XPS 8930, Dell updates bricked it

Always include the version of Windows in your posts. Mentioning issues with other PC models isn't helpful...

Boot the PC and count the amber power button blinks and then look up the error code here. Make sure you know which PC this is because the codes may vary depending on when it was manufactured. And codes may come in groups separated by very short pauses like 2,1 and then repeating 2,1.

Does it have an add-in video card or only onboard Intel Graphics?

Can you test this monitor on a different PC or a different monitor on this PC?

Yes, the PC does have integrated and expansion card graphics.

Hi, this issue is preventing me from getting into Windows (Should be Windows 10).

With regards to the blinking lights, it is a 3-6 "NO POST" code.

The PC in question has both on-board plus additional expansion card graphics.

Yes, the PC had been tested on other monitors.

Yes, the PC had been tested with both the onboard and expansion card graphics, additional cables.

No, the problem has not yet been solved.

Here is some additional info:

     I have tried this: https://www.dell.com/support/article/fr-fr/sln309785/bios-recovery-steps-for-a-no-post-issue-on-alienware-aurora-r5-r6-r7-r8-and-xps-8910-8920-8930-pcs?lang=en. This article seems to describe the issue I am having very well.  I am stuck on step 9: I am still unable to get to the BIOS RECOVERY page.  (I have NO VIDEO and I do NOT see a DELL BOOT LOGO).

Please advise,

THANK YOU!

@ldman    I have also tried accessing BIOS RESTORE/REFLASH functionality by pressing CTLR+ESC on the keyboard.  This approach did not accomplish anything.

Are you using a 'wired' keyboard?

. . . and a FAT32 formatted USB?

@ldman  - If PC is under warranty, contact Dell Tech Support asap. Have Service Tag handy...

And read this about Dell's warranty coverage after a failed BIOS update.

Ron,

     Thank you for the advice.  No, the desktop is no longer under warranty.  But I think you should look at this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyUyNdE2Rdc

What this guy is saying sums up the problem I am having and how I feel about it.

I strongly believe that Dell is responsible for the updates they put out there. policy. DELL-Admin>

In other words, if they cause damage, then they should be responsible to fix the damage regardless of warranty.  policy. DELL-Admin>

Warranty is about consumer related damage and wear and tear. Since when does it cover buggy updates?

Have you any idea the number of tickets out there claiming that Dell bricked their system?

Yes, the keyboard is wired.

Yes, the partition is fat32 formatted.

Did you make your partition "Bootable"?

@ldman  - I don't work for Dell and I do feel your pain...

Did you follow the instructions to create the BIOS Recovery USB stick and rename the file according to the instructions under: How do I create an external USB key to perform BIOS Recovery on my Dell computer or tablet? and then go here for instructions to do the actual recovery?

If that doesn't work, try clearing BIOS:

1. Power off, unplug
2. Press/hold power button for ~15 sec
3. Open case and remove motherboard battery (check Service Manual for details)
4. Press/hold power button for ~30 sec
5. Reinstall the battery (Is time for fresh CR2032 3-volt coin cell battery? ~$2)
6. Close up and connect only mouse, monitor and keyboard
7. Reboot

If it doesn't boot after clearing BIOS, try doing the BIOS Recovery, as above, again...

How long has PC been out of warranty? If out less than maybe ~6 months, you might contact Dell Tech Support and see if they'll be of any help. If the first person you talk with isn't helpful, politely ask to speak to someone higher up...

Beyond all that, you can contact Dell's Out Of Warranty Repair Service to discuss your options and potential repair costs...

And FWIW, next time there's a BIOS update, don't let SupportAssist or Dell Update, etc manage the update for you, and maybe don't even do it manually by yourself from inside Windows.

Download the BIOS exe file onto an empty USB stick. Connect the stick to PC while powered off. Then boot and tap F12 when you see the F2/F12 prompt in lower right corner of the "splash" screen. And when the F12 menu opens, look for the BIOS update option. Note: Use a USB stick that's not bootable and only has the BIOS .exe file on it and no other files.

EDIT: If you do the BIOS update from the F12 menu using a USB stick as I described above, be patient!  After the update is completed, the PC will start to reboot and then completely turn itself off. Do NOT do anything after it shuts off. Don't press any buttons. Just leave it alone and it should automatically reboot itself to the desktop after ~10 +/- sec or so. It may feel like waiting "forever" but it should boot and be okay. Done 3 BIOS updates this way on my XPS 8930 and so far, so good, knock wood...! But as always, YRMV...

@RoHe 

In response to your previous post:

     >Then boot and tap F12 when you see the F2/F12 prompt in lower right corner of the "splash" screen. And when the F12 menu opens, look for the BIOS update option. 

The machine does not deliver a video signal to the monitor so there is no "Splash Screen" visible.

Thanks!

@ldman  - You misunderstood what I said...

When you have a working motherboard again and want to do a BIOS update, I told you to look for the F12 option on the splash screen.  Obviously, the existing motherboard isn't working so you don't get a video signal.

Did you try clearing BIOS by removing the motherboard battery?

I have tried clearing power by removing battery, along with power cable while pressing the power button.

@ldman  - And you still can't get the BIOS Recovery from USB on XPS 8930 to work?

Still not working.