on a 1gb USB drive formatted as FAT32. I am able to do everything above, but when the machine reboots, it just goes to a blank screen with 'invalid partition table!' in the upper left hand corner. Any reasons why it would do this?

Same problem here. Successfully managed to update to A13, now I cannot update to A14. 

Issues: slow boot time, 15-20 seconds until the Dell logo appears.

BIOS update: tried both F12 Flash boot options and Windows OS option, same results: correctly recognizes current BIOS version, starts to prepare the flash, decompress and than reboots. No error, no warning, no other message. After reboot version is still A13.

Any other ideas?

You can try to disconnect the CMOS battery, wait couple of minutes, reconnect the CMOS battery and then try again.

Note in order to access the CMOS battery, the rear cover, main battery and mid frame chassis need to be removed from the main body.

If you have a unit with a BIOS that won't update, please contact support.  The repair depot can resolve this issue and you shouldn't see the problem occur again with A13 or A14.

Thanks.

Hi Brian. Contact support - how? I tried to find a contact address around but without success.

I have tried a few other options today, using Dell Command Update - with very odd results:

- first it shows the A14 BIOS, 5.6MB in size, which is for normal 7130 (note that I have the 7130 vPro version)

- this installation fails and does not ask for reboot, but after that (with or without reboot), after a second check for updates, I get the 7130 A14 BIOS for vPro - 8.4MB size

- the install succeeds, asks for reboot, after reboot the same old A13 is installed - with no errors in the logs

I have attached the log file as well as the screen captures of the 2 files.

Exported logs from Command Update: http://we.tl/Ovlq10GKjq

Relevant section:

Diagnostic
2015-02-10T11:04:57.579717+02:00

Enter function


True
HKLM\SOFTWARE\DELL\CommandUpdate\Preferences
C:\Program Files (x86)\Dell\CommandUpdate\Settings.xml



Diagnostic
2015-02-10T11:04:57.8468578+02:00

Exit function


RegistryStorage
True
C:\Program Files (x86)\Dell\CommandUpdate\



Diagnostic
2015-02-10T11:04:58.2695125+02:00

Updated Schedule Settings Frequency: Monthly; Days: 23; Hour: 11; Minute: 0;




Diagnostic
2015-02-10T11:04:58.5043193+02:00

Exit function


Dell Inc.
dell
True



Diagnostic
2015-02-10T11:04:59.2400512+02:00

Exit function


Venue 11 Pro 7130 vPro
(latitude)|(precision m)|(venue.*pro.*)
True



Diagnostic
2015-02-10T11:04:59.3026645+02:00

Exit function


Venue 11 Pro 7130 vPro
Venue 11 Pro 7130 vPro



Diagnostic
2015-02-10T11:04:59.3652811+02:00

Exit function


29B2S02
29B2S02



Normal
2015-02-10T11:05:02.9125534+02:00

Checking for updates




Normal
2015-02-10T11:05:02.9910828+02:00

Checking for component updates...




Diagnostic
2015-02-10T11:05:03.05645+02:00

Exit function


Venue 11 Pro 7130 vPro
poweredge
False



Diagnostic
2015-02-10T11:05:03.2737135+02:00

Current CatalogPaths Setting


$DELL$



Diagnostic
2015-02-10T11:05:03.3606733+02:00

Query Network Available


True



Diagnostic
2015-02-10T11:05:03.4138081+02:00

New Download Attempt


e7a1a04c0f6643778d48248e92ff38ce
ftp.dell.com/catalog/CatalogPC.cab
FTP
1



Diagnostic
2015-02-10T11:05:08.7477415+02:00

Download Execution Complete


e7a1a04c0f6643778d48248e92ff38ce
ftp.dell.com/catalog/CatalogPC.cab
FTP
1
Success
ftp.dell.com/.../CatalogPC.cab was successfully downloaded to C:\Users\marian.vulpe\AppData\Local\Dell\CommandUpdate\Temp\sid4diei\5vlawcbi\CatalogPC.cab
0
1169546



Diagnostic
2015-02-10T11:05:11.0260735+02:00

Exit function


Catalog Load Successful
True
TR6T9_2901
1/29/2015 2:58:43 PM



Diagnostic
2015-02-10T11:05:11.0978782+02:00

Exit function


True



Diagnostic
2015-02-10T11:05:11.1660531+02:00

Inventory Collector Versions


7.0.54.1
7.0.54.1
6N84F
January 12, 2015
VersionEqual



Normal
2015-02-10T11:05:11.2211943+02:00

No application component updates found.


