Optiplex 9030 AIO Bios Update Will Not Install

Question

I am seeking assistance with an issue that has confounded me! I purchased a used Optiplex 9030 AIO with Windows 10. 16 gb RAM, I7 processor and BIOS A04.

I set it up and went to Dell support to update drivers. Amongst many updates needed was an urgent update to BIOS A22. Clearly numerous BIOS updates have been issued over the years - but this system still had A04.

I used Dell Support Assistant to download the various updates including the BIOS update. After installing all of the updates the system needed to restart. I did that and after a short time the system came back online. I noticed that I didn't see the normal BIOS update installation screen when the system rebooted. I went back to Dell Support Assistant and ran it again. It showed that the BIOS update was still needed. I downloaded it manually by itself and attempted installing. I clicked on the downloaded file and it appeared that it was installing. It then said system needed to restart to finish along with the warnings about keeping system plugged in, etc... I did so but the system restarted and booted right into Windows. I checked system info command and system still has BIOS A04. I ran Support Assistant to verify and it called for the BIOS update once again. I tried booting from a USB to install the update and again it appears to install but when the system updates - no change. Is there a jumper on the motherboard that can keep a BIOS from updating? Oh by the way - I also tried updating using previous versions of the BIOS from A05 to A21 - same result.

Hoping someone can help. Not an emergency - but it is very annoying.

redxps630 · Answer

Is the pc encrypted with Bitlocker? https://its.uiowa.edu/support/article/104020

MajorGRB · Answer

No - I forgot to add that I checked that also.  I actually pulled the hard drive and replaced it with a new SSD and installed Windows 11 on the new drive

bradthetechnut · Answer

Try replacing the size 2032 CMOS battery. Whether used or refurb, those often don't get replaced before sale. Yet, bad batteries cause difficult to troubleshoot problems.

Removing the Coin-Cell Battery

Also: How to Perform a BIOS or CMOS Reset and Clear the NVRAM on Dell Computers

redxps630 · Answer

when you run Dell bios.exe on usb after PC is booted from usb, does it show manifest of the current bios on pc as well as the new bios? I have a Dell pc of which bios cannot be updated. The .exe cannot find the manifest of current bios. "no manifest on system".

Sometimes the bios on pc is corrupted that it cannot be updated using the normal methods. Unless you are an advanced user who knows how to flash bios using a programmer, I would just leave it since the PC is still working. the "urgent" bios update often fixes bugs that have no relevance to you. Worse still when trying desperately to flash bios, one may lose caution and brick the board accidentally.

MajorGRB · Answer

I just installed a new 2032 battery.  No change - other than having to adjust all the BIOS settings.  Tried to update the Bios  - same result.  I tried executing the bios file as Administrator - same result.  File opens - screen shows a box with a moving blue line acting as if it is installing - but when the system reboots it launches right into Windows.

MajorGRB · Answer

I do not get any kind of manifest or error message saying the BIOS cannot be updated.  I get your point about 'urgent' not being a big deal.  I just have never run across a PC that the BIOS update failed.  I have updated and fixed many PCs for friends and relatives - this just annoys me.  I think you are right that somehow there is some corruption in the ability to update this one.  Oh well - I appreciate your input - the good news is that Windows 11 seems to be functioning just fine on this older PC.

Optiplex Desktops

Optiplex 9030 AIO Bios Update Will Not Install

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