XPS 8940, random freezing

@handyvorb 

Looks like they are now taking this seriously. They all would like to exchange my XPS 8940.

Not sure I want to do that? Too much of 'my stuff' on it. Yeah, I've got backups but there is no guarantee I can put it back on a new PC? Also, I'd probably 'nuke' mine before I sent it back. No guarantee they'd be able to recreate the problem if it is due to my configuration and s/w changes made on it?

I put a link with instructions a little further down in this thread.

Please explain in detail what you have to do in group policy to stop the update of bios & do you also have to turn off capsule as well?

Yeah the Intel ME firmware gets updated with the Bios 2.4.0 update, but you can leave that bit alone, it's not causing the issue.  Just re-installing bios 2.3.0 is all you need to do.  

Please explain in detail how to turn off bios updates in win 10 pro on my 8940 in group policy- I cant find it anywhere

that link did not help me

(I know to turn off capsule update in bios as well that i know how to do)

Just disable UEFI Capsule Updates in BIOS...

If you use a Group Policy change, you may not be allowed to update BIOS manually, unless you undo that GP change.

Dear all,

do you know, if Dell is currently working on an updated and error free BIOS version?

Thx Christian

---

@Christian_2022 wrote:

Dear all,

do you know, if Dell is currently working on an updated and error free BIOS version?

Thx Christian

---

Well, I suspect the only ones that know are inside Dell at this point. If they can't recreate the problem (which it seems from my reports and the things they had me try and didn't fix it) and don't know the true cause, I suspect they can't be.

For me, day 5 on BIOS 2.3 and not freezes or lock-ups have happened. Doesn't mean much, I've had runs like this even with BIOS 2.4. Good indication though. Dell has asked for at least 8940 to be exchanged so Engineer's can look at it. Leads me to believe it may not be just the BIOS but some many others items in a special situation that might cause it? I'm starting to think it might be motherboard related? A change was made in the design/manufacture late in the 8940 cycle. I got one of the newer ones, Ver. 0427JK, A00. You can check what you have with SYSINFO.

However, maybe Dell Cares can answer better here.

They are processing an exchange for my system.  My system is fine right now on 2.3.0, and the problem is identified, but I'll work with them so they can fix the issue.  Bios updates are important after all for security.

I was having random system freezes after upgrading to BIOS version 2.4.0 for my XPS 8940 as well.  Rolling back to BIOS version 2.3.0 fixed the problem, but to ensure 2.4.0 is completely removed and stays off the machine, there are a few things that need to be done:

1. Download BIOS 2.3.0 for the XPS 8940 and install: https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/drivers/driversdetails?driverid=3hyj6&oscode=wt64a&productcode=xps-8940-desktop

2. After BIOS 2.3.0 is installed, disable "UEFI Capsule firmware updates" under the BIOS, to ensure the system does not automatically update to 2.4.0:

- Press "F2" at the Dell logo screen to enter set up.
-Go to "Security" on list.
-Go down on the "UEFI Capsule firmware updates".
-Set as "Disabled".
-Save and restart/reboot computer..

3.  Completely remove the 2.4.0 BIOS firmware from Windows:

-Device Manager --> View --> Show Hidden Devices.
-"Firmware" should now be listed among the devices.
-Expand the "Firmware" entry--> 2.4.0 BIOS --> Right Click --> Uninstall Device.
-At the confirmation dialog box --> Check option to "Remove Driver Files".
-Restart computer.

@handyvorb,

You said " My system is fine right now on 2.3.0, and the problem is identified, but I'll work with them so they can fix the issue." but do you mean you told them what it is, or have you figured out how to recreate it 100% of the time?

Did you verify if you put V2.4 back it would still fail?

Unless they can recreate it, or have special tools to capture the fail, I'm not sure they could fix it?

I followed trebor68's BIOS roll-back procedure.  I let you know if my XPS8940 stops frrezing.

Just chiming in, I still haven’t had a single freeze since going back to bios 2.3.0. 

I purchased this 8940 from Dell last week. I've been having the same freezing issue where the computer randomly wont wake up after the screen powers down.  I set the power settings to keep the computer from sleeping but I still had the issue.  I was about to pack it up and return to Costco when I found this topic posted.  I did the BIOS rollback to 2.3.0 but as soon as the computer restated it automatically reinstalled 2.4.0.  Then I found your post on how to prevent the automatic reinstall of 2.4.0. Thank you so much for posting!! Let's see if this fixes the issue!!

In my case, it was definitely 2,4.  When I rolled back the BIOS to 2.3, the problem disappeared totally.,  Thank you for your advice!