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15 R1, failed BIOS update, no post just a black screen
So I went to update my BIOS from A09 to A12 and it froze my pc right away. Then a long time with no progress and I couldn't get any response I forced shutdown by unplugging. Now it is stuck in a boot loop and nothing will show on the screen, fans will kick on.
So far I have tried:
- Unplugging battery and working solely with AC
-
CTRL+ESC for BIOS recovery (not sure if it has this option, hasn't worked)
-
bridging the CMOS/CLRP1 (after the bridge I got 5 beeps, but nothing on the next restart)
-
removing the CMOS connection (multiple times and no POST)
-
running a display check with D key and fn+D (no response)
-
removing ram and swapping places (correct 2 beeps upon removal)
- holding fn key before power (nothing)
- if I hold escape and plug the ac cord in the fans come full blast, seemingly I could do a blind BIOS flash??
- I am unsure how to name the file aswell
I am trying to find the A09 BIOS to make a usb recovery drive but cannot find it on dells support website, might just give it a go with A12.
Might try booting to ubuntu once that downloads, but doubt it will work since I can't even get into a splash screen.
I have been all over the forums and the general consensus is that it is bricked and should be able to be rolled backed with bridging the CMOS, but I can't this to be effective. Or I could get the 'jaws of life' and directly flash the hardware, I see these for ~$10 on amazon.
Any ideas? Thanks!
4934
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Posted December 28th, 2021 13:00
Hi @Capn_Duck, Alienware 15 Drivers & Downloads, BIOS Older versions are available, and Dell Alienware15/ Alienware 17 R2 System BIOS Version A09 is Here.
Full F2 and F12 settings to enable boot from Recovery USB - Dell Community
[This user does not work for Dell and volunteers their free time. Please remember to say thank you by clicking on my thumb up icon.]4929
0
Posted December 28th, 2021 16:00
Thank you so much for that link!! I realize now that uBlock stopped that popup... I cannot access the BIOS at all, the screen just stays black. How can I set up the USB as a BIOS recovery? and use the hold END - plug in AC/PSU - recovery mode?
I saw some of your posts in this thread 17-R2-BIOS-update-failed-bricked
For the recovery USB I have:
- I have used /writehdrfile and /writeromfile and now have
- how should I rename these?
- then do I simply plug it in then hold END before the power plug, let it beep alot and restart?
FYI I am 90% sure that I had A09 before I attempted the A12 flash, would it be useful to try this Phoenix BIOS Recovery with WINCRISIS
I think I found the schematic for my mobo[AAP20 LA-B753P, REV 1.0(A00) 2014-11-17] and the BIOS chip is a UH4 windbond W25Q64FVSSIQ_SO8, but not sure if that is phoenix or not
- I have used /writehdrfile and /writeromfile and now have
4768
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Posted December 30th, 2021 16:00
@crimsom unfortunately not... just a black screen no matter what. currently I am trying the CTRL+ESCAPE with my usb stick but cannot get to the recovery menu. I am not sure that it is even on my pc. I am following the Dell's recovery instructions specific to alienware
Might give the END then plugging in AC a go when I return this evening
4761
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Posted December 30th, 2021 19:00
Hi @Capn_Duck here is the information you requested on how to use the END key to re-flash corrupted BIOS from USB. Please read the updated web page that has useful instructions about how to get it to work before watching the video. Advocate printing the instructions and ticking completion of the steps so that you get this method right first time.
Dell BIOS recovery procedure (confirmed) | My Digital Life Forums
[This user does not work for Dell and volunteers their free time. Please remember to say thank you by clicking on my thumb up icon.]4703
0
Posted January 1st, 2022 11:00
So I have tried many different combinations of file names for the recovery drive and all the usb ports.. Nothing so far. I have used BIOS_IMG, AMIBOOT and using AAP20 like I found in this post and also here
I found this info on my mobo: AAP20 LA-B753P REV 1.0 (A00) 2014-11-17, hence the naming per that post
Is there anyway for me to dump my current bios info via usb? How can I know if I have AMI BIOS?
crimsom
9 Technologist
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6114 Posts
4816
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Posted December 29th, 2021 15:00
Hi @Capn_Duck does press F8 key repeatedly work?
(edited)
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