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November 16th, 2017 18:00
E6510 issues: keyboard backlight, HD, Bios update
For anyone having trouble sleeping, this ones for you. Several weeks ago the keyboard backlight function on my Latitude E6510 (it's a recond unit from Dell Direct w/Core i3 M370, 4 GB RAM, running Win7 Pro/32-bit) stopped working. I've had the unit for over 3 years.
Anyway, when the backlight stopped working I ran a diagnostic that produced a "warning" about the HD's imminent failure. Not sure that was related to the keyboard issue, but taking it to heart I replaced the HDD with a SSD (cloning the HDD to the SSD). When that didn't resolve the issue, I posted to the Forum and someone suggested doing a clean install of Win7 Pro, which I did.
A "new" problem has arisen where I cannot seem to be able to flash the bios from its current A05. I'm just trying to get to A09 now, and it won't work. I tried it in Windows, where I get the "BIOS Update Program" message about keeping the AC adapter connected, etc, and then when I click on "OK" I get a popup window saying "E6510A09.EXE has stopped working." The popup window includes an option to "Check online for a solution and close the program." When I click on that it appears to be searching for solution for about 10 seconds, and the the popup window just disappears.
I also tried loading DOS boot files onto a USB thumb drive, along with the executable BIOS update file, but that would not work either. I'd get to the point where the popup window about making sure the battery and the AC are connected, but when I hit "Enter" to proceed nothing happens.
I've read about laptops not being able to update the BIOS if the battery's in poor condition. I know the battery will have to be replaced eventually, but I'm concerned about dumping any more $$ into this "old but reliable" E6510. I was just hoping to get my keyboard backlight back.
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!
DELL-Alasdair R
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754 Posts
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November 17th, 2017 03:00
Hi pennstatejeff,
With the BIOS, what happens if you try and update to A06 rather than A09?
(you can find all versions available here)
What is the battery status in the BIOS/setup? (it's listed under the "General" tab) You can also check if the keyboard backlight is enabled under the "System Configuration" tab
Let us know how you get on
pennstatejeff
15 Posts
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November 17th, 2017 07:00
Tried A06, same result as A09 ("E6510A06.EXE has stopped working."). Battery status in BIOS/Setup is "Moderate." I had previously checked the keyboard backlight status under the System Configuration tab and it was enabled.
DELL-Alasdair R
6 Operator
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754 Posts
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November 17th, 2017 08:00
Thanks for the update. From your findings, It doesn't look like the battery is causing the issue.
Within Windows, locate the BIOS update file and copy it to C:\
Then open a CMD prompt as administrator and type the following:
CD\ (to return to C:\)
E6510A09.exe /r /s /f (to run the update)
Hopefully the update should now run successfully. If it doesn't, it looks like an issue with the motherboard.
pennstatejeff
15 Posts
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November 17th, 2017 10:00
Alasdair: Thx so much. The BIOS update did run successfully! Unfortunately the keyboard backlight is still not functioning, and I just may have to live with that. Oh well. Regarding the BIOS, should I consider flashing now to the A16 version, or just leave it at A09? Thx again.
pennstatejeff
15 Posts
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November 19th, 2017 04:00
Update: My wife has a Latitude E6400, and I figured I'd try to plug her keyboard into my E6510 to see if the backlight function worked when using her keyboard. No go. So I reinstalled my keyboard, and, voila! Now the backlight works. Could it be something to do with how the connector tab was seated in the laptop? I don't know, except when the backlight stopped working several weeks ago I had never removed the keyboard from the machine. Anyway, that issue is addressed.
Still interested in knowing, however, whether it's worth attempting to further flash the BIOS to A16. Thx again for all your help.
DELL-Alasdair R
6 Operator
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754 Posts
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November 20th, 2017 04:00
That's good to hear! Yes, it was probably just a poor connection that had worsened over time and refitting the keyboard has fixed it.
As far as the BIOS is concerned, it's really up to yourself. If everything is working as it is then there's no real need to change anything. If however, you run into further issues or decide to upgrade any of the hardware, it's always a good idea to update it.