Aurora R11, BIOS won't update

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@amelen wrote:

it seems like the bios won't update with the new ram, any ideas? Below is the message I get:

"Non-qualified XMP memory detected, BIOS upgrade is not processing."

 

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I would 1.) Shut off the XMP settings in the BIOS and Alienware Command Center.

             2.) Shut off CPU overclock settings in the BIOS and Alienware Command Center.

             3.) Shut off Window "fast start up" feature.

             4.) Update BIOS using the "download the binary and load it your self with a usb stick method" (See                          previous post on this site for more details.)

If you do 1. through 3., you could try letting Alienware Update handle the BIOS update, but as I stated, seems most folks have better luck doing that outside of Windows.

If you have already tried that then I am out of bright ideas. 

Well that's a fine kettle of fish, I guess it's a good thing I have my old Dell RAM sitting in a drawer.

Seems I will have to keep it there in case I have a BIOS update situation in the future.  

Great suggestion - however, it didn't help. Below is the error message I'm getting. It seems like DELL's BIOS won't update with anything but stock ram (even though the RAM I upgraded to was in the list of what DELL emailed me as compatible).

The error I'm getting is from running the dell update EXE from Windows (same happens from the Alienware command center and dell update center). I haven't tried it from the bios interface since I saw some people having issues with the latest bios and non-OEM ram, I'm wondering if the warning is legit and should be followed? I wouldn't want to brick my PC right now.

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@sm56 wrote:

This has been discussed a gazillion times...

Why do users continue to try and update the BIOS while running Win 10?

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Convenience and alleged simplicity...they hit "update" and leave the room, thinking that the computer will make itself better with new updates.  The simplicity goes out the window when it doesn't load properly.

A more precise question is why Alienware allows a BIOS update through Windows?

Once upon a time, a motherboard manufacturer would have a clearly stated procedure for updating the BIOS that never included Windows being loaded.  If I recall correctly, you downloaded the new BIOS to a floppy disc, and then booted off of the floppy.  I don't remember ever having a problem with that procedure; should be the same if you substitute a USB flash drive instead of a floppy. 

And no one should dare ask me what a "floppy" is, or I'll take my punch cards and go home...

Once upon a time...

This has been discussed a gazillion times...

Why do users continue to try and update the BIOS while running Win 10?

I had the same issue.

And as strange as this may seem. Windows Update had the Bios update in the "Optional" updates.

I was able to update my bios with windows update.

Once done the Dell update app showed that I didn't need a bios update any longer.

For what it is worth.

I ran the update from the USB drive - it performed everything, but still showing BIOS 1.0. It didn't give any errors. Any other ideas?

Yeah, Dell pushes out critical bios updates for the Aurora lineup via windows update now (this is explained in the below article).  At least it came out as optional so you could properly prepare the pc before running it.

https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000124211/dell-bios-updates

I always upgrade out of windows and it was failing but these steps worked perfectly. Thanks!

Yup that was the only way I was able to get my R11 bios to 1.0.5 through a windows update that had it on the list and it was a big relief too.