If you have a Dell Inspiron 5759...

 

After updating the bios from 1.2.7 to 1.4.1 Windows 7 will no longer complete the boot process.

Of course, the system is out of warranty, and the fine people at Dell can't seem to help. They claim it's a software issue.

So I purchased a new HDD and switched out the old drive, for a new one, pulled down the software and put it onto a USB drive so it could build fresh (this went onto a 1 TB SSD) and when trying to install the OS, after a 24 hour load, it had not completed. Yes, it had pulled down the updates, and was sitting at the "windows will continue after restarting" message.

I can't discuss anything about any other of the DELL systems, but I can explain what this one's doing.

If I could figure out where they hide their down lever BIOS's, I'd go get one of those and install it.

If anyone else has upgraded their DELL systems, to BIOS 1.4.1 I'd be very interested to hear your experiences.

Thanks.. (it's not like I've not got other systems I can use)

--
Never argue with a pig. It makes you look foolish and it anoys the hell out of the pig!

BIOS upgrade failed?

Have you tried to go into BIOS setup and look around for issues? It is possible the old bios had specific settings for the configuration of the computer and these did not carry over to the new BIOS.

Worst case, the BIOS update may have failed to complete, or the new BIOS may not work with the existing configuration.

Get the "old computer" working again. Flash the old BIOS, but I guess it is not available. Dell has Intel boards but the Intel site might not have info on a Dell product. Check that all BIOS settings make sense for the configuration. Run the old hard drive and get Windows working. Go on from there.

I did not buy Dell but went to Directron.com and they built me two PCs with Intel boards. Top quality at a low price. They supplied Windows disks. My board info is on the Intel site.

dobs108 smile

one more thing!

The BIOS always saves a default version to be loaded if the CMOS battery were to fail. This version might or might not be the desired roll-back.

This procedure could be used to try to recover the old version:

Power down the PC and unplug the power cord. Open the case and remove the CMOS battery from the board, after making sure that either + or - is up. It is most likely a CR2032 coin cell lithium battery. Leave it out for more than a half hour, and then put it back. When the board is turned on, the current version of the BIOS will have been lost and the default version will be loaded. This might be the old version, or sadly, the new version.

dobs108 smile

Try this first

Try this first. Stick with the new BIOS and new hard drive and try to fix the Windows 7 update problem:

dobs108 in another thread wrote:

... The one that fixed the Windows 7 Updates problem for me, courtesy of Chewbacca on page 23 of the Windows 10 thread, was the July Update Rollup that is downloaded and installed manually:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3172605

Look down on the page for four choices depending on the operating system and whether it is 32-bit or 64-bit. Certain downloads from the Microsoft site will not work using Chrome and IE must be used instead.

This update runs in Windows, so if Windows won't boot what to do? Format the new drive for a clean install. Do not plug in to the Internet. You must have a Windows 7 Servpak 1 disk, or download that file from Microsoft and put it on a USB drive.

On the clean hard drive, run Windows 7 setup and get the PC to boot. Then run Servpak 1 from the USB drive and get the PC to boot. Then run the Windows 7 Update fix from the link above and get the PC to boot. Plug in to the Internet and run Windows Update normally.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=584...

dobs108 smile

thanks everone.

So here's what I can share.

Immediately after the jjj install of BIOS 1.4.1 during the first attempt to boot, the system failed to reach the screen asking for the password after several hours.

I finally depressed the power button to force a power off. When system started and the DELL logo was presented, I pushed the F2 let to get into the BIOS setup. I nosed around for quite a while and couldn't see anything that would cause this behaviour from a BIOS setting perspective.

So, wonde ring if there might be a hardware problem, I op-ed to run a complete diagnostics on the machine from a hardware perspective.

After a few hours, I looked at the results and the diagnostics reported no hardware issues.

