1 Rookie
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February 12th, 2024 16:48
How to update BIOS firmware using USB stick?
Hello.
Long story short:
I have a 7010 optiplex tower (India variant), 2023 make.
Me, and some of my colleagues fell victim to a very sophisticated malware. On my Windows 10 pro it disabled all the security utilities (Norton, windows defender/hello/UAC).
Later through the (guise of) windows update it downloaded "dell firmware", and firmware for SSD. I got a usual windows update notification that these two firmware "are ready to be installed". I quickly realised this was malicious, and turned the desktop off.
I do not want to turn on the Windows, and my Linux installation on the same computer has been affected as well.
So I want to update the BIOS firmware as a precaution (without windows). The following article has steps for Ubuntu.
My question is: can I update the BIOS firmware using a live thumb drive of Ubuntu, or do I need it installed on the computer, in case of reboot(s)?
The first thing I will do is to clean format the SSD using that live Ubuntu installation, and then I will move to creating another thumb drive for BIOS update.
Also, what else can be meant by "Dell firmware"?
Thanks a lot in advance.
Chino de Oro
9 Legend
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8.2K Posts
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February 12th, 2024 21:12
To update BIOS using a USB drive, just simply download the BIOS firmware to a FAT32 formatted USB and boot with F12. In the one time boot menu, you have the option to update BIOS.
Go to Dell BIOS firmware page https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/drivers/driversdetails?driverid=x4p5t&oscode=wt64a&productcode=optiplex-7010-plus-desktop
Follow the instructions below for BIOS firmware installation:
1. Copy the downloaded file to a USB drive. You do not need a bootable USB drive.
2. Insert the USB drive into any USB port.
3. Power on the system.
4. At the DELL logo screen, press F12 to access the one-time boot menu.
5. Select BIOS Flash Update in the Other Options section.
6. Click the ... button to browse the USB drive to locate the downloaded file.
7. Select the file and click OK.
8. Verify the existing system BIOS information and the BIOS update information.
9. Click Begin Flash Update.
10. Review the Warning message and click Yes to proceed with the update.
The system restarts and displays a Flash Progress bar at the Dell logo screen. The system restarts again when the Flash update is complete.
Besides your inquiry to update BIOS using USB, you also could boot into BIOS settings and select data wipe to clean your SSD and remove all unwanted infection,
bradthetechnut
7 Technologist
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9.2K Posts
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February 13th, 2024 05:23
7010 BIOS may not have Data Wipe. Using the Dell BIOS Data Wipe function for OptiPlex, Precision and Latitude systems built after November 2015
I would use a brand new SSD to load on. I've had malware before.
Before installing a new SSD, do a BIOS reset via the light blue jumper method. Make sure no memory of the malware could be left in BIOS.
It's not said what version of BIOS you're on. Latest for the 7010 is A22.
(edited)
Chino de Oro
9 Legend
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February 13th, 2024 06:34
OP indicated that the OptiPlex is India variant, made in 2023.
bradthetechnut
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February 14th, 2024 00:39
Sorry, somehow missed the "2023" part.
I'd still do a BIOS reset per the instructions for the 2023 model. I think all a person has to do is keep the power button pressed for 30 seconds.
I'd also still use a new SSD.
MatherGoban
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December 10th, 2024 13:54
Hello, BIOS update is very important and risky. It must be done without any errors, you can do it by following the steps in the source "How to Install a BIOS Update from a USB".