PowerEdge XE7740 System Stops at the "Loading BIOS Drivers" Screen
Summary: PowerEdge XE7740 system stops at the "Loading BIOS Drivers" screen after an iDRAC 1.20.80.50 update.
Symptoms
PowerEdge XE7740 system stops at the Loading BIOS Drivers screen when the iDRAC has been updated to version 1.20.80.50, while the BIOS remains at version 1.3.1 or earlier.
Cause
The BIOS receives an invalid payload size from the iDRAC firmware.
Resolution
Short Term Workaround:
- Revert iDRAC to a version older than 1.20.80.50.
- Update the BIOS to version 1.6.4.
- Update iDRAC to version 1.20.80.50.
Running firmware updates carries a risk of system non‑boot if power is lost during the process. Ensure that the server is connected to an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) and avoid interrupting the update.
Dell plans to release corrected iDRAC firmware in March 2026. When the update becomes available, you can apply it to eliminate the need for the rollback workaround.
If you encounter any issues or are unsure about any steps, contact Dell Support for assistance. Do not attempt additional troubleshooting without guidance.