InventoryCollector
7.0.54.1



Normal
2015-02-10T11:05:11.2793393+02:00

Scanning system devices...




Diagnostic
2015-02-10T11:05:32.9315876+02:00

Enter function


0
True




Diagnostic
2015-02-10T11:05:32.9629132+02:00

Scan Completed: Exited Normally:True with exit code: 0




Normal
2015-02-10T11:05:32.9785497+02:00

Determining available updates...




Diagnostic
2015-02-10T11:05:33.0690762+02:00

Reading inventory.xml file


C:\ProgramData\Dell\CommandUpdate\inventory.xml



Normal
2015-02-10T11:05:33.2945022+02:00

1 update(s) were found.


Log
Total source packages: 1197
Non-Linux packages: 1197
Packages for current system/model: 41
Packages for current OS: 37
Package VJMDY (Dell Command | Power Manager,2.0.0,A00 version 2.0.0) or better already installed
Package K7VX2 (Megachips Desktop Dock MST hub splitter firmware update package,0.41.19,A01 version 0.41.19) or better already installed
Package H2CN6 (Dell Command | Update Application,2.0.0,A00 version 2.0.0) or better already installed
Package Y37J5 (Intel 7260 WiFi Driver,17.0.5.8,A08 version 17.0.5.8) or better already installed
Package JFDMP (Intel 7260 WiFi Driver,17.0.0.34,A06 version 17.0.0.34) or better already installed
Package RTCGK (Intel Rapid Storage Technology Driver and Management Console,12.8.2.1000,A00 version 12.8.2.1000) or better already installed
Package VX3YR (O2 Micro OZ777xxx/OZ621XX Memory Card Reader Driver,3.0.8.38,A04 version 3.0.8.38) or better already installed
Package D60VM (Intel Rapid Storage Technology Driver and Management Console,13.2.4.1000,A13 version 13.2.4.1000) or better already installed
Package 5XP29 (O2Micro OZ777xxx/OZ621XX Memory Card Reader Driver,3.0.8.21,A00 version 3.0.8.21) or better already installed
Package GNPV8 (Intel Chipset Device Software Driver,9.4.0.1026,A02 version 9.4.0.1026) or better already installed
Package 70NR5 (Intel(R) Management Engine Components Installer Application,9.5.14.1724,A01 version 9.5.14.1724) or better already installed
Packages not already installed: 26
Determining software component updates based on current system configuration ...
Package PGWK3 (Dell Venue 11 Pro 7130 System BIOS,A14 version A14) ID match for 159 (BIOS version A13)
Package 2T07P (Dell Venue 11 Pro 7130 vPro System BIOS,A14 version A14) ID match for 159 (BIOS version A13)
Packages for current system configuration: 2
Eliminating redundant/obsolete package versions ...
Remove 2T07P (version A14) already have PGWK3 (version A14)
Packages for current system configuration: 1 (latest only)
Checking packages for prerequisites ...




Normal
2015-02-10T11:05:33.3536516+02:00

Check for updates complete




Normal
2015-02-10T11:05:40.9913032+02:00

Installing updates


Log
PGWK3: Dell Venue 11 Pro 7130 System BIOS



Diagnostic
2015-02-10T11:05:41.033786+02:00

Starting download...


PGWK3



Diagnostic
2015-02-10T11:05:41.1097397+02:00

New Download Attempt


7b072fe49471483bb32eeafd609c9e79
downloads.dell.com/FOLDER02782236M/1/7130_A14.exe
FTP
1



Diagnostic
2015-02-10T11:06:02.2374169+02:00

Download Attempt Result


7b072fe49471483bb32eeafd609c9e79
downloads.dell.com/FOLDER02782236M/1/7130_A14.exe
FTP
1
Error
Unable to connect to the remote server
5
0



Diagnostic
2015-02-10T11:06:02.3313193+02:00

New Download Attempt


7b072fe49471483bb32eeafd609c9e79
downloads.dell.com/FOLDER02782236M/1/7130_A14.exe
HTTP
1



Diagnostic
2015-02-10T11:06:05.477782+02:00

Download Execution Complete


7b072fe49471483bb32eeafd609c9e79
downloads.dell.com/FOLDER02782236M/1/7130_A14.exe
HTTP
1
Success
downloads.dell.com/.../7130_A14.exe was successfully downloaded to C:\Users\marian.vulpe\AppData\Local\Dell\CommandUpdate\Temp\sid4diei\FOLDER02782236M\1\7130_A14.exe
0
5853840



Normal
2015-02-10T11:06:05.5246767+02:00

Download Update : PGWK3 (BIOS)


Download
PGWK3
Dell Venue 11 Pro 7130 System BIOS
A14
Recommended
January 23, 2015
BIOS
FlashBIOS Updates
5853840
Success



Diagnostic
2015-02-10T11:06:05.8380733+02:00

Running Update...


