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January 21st, 2023 08:00
Do I really need BIOS Update? Inspiron 3521
In preboot assessment test, I am facing error code 2000-0261. On searching through ePSA manual I found I should update BIOS and then retry the test. But I have seen some discussions which say bios update is never a real requirement. ( https://www.dell.com/community/Inspiron/What-is-the-reason-for-updating-my-Bios/m-p/6223544#M41718 )
Also I read guides on updating BIOS (.https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000131486/update-the-dell-bios-in-a-linux-or-ubuntu-environment#Creating%20a%20USB%20Bootable%20Storage%20Device )and it seems systems shipped before 2015 don't really have well supported method. Also I am using only linux system which was not shipped with linux. So I feel I Iie on the least favourable condition.
Few more questions I do have is that since one needs to update their BIOS only in stages by stages with every update, so what is next version just after A12?
JOcean
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January 21st, 2023 09:00
The list of ePSA error codes can be found on this Dell support page. According to that page the error code is caused by multiple memory DIMMs failed, presumed to be caused by motherboard issues. Try reseating the RAM modules first. If that does not help then try one RAM at a time. It may be a BIOS problem or the MB may be the cause. Have you replaced any RAM modules before the problem started?
As far as the BIOS is concerned, you have a rather old system that Dell has marked as end of life. There are 2 BIOS versions available after A12 that would be A14 and A16. Also considering the age of the system it may also be that the CMOS battery needs to be replaced. But that is a bit of a teardown procedure. Have you noticed any other problems such as the time and/or date is wrong? Or possibly that the system was not always booting into Windows because the HDD/SSD was not detected?
amit0617
4 Posts
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February 4th, 2023 19:00
It indeed was a memory problem. I took it to a repairing center there they replaced one of the 4 GB RAM stick and problems seems to be resolved now. I had once faced "No boot-able device found" recently but that was because the hard drive got unplugged. I have not faced time resetting on boot of device so maybe CMOS battery is working yet.
So should i care about updating BIOS anymore?
JOcean
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February 4th, 2023 20:00
If the system is running fine then leave the BIOS update alone. I am a big proponent of not doing BIOS updates unless they address a specific problem you may be having. The forum is full of posts from users that had a BIOS update go wrong and brick the MB. Best to leave well enough alone if it is working well.
Also happy I could be of help!