XPS 8940, system hanging

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Sounds like a nicely configured system. I would try this:

https://www.dell.com/community/XPS-Desktops/XPS-8940-new-out-of-the-box-intermittent-crashes/m-p/8142183#M68592

And AFAIK, (Kernel Power 41 Error) just means that Windows can tell that you forced it off and didn't Shut-Down properly last time ... but you know that, as you did it.

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@ghentsch wrote:

I have had an XPS 8940 since July 2021. It is an i7-11700 with an nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 Super.

1. I have done a few clean installs,

had dell replace the cpu fan, motherboard and SSD drive.

2. I have been running Core Temp on the system and have seen the temps climb to ... 100C. 

 

1. Like I suggested? Or instead, you used Dell's image or Dell's Recovery Drive? 

2. Yes, that is too hot. It does sound-maxed-out for a XPS, but under normal-use, I don't think it should be getting that hot (if fan-cooler is working and heat-sink is installed properly).

Sounds like maybe you had some misc problem, but ever since the MB got replaced (and cooler apparently installed on the CPU incorrectly) ... you have been having over-heat issues. 

Two things. One is your high temperatures are likely due to the Dell stock cooler not being sufficient for the i7-11700. I replaced the CPU cooler with a Vetroo V5 from Amazon for $30 and my temperatures rarely exceed 65 degrees. Secondly, I have had similar freezes over the last couple of weeks. I downgraded the Nvidia graphics driver to 471.41 (release July 2021) and so far my PC hasn't crashed since. 

PS - I hate when the only advice that Dell provides is to wipe your PC. Most of the time problems can be solved without loosing all your data.

I spoke too soon. PC just froze/hung again. I'm not seeing anything in Event Viewer (PC froze at 9:10am, hard power cycle at 9:16am). As best I can tell the problem started when the BIOS was updated to 2.4.0. Unfortunately, Dell does not allow the BIOS to be rolled back.

This problem has been going on since July 2021. I have had all kinds of Dell support attempt to deal with it with no success. The correct solution from Dell is to let me return this system because it has issues. Others are having similar problems. 

A Dell CSR has sent me a PM, but we haven't figured anything out. Mine is still freezing. I too tried downgrading the BIOS, but even with all Windows Updates disable, Windows continues to auto-update to 2.4.0. 

It is not Windows Update that keeps re-installing the BIOS. It's because the 2.4 BIOS update drivers are not removed from Windows.

Try going into Device Manager, then look for the folder called 'Firmware'. The 2.4.0 BIOS should show up there. Right-click and select 'Uninstall Device'. In the confirmation dialog check the option to remove driver files.

Once that's done, you can roll back your BIOS to 2.3.0 using Dell's installer. Windows shouldn't try to update it back immediately anymore.

I got to this step myself, now I'm monitoring my system to see if the freezing stops...

I was having random system freezes after upgrading to BIOS version 2.4.0 for my XPS 8940 as well.  Rolling back to BIOS version 2.3.0 fixed the problem, but to ensure 2.4.0 is completely removed and stays off the machine, there are a few things that need to be done:

1. Download BIOS 2.3.0 for the XPS 8940 and install: https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/drivers/driversdetails?driverid=3hyj6&oscode=wt64a&productcode=xps-8940-desktop

2. After BIOS 2.3.0 is installed, disable "UEFI Capsule firmware updates" under the BIOS, to ensure the system does not automatically update to 2.4.0:

- Press "F2" at the Dell logo screen to enter set up.
-Go to "Security" on list.
-Go down on the "UEFI Capsule firmware updates".
-Set as "Disabled".
-Save and restart/reboot computer.

3.  Completely remove the 2.4.0 BIOS firmware from Windows:

-Device Manager --> View --> Show Hidden Devices.
-"Firmware" should now be listed among the devices.
-Expand the "Firmware" entry--> 2.4.0 BIOS --> Right Click --> Uninstall Device.
-At the confirmation dialog box --> Check option to "Remove Driver Files".
-Restart computer.

This is the way... I did this earlier this week (around Tuesday) and have not had a crash since! This confirms what many have been saying all along, the issue is with the BIOS!!!

I made the switch Monday to BIOS 2.3, working fine since then. Yes, BIOS 2.4 appears to be at least part of the problem.

By the way, "3.  Completely remove the 2.4.0 BIOS firmware from Windows:" above, I didn't do that... and not sure it is even necessary? It isn't even attached to the system according to Device Manager? I can't even FIND in Device Manager anything else about the 'Firmeware' or 'BIOS'? Even with Hidden Devices turned on? SYSINFO does show BIOS 2.3 though.

Hi, I am going to give the 2.3 downgrade a go for I think the third time - I cannot actually see the driver download here:

Dell XPS 8940 System BIOS | Driver Details | Dell Ireland

is there a direct link to the file?

Hmm, that is really ODD?

Well, if you go to the LATEST version, V2.9.0 and then look at the other available versions it is there:

That link does take you to it to d/l.

thanks very much