3 Posts
0
820
February 12th, 2022 10:00
m15 R1, D drive missing and BIOS won't update
So I was getting on my computer after a long day, and it wouldn't boot properly. It was stuck on the Alienware screen with nothing below it, and when I pressed space, a blue bar appeared along with keys for startup options and whatnot. But when the blue bar loaded it wouldn't do anything. So I just shut it down and tried again. It worked, I booted it up, although the boot time was unusually long.
And, when that usually happens, my D drive has unregistered. It's happened before, I've usually been able to fix it by getting every latest Alienware and Windows update I've missed, so that was my go-to.
Except, now, I've been trying to get the 2.11 BIOS update, but it just won't install. I tried using the Alienware Updates app, and SupportAssist, but none of them have been working for me. I've been trying to avoid checking the hardware or resetting my computer as that's my last resort but if nothing works I may have to.
Is there any other solutions I can try to fix this?
crimsom
9 Technologist
•
6.1K Posts
1
February 12th, 2022 14:00
Hi @want_tofish if BIOS update file does not run, the file is damaged and another download should be undertaken and checked for file integrity before attempting to run it from within your Local Admin Account.
As BIOS does not see the missing drive, please reseat the NVMe drive in its PCIe slot having cleaned its copper connections with a dry, clean lint free cloth. There are many instances where the NVMe drive card has mistakenly been installed in the heat shield part of PCIe slot, so double check that its installed in the electrical connection part of PCIe slot.
crimsom
9 Technologist
•
6.1K Posts
0
February 12th, 2022 11:00
Hi @want_tofish never try to update BIOS over the internet (SupportAssist) it can brick laptop, always download and check file integrity before trying to install. Alienware m15/m17 R1 System BIOS v2.11.0 | Driver Details | Dell US Always check that you actually want the extra features in BIOS update.
Check that F2 BIOS lists the 'missing' drive. If D drive has lost its partition letter ID, windows will not see it. It should exist in Disk Management as an unidentified drive, and wants assignment of permanent disk letter. Try assignment of different permanent letter.
The laptop says it has difficulty entering the Windows operating system, this is probably because Windows OS has file errors. Next time that boot is successful, run Check Disk to find file errors and automatically fix them. Disk Error Checking: How to run CHKDSK in Windows 11/10 (thewindowsclub.com)
want_tofish
3 Posts
0
February 12th, 2022 13:00
Hi, thank you for the reply. The BIOS installer.exe strangely doesn't do anything. When I try to run it it doesn't open. Nothing happens.
I tried looking through F2 BIOS for my missing drive and only found the PM981 NVMe Samsung 256GB drive, and nothing else. Apologies for being quite bothersome, but is there anything I can do? Thank you.
I haven't tried the check disk to find file errors though. Will get back on that.
want_tofish
3 Posts
0
February 12th, 2022 18:00
Strangely enough, it's fine now. I have no idea why. I left it upside down, unplugged for a while, as I did not have a small enough screwdriver to remove the back, and now the D drive is back. Thank you for the help! Have a good day.