XPS 17 9710 no boot after bios change

Question

I have a new XPS 17 9710 that was taking forever to boot. I'm not booting from a network, so I made a change to disable the UEFI Network Stack so the computer would boot faster. After that change, the computer would not boot. Called Dell - after some troubleshooting, the computer delivered an error code via the charging indicator - 2 amber - 8 white flashes, indicating an LCD rail failure.

Dell wants to either replace the motherboard, or the entire machine. How is it that making a simple bios change renders this machine inoperable?

ob-juan · Accepted Answer

Did not post - Dell is replacing it with a XPS 17 9720. I was advised to contact Dell if I need to make any bios changes. I've been working on and building computers since 1994, and did not get a straight answer from Dell support about making a bios change to change the UEFI stack.

ejn63 · Answer

It probably wasn't the setup change that caused the problem, but rather whatever caused the long boot time.

Unplug the system, remove the base cover and disconnect the battery from the system board. Hold the power button for 30 sec and then see if the system will boot. If it will, reconnect the battery and away you go.
if not, proceed with the warranty repair or replacement (or if you're within the first 30 days of shipment, you can also request a refund).

ob-juan · Answer

Had to go to the hardware store - it's a #4 torx to unscrew.  Same result - opened a case with dell.  I don't understand why UEFI Network Stack is enabled by default on a machine in a home environment.  I'm not booting from a network.

ejn63 · Answer

Remove the SSD from the system - will it then POST to a setup screen?

ob-juan · Answer

Good idea - couldn't hurt anything at this point.  Thanks.  Is it possible that dell uses the pxe boot to restore the operating system in a pre boot environment?  That's my best guess.  I have an old Vostro 3750 running Windows 10 with an intel ssd that boots in 10 secs - XPS 17 takes 62 secs from power up.

Brad L (retired) · Answer

I am not sure why you were told not to make BIOS changes, but you're allowed to do that! With that said, in some cases it can mess up the booting of the system (ie if a user removed Win Boot manager/changed other settings etc.), but in your situation and with your experience level this is not the case.

I am not sure what would have caused the system to fail like this, and hope the replacement system is performing correctly.

ob-juan · Answer

Well, the replacement XPS 17 9720 has been working great, but now it needs a motherboard replacement due to the Realtek PCIE CardReader failing.  Device manager says it is working properly, but does not read the SD card when inserted in the slot. Been waiting since a service request was started on August 8th, and most recently was told that the part might be available the first week of September.  Sad

jcalvarez07 · Answer

Hi ob-juan, I went thru that messy process of motherboard replacement twice with Dell Support. I have the 9710 and believe it or not both motherboards were replaced within 1 month... Same scenario, just booted in BIOS and made a change "doesn't matter what setting is changed" once saved and reboot NO POST. It was so frustrating... But in my case Dell did not replaced with the 9720 but the same 9710 motherboard. Even though I have updated the BIOS firmware many times, the support personnel is not able to confirm if I can boot in BIOS! And I have not done so, as dump as it may seem because I don't want to risk my motherboard again. But, my premium warranty is running out and I want to be able to make ANY change in muy UEFI BIOS for GOOD sake! So if somebody from DELL SUPPORT is reading this, I WANT TO BE ABLE TO BOOT INTO MY 2 GRAND XPS17 WHENEVER I WANT TO!

I have installed the latest BIOS FIRMWARE from your support site. My simple question is, CAN I BOOT INTO MY UEFI BIOS?

elon_mouse · Answer

I have the same problem and want to try to reset the bios but I dont know the where the cmos battery is can anyone help me

XPS

XPS 17 9710 no boot after bios change

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