No BIOS update is mandatory. There are several aspects to take into consideration before you decide on running a BIOS update. Please contact our out of warranty department at 866 287 6727 opt#4 if you need assistance with this.
You know most people will install the updates without a 2nd thought because they trust that Dell will not send anything not compatible with the system. You get a notification that says updates are ready to be installed do you want to install them. From the service tag you should know my configuration and what updates to send me and not send me. At least a notice or warning to check on my part. No you send me updates in a bundle and ask me if I want to install them . Of course I’m going to install them, updates help maintain and keep it secure.
Best just to wait and see feedback of others that have installed the updates. Way too close to bricking my system with the last couple bios updates. Pretty sure I am done with bios updates.
It is bad form to start multiple threads discussing this same complaint. Only use this thread.
Most of our Alienware customers only install a BIOS update to correct a specific issue that they are currently facing. They know that a failed BIOS update could break the CMOS on the motherboard. This is especially important for users who no longer have any warranty, like your Aurora R5. Generally, they do not install a BIOS just because it is a newer version.
The fact that there is a real risk with bios updates. The emails or pop ups indicate ("critical" or "recommended"). This obviously has trusting customers blindly taking huge risks in breaking their beloved systems. It's honestly shameful.
But common sense by the user must also come into play. If your PC is out of warranty (like Nonickname2, warranty expired in November 2017) but still working, why risk the possibility of breaking the motherboard CMOS to install a BIOS update?
Most customers, or pc owners (knowledgeable or not), are under the assumption that keeping your pc up to date is ideal.
Bios updates breaking systems are NOT common knowledge. Especially for the average Dell customer!
When a company states "critical" next to an update that may or may not be ideal, what do you think a person "unsure" of themselves would opt to do?
I am glad I know better, but even for me it wasn't until after my system nearly got bricked! I know computers, I know updated BIOS are ideal! Dell as a company would rather send a guy out to replace your motherboard with a refurbished one and assume losing all of your data on your brand new system (and essentially turning it into some Frankenstein machine with used parts) means nothing and is no problem at all for people who just spent $2-5K on it.
Eimy_B
4 Operator
•
4.4K Posts
0
January 17th, 2019 13:00
No BIOS update is mandatory. There are several aspects to take into consideration before you decide on running a BIOS update. Please contact our out of warranty department at 866 287 6727 opt#4 if you need assistance with this.
Tesla1856
8 Wizard
•
17.4K Posts
0
January 18th, 2019 09:00
See this article =
Dell Policy, BIOS update breaks motherboard CMOS
And be sure you tried all resets and Dell BIOS Recovery 2/3 procedures ... methodically
Nonickname222222222
2 Posts
0
January 17th, 2019 15:00
You know most people will install the updates without a 2nd thought because they trust that Dell will not send anything not compatible with the system. You get a notification that says updates are ready to be installed do you want to install them. From the service tag you should know my configuration and what updates to send me and not send me. At least a notice or warning to check on my part. No you send me updates in a bundle and ask me if I want to install them . Of course I’m going to install them, updates help maintain and keep it secure.
Nonickname222222222222222222222222222222
2 Posts
0
January 22nd, 2019 17:00
Why do you send updates that are not needed and can ruin the computer if installed?
PentatonicSteel
240 Posts
0
January 23rd, 2019 08:00
Best just to wait and see feedback of others that have installed the updates. Way too close to bricking my system with the last couple bios updates. Pretty sure I am done with bios updates.
DELL-Chris M
Community Manager
•
56.9K Posts
1
January 23rd, 2019 08:00
Nonickname2,
It is bad form to start multiple threads discussing this same complaint. Only use this thread.
Most of our Alienware customers only install a BIOS update to correct a specific issue that they are currently facing. They know that a failed BIOS update could break the CMOS on the motherboard. This is especially important for users who no longer have any warranty, like your Aurora R5. Generally, they do not install a BIOS just because it is a newer version.
PentatonicSteel
240 Posts
0
January 23rd, 2019 18:00
The fact that there is a real risk with bios updates. The emails or pop ups indicate ("critical" or "recommended"). This obviously has trusting customers blindly taking huge risks in breaking their beloved systems. It's honestly shameful.
DELL-Chris M
Community Manager
•
56.9K Posts
0
January 24th, 2019 05:00
But common sense by the user must also come into play. If your PC is out of warranty (like Nonickname2, warranty expired in November 2017) but still working, why risk the possibility of breaking the motherboard CMOS to install a BIOS update?
PentatonicSteel
240 Posts
0
January 24th, 2019 10:00
Most customers, or pc owners (knowledgeable or not), are under the assumption that keeping your pc up to date is ideal.
Bios updates breaking systems are NOT common knowledge. Especially for the average Dell customer!
When a company states "critical" next to an update that may or may not be ideal, what do you think a person "unsure" of themselves would opt to do?
I am glad I know better, but even for me it wasn't until after my system nearly got bricked! I know computers, I know updated BIOS are ideal! Dell as a company would rather send a guy out to replace your motherboard with a refurbished one and assume losing all of your data on your brand new system (and essentially turning it into some Frankenstein machine with used parts) means nothing and is no problem at all for people who just spent $2-5K on it.