BIOS updates are iffy.  Only do a manual update (download and install) if you want to install it.  There are Dell BIOS recovery options on some models.  See THIS link.  On models the BIOS recovery does not address the ONLY option if it corrupts the BIOS is to replace the motherboard.  

As far as actually needing the BIOS update.  Its only needed if it fixes a problem you are having or adds support for hardware you want to install.  

The reason for looking at BIOS update is to see if I can get 2 x 8 GB Hyper Fury memory to work,

BIOS v.11 has: Improved the memory compatibility for 2666Mhz memory modules. 

BIOS v.17: This package also supports the Intel U.2 solid-state drive (SSD) storage device and Kingston memory.

The only other thing I cam across was to reset overclocking before doing the update. 

Need to have a good think about whether to risk it or not, watching the Dell video makes it look very simple but .....

Read this thread and the linked thread about that memory.

https://www.dell.com/community/Alienware-Desktops/Aurora-R7-POST-RAM-failure/td-p/6231181

Thanks for replying but I've read those and other R7 memory related threads.  In summary, the hyperx memory I have should work, other people have found g skill and crucial to work...... , which does not solve my problem as it is not the memory I have.

Need to read up about Bios update and recovery as this may be the way to get my memory to work. 

I've updated to it no issues. Just a FYI

Consider yourself lucky.

:)

I checked I had the BIOS recovery option enabled so hit the button - installed without any hitches. So tried the 2 x 8 GB RAM, in both white slots - no luck, then was going to try al 6 possible combinations, the next one was one white and adjacent black, much to my surprise system booted up. I'm pretty sure I had tried this combination before so looks like there was something in the BIOS.