C:\Users\marian.vulpe\AppData\Local\Dell\CommandUpdate\Temp\sid4diei\FOLDER02782236M\1\7130_A14.exe
/s /l=Update_PGWK3.log



Diagnostic
2015-02-10T11:06:07.1854376+02:00

Apply Update Result


5

True



Diagnostic
2015-02-10T11:06:07.2480587+02:00

Running Update...


C:\Users\marian.vulpe\AppData\Local\Dell\CommandUpdate\Temp\sid4diei\FOLDER02782236M\1\7130_A14.exe
/s /l=Update_PGWK3.log



Diagnostic
2015-02-10T11:06:09.8641536+02:00

Apply Update Result


5

True



Diagnostic
2015-02-10T11:06:09.926695+02:00

Running Update...


C:\Users\marian.vulpe\AppData\Local\Dell\CommandUpdate\Temp\sid4diei\FOLDER02782236M\1\7130_A14.exe
/s



Diagnostic
2015-02-10T11:06:11.5865221+02:00

Apply Update Result


5

False



Normal
2015-02-10T11:06:11.6491374+02:00

Install Update: PGWK3 (BIOS)


Install
DUP
PGWK3
Dell Venue 11 Pro 7130 System BIOS
A14
Recommended
January 23, 2015
BIOS
FlashBIOS Updates
No
5
Failed



Normal
2015-02-10T11:06:11.7430623+02:00

Installation Complete




Normal
2015-02-10T11:06:13.9616189+02:00

Checking for updates




Normal
2015-02-10T11:06:14.1810868+02:00

Scanning system devices...




Diagnostic
2015-02-10T11:06:28.6065428+02:00

Enter function


0
True




Diagnostic
2015-02-10T11:06:28.6378492+02:00

Scan Completed: Exited Normally:True with exit code: 0




Normal
2015-02-10T11:06:28.6378492+02:00

Determining available updates...




Diagnostic
2015-02-10T11:06:28.7196895+02:00

Reading inventory.xml file


C:\ProgramData\Dell\CommandUpdate\inventory.xml



Normal
2015-02-10T11:06:28.8198232+02:00

1 update(s) were found.


Log
Total source packages: 1197
Non-Linux packages: 1197
Packages for current system/model: 41
Packages for current OS: 37
Package VJMDY (Dell Command | Power Manager,2.0.0,A00 version 2.0.0) or better already installed
Package K7VX2 (Megachips Desktop Dock MST hub splitter firmware update package,0.41.19,A01 version 0.41.19) or better already installed
Package D60VM (Intel Rapid Storage Technology Driver and Management Console,13.2.4.1000,A13 version 13.2.4.1000) or better already installed
Package H2CN6 (Dell Command | Update Application,2.0.0,A00 version 2.0.0) or better already installed
Package 70NR5 (Intel(R) Management Engine Components Installer Application,9.5.14.1724,A01 version 9.5.14.1724) or better already installed
Package RTCGK (Intel Rapid Storage Technology Driver and Management Console,12.8.2.1000,A00 version 12.8.2.1000) or better already installed
Package JFDMP (Intel 7260 WiFi Driver,17.0.0.34,A06 version 17.0.0.34) or better already installed
Package VX3YR (O2 Micro OZ777xxx/OZ621XX Memory Card Reader Driver,3.0.8.38,A04 version 3.0.8.38) or better already installed
Package 5XP29 (O2Micro OZ777xxx/OZ621XX Memory Card Reader Driver,3.0.8.21,A00 version 3.0.8.21) or better already installed
Package Y37J5 (Intel 7260 WiFi Driver,17.0.5.8,A08 version 17.0.5.8) or better already installed
Package GNPV8 (Intel Chipset Device Software Driver,9.4.0.1026,A02 version 9.4.0.1026) or better already installed
Packages not already installed: 26
Determining software component updates based on current system configuration ...
Package 2T07P (Dell Venue 11 Pro 7130 vPro System BIOS,A14 version A14) ID match for 159 (BIOS version A13)
Package PGWK3 (Dell Venue 11 Pro 7130 System BIOS,A14 version A14) ID match for 159 (BIOS version A13)
Packages for current system configuration: 2
Eliminating redundant/obsolete package versions ...
Remove PGWK3 (version A14) already have 2T07P (version A14)
Packages for current system configuration: 1 (latest only)
Checking packages for prerequisites ...




