15 R3, can't update or downgrade BIOS 1.2.3

Question

Hello

Im seeking for help on this forum since i haven't been able to find the cause of why i can't update or downgrade my BIOS, I've been stuck on the 1.2.3 BIOS for a long time, i tried everything and i can't do anything, Laptop still working fine tho but i think is not normal that i can't update or downgrade the BIOS version, here's what happens:

1-Download any version supported (newer or older)from Dell site

2-Try to run it, it tries to install but out of nowhere it just turns off and turn on, when it turns on i get a screen saying: ROM image is not loaded ROM image update denied, together with the power button blinking 3 times red 4 times blue, according to the service manual that means: Recovery image found but invalid.

I always get that same error, no matter if i run the bios file from desktop, in safe mode or using a USB and trying to flash it that way, so.. is there something that im missing or i just have to stay with that version forever?
I also tried updating, downgrading and fresh installing Windows because i thought maybe Windows was corrupt and it was blocking the update but no, still getting the same result.

PS: I made a reddit topic 5 months ago asking for help for this same issue but nothing worked:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Alienware/comments/8mzk00/cant_update_bios_rom_image_is_not_loaded/

HalfEmptyMug · Accepted Answer

Fixed this issue by clearing the CMOS/NVRAM by following "ThatOldGuy's" solution here (battery reset version): http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/how-to-reset-the-bios-in-new-alienware-17-with-out-entering-bios-cause-i-just-cant-open-it.756394/

While it worked for my 17 r4, you may need to look up specifics for your specific model.

After doing this, the laptop should power cycle a few times before prompting you to enter in the correct time in the bios, then you should be able to update without issue. (I updated each bios from 1.2.1 to current via USB through the boot options menu on startup (f12 then bios flash), booting into Windows after each update).

Hope this helps.

Edit: I also had Secure Boot disabled while enabling Legacy Option ROMs in the bios. I'm not sure if this makes a difference, but may be needed if you also update via USB.

Jodus · Answer

DUDEEEEEEEEEEEEE I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks to your answer i finally was able to solve my BIOS problem, i totally forgot about this topic i made, today i was downloading all the drivers i needed because i was doing a routine fresh windows install and was like: 'hmmm let me search if there's a solution for the BIOS problem after all this time' found this topic, saw your answer and jumped right away to try it, hardest part was to disassemble the laptop, had to watch like 3 videos to understand how to do it without breaking anything, did everything that 'ThatOldGuy's' said, turned on the laptop, set the time and date on the BIOS and with my fingers crossed i run the BIOS update file from desktop and BOOM flashed the latest update without the error and now im running latest BIOS version omg i just can't believe it, after more than 1 year struggling with this error now it's finally solved, thank you thank you thank you!!!!!

Alienware

15 R3, can't update or downgrade BIOS 1.2.3

Was this post helpful?