Area-51m R2, stuck on logo during boot after latest update

Question

Hi there,

As the title implies, I updated the system through the "alien update software" over 2 weeks ago. Since then, whenever I shut the computer down, and turn it on again, it gets stuck on the Alienware logo, unless I turn it off and turn it on again, then it will proceed to Windows.

I contacted support, and I did the hardware test, and everything passed. The support even remoted in to my computer to do some registry editing, but the problem persists. She said the last thing I could do is reset the whole PC in which I did. After wiping the whole PC, the problem still persists. I have tried unplugging all the USB cables, unplugging the thunderbolt, and even reinstalling the Intel Rapid Storage (downgrading and upgrading) drivers. The problem persists.

Just wondering if anyone has a viable solution? I plan to contact Dell again tomorrow, as I have their extended 4 year warranty. But it's just frustrating as this issue did not occur prior to the update.

A51-06 · Answer

Have you reflashed the bios yet? Try an older version and a newer version and see if that helps.

Amani44 · Answer

Hi there, Thanks for the reply, I just reflashed the BIOS (via driver updates from dell website), when I tried to reflash the old one, it says it's not allowed. Any idea how to do it?    Thanks!

A51-06 · Answer

Try this one: https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/drivers/driversdetails?driverid=f43cc

Amani44 · Answer

Ugh after flashing the bios, the computer would not go past the alienware logo, even when i turn it off and on again. Now i am just stuck here.

A51-06 · Answer

Then you need to flash it again but make sure not to interrupt it as that can cause problems like yours. But I’m sure just a simple flash again would fix it.

Amani44 · Answer

I wish that were the case. I did not interrupt it, it actually flashed successfully. Now i can't even get into the boot options. Now im talking to tech support and they are saying it might be motherboard issue.

A51-06 · Answer

So you can’t reflash it again? Then I’d have to refund the laptop but make sure to take the drives with your data on them so that when the new one comes you can plug them in.

A51-06 · Answer

There’s another way too:

Try this as this grabs a file from a usb that contains the bios so you can reflash it

https://www.dell.com/support/article/en-us/sln300716/how-to-recover-the-bios-on-a-dell-computer-or-tablet?lang=en.

Oscarlop45 · Answer

The only way to fix this issue is this:

charge the battery until 100%

conect the chargers in the system both of them

turn off the system

press and hold the CTRL key and ESC key at same time and HOLD THIS KEYS PRESS

while you hold this keys press desconect the chargers ( two chargers ) and reconect again two chargers

then press the power buttom and release the CTRL and the ESC keys when the machine starts up again you enter in a BIOS RECOVERY SYSTEM, select the FIRST OPCION

RECOVERY BIOS AND WAIT, to the process is completed.

DO NOT DISCONECT THE CHARGERS UNTIL WINDOWS IS LOADED AGAIN,

DURING THE PROCESS THE COMPUTER RESTART SEVERAL TIMES ITS NORMAL,

A51-06 · Answer

I never knew that! thanks @Oscarlop45 dude!

Nado89 · Answer

Same stuck screen

Nado89 · Answer

I did all steps after that it gave massage that battery temporary disabled. And when I try to continue it stuck again on Alienware screen logo.

INXSEX · Answer

Hello, you mentioned that you did an update 2 weeks ago, in that update did you updated your BIOS ?? If so what version of BIOS did you installed ??   Regards,

crimsom · Answer

Hi @Amani44 The BIOS should never be updated over the Internet, that is just asking for trouble. The BIOS update is a small file that does not have the earlier BIOS updates. Dell mandates incremental version updates (one at a time, starting with low version) from the BIOS versions downloaded onto the Area-51m R2. The BIOS update webpage includes how to confirm integrity of the BIOS file that has been downloaded. Users decide if they want a BIOS update, especially if update offers no improvement or unwanted limitations.

The Area-51m R2 is stuck on the splash screen. Please try How to Reset Real Time Clock (RTC) to recover your Dell Portable system.

Then try splash screen's F12 option to run (ePSA) Diagnostics to check that there is no hardware fault. If still stuck on splash screen, try reseating RAM card(s) and/or the OS(C:) drive in their sockets.

Please share an update so that other users derive benefit from your experience. Thank you.

rafaw · Answer

@Alienware Area-51 ALX 2006​ Hi, im also having the same exact issue. I just found out how to boot it up (for me since I have a external hard drive) i just removed it and it immediatley boots up. So what does this mean? Is my hard drive corrupt?

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Area-51m R2, stuck on logo during boot after latest update

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