Normal
2015-02-10T11:06:28.8529052+02:00

Check for updates complete




Normal
2015-02-10T11:06:43.0697742+02:00

Installing updates


Log
2T07P: Dell Venue 11 Pro 7130 vPro System BIOS



Diagnostic
2015-02-10T11:06:43.1053086+02:00

Starting download...


2T07P



Diagnostic
2015-02-10T11:06:43.1444116+02:00

New Download Attempt


4811a98af06f473297423b14c7930492
downloads.dell.com/FOLDER02782146M/1/7130vPro_A14.exe
FTP
1



Diagnostic
2015-02-10T11:07:04.2595114+02:00

Download Attempt Result


4811a98af06f473297423b14c7930492
downloads.dell.com/FOLDER02782146M/1/7130vPro_A14.exe
FTP
1
Error
Unable to connect to the remote server
5
0



Diagnostic
2015-02-10T11:07:04.3377697+02:00

New Download Attempt


4811a98af06f473297423b14c7930492
downloads.dell.com/FOLDER02782146M/1/7130vPro_A14.exe
HTTP
1



Diagnostic
2015-02-10T11:07:07.7858028+02:00

Download Execution Complete


4811a98af06f473297423b14c7930492
downloads.dell.com/FOLDER02782146M/1/7130vPro_A14.exe
HTTP
1
Success
downloads.dell.com/.../7130vPro_A14.exe was successfully downloaded to C:\Users\marian.vulpe\AppData\Local\Dell\CommandUpdate\Temp\sid4diei\FOLDER02782146M\1\7130vPro_A14.exe
0
8848640



Normal
2015-02-10T11:07:07.8171092+02:00

Download Update : 2T07P (BIOS)


Download
2T07P
Dell Venue 11 Pro 7130 vPro System BIOS
A14
Recommended
January 23, 2015
BIOS
FlashBIOS Updates
8848640
Success



Diagnostic
2015-02-10T11:07:08.0518524+02:00

Running Update...


C:\Users\marian.vulpe\AppData\Local\Dell\CommandUpdate\Temp\sid4diei\FOLDER02782146M\1\7130vPro_A14.exe
/s /l=Update_2T07P.log



Diagnostic
2015-02-10T11:07:31.9512387+02:00

Apply Update Result


2

True



Normal
2015-02-10T11:07:32.0137975+02:00

Install Update: 2T07P (BIOS)


Install
DUP
2T07P
Dell Venue 11 Pro 7130 vPro System BIOS
A14
Recommended
January 23, 2015
BIOS
FlashBIOS Updates
Yes
2
Success



Normal
2015-02-10T11:07:32.0450814+02:00

Install Log Information: 2T07P (BIOS)


Log
***BIOS flash started on 2/10/2015 at 11:07:08***
Command: C:\Users\marian.vulpe\AppData\Local\Dell\CommandUpdate\Temp\sid4diei\FOLDER02782146M\1\7130vPro_A14.exe /s /l=Update_2T07P.log
A13 INSTALLED (Dell System Venue 11 Pro 7130 vPro)
- System BIOS : A13
- Embedded Controller : X46
- Legacy Video OROM : 2177
- Legacy RAID OROM : 12.6.0.1867
- Intel Management Engine Update : 9.5.30.1808
A14 UPDATE (Dell System Venue 11 Pro 7139/7130 vPro)
- System BIOS : A14
- Embedded Controller : X47
- Gigabit Ethernet : X02
- Legacy Video OROM : 2177
- Legacy RAID OROM : 12.6.0.1867
- Intel Management Engine Update : 9.5.40.1892
- ACPI OS support : 0.0.0.1
- Intel AntiTheft : 3.0.0.18
Exit Code = 2 (Reboot Required)
***BIOS flash finished at 2/10/2015 at 11:07:27***