I couldn't find any way in the BIOS to revert to the previous BIOS level. So I pulled the battery, pushed the power button for 30 seconds, put the battery back in and tried to boot. The system came up normally and ran for a bit. Then I shut the system down and the next time I tried to boot, it would once again not reach the enter password screen. Once a gain, I pulled the battery, depressed the power button for 30 seconds, reinserted the battery and tried again. Same problem.

So, I pulled the SSD out of the system and put it into another identical system BIOS 1.2.7 and tried to boot. Boot failed with ATPI.SYS FAILURE.

So I pulled thE SSD from the 1.2.7 BIOS. PUT new SSD INTO system with 1.4.1 BIOS and tried to install recovery system using software on Bootable USB stick from DELL. System would not build Win 7 system.

Pulled new SSD from system with 1.4.1 BIOS and put it into system with 1.2.7 BIOS and installed Win 7 system on SSD.

Once system was installed on SSD, pulled the new build from the system with BIOS 1.2.7 and put it into system with BIOS 1.4.1 and attempted boot. Booted successfully. Had to install all the drivers for Audio, Video, Chipset and Network. Shutdown after each individual install and rebooted. Then installed all the Win 7 service, (none of the optional service). All went well.

After last Windows service update, system no longer presents enter password screen.

If someone has a back level BIOS for this I'd appreciate it because DELL claims they don't have a copy of a dowlevel BIOS!

Isn't that interesting!!

I'm considering getting the WIN 10 software from the DELL support center and seeing if the problem persists.

ARGH!!!@

Can I scream I HATE DELL now??

--
Never argue with a pig. It makes you look foolish and it anoys the hell out of the pig!

30 minutes

To make the board forget the BIOS and load the default (whatever that is) shut down the computer and disconnect the 120v cord.

Remove the coin cell battery for more than 30 minutes. (While we also have no 120v power)

The BIOS that had been running will be forgotten. Replace the coin cell and power up the computer. When the board sees no BIOS, it will load the default that was saved sometime in the past. We hope it is 1.2.7.

dobs108 smile

Thank you..

I meant to say thank you to everyone that replied.. I appreciate all the thoughts...

I'll try that.. we'll see what happens..

--
Never argue with a pig. It makes you look foolish and it anoys the hell out of the pig!

Win7 Meltdown and Spectre Patch (KB4056894)?

BarneyBadass wrote:

... So I pulled the battery, pushed the power button for 30 seconds, put the battery back in and tried to boot. The system came up normally and ran for a bit. ...

...

Pulled new SSD from system with 1.4.1 BIOS and put it into system with 1.2.7 BIOS and installed Win 7 system on SSD.

Once system was installed on SSD, pulled the new build from the system with BIOS 1.2.7 and put it into system with BIOS 1.4.1 and attempted boot. Booted successfully.

...

After last Windows service update, system no longer presents enter password screen.

...

So, it sounds like that last Windows update--the Win7 Meltdown and Spectre Patch?--is affecting boot-up? Might try to boot-up in Safe Mode if possible, uninstall the suspected update(s), and see if system will reboot normally. If the offending update (i.e., KB4056894 and/or KB4056897) is identified, then could manually hide and block its install for now--until Microsoft fixes the patch, again.

Corrupt Bios

Found this in Dell Knowledge base. Can't confirm the usefulness.

https://www.dell.com/support/article/us/en/19/sln300716/bios...

Thanks Everyone

I finally got this system running again and for the moment it seems stable.. I'll share my experiences here in a bit, right now I'm whipped and I need to get some sleep...

What a PITA!

--
Never argue with a pig. It makes you look foolish and it anoys the hell out of the pig!

I've seen it

It's been a while, and I no longer have the Dell so I can't reference it.

First, reload the BIOS defaults.

If it still doesn't boot, it seemed to me it pertained to the HDD mode. try slowing it down.

Worst case, load the BIOS safe mode settings.

My guess this BIOS contained things needed for Windows 10 (or maybe even Windows 8). If all else fails, flash back to the previous BIOS if you can.

--
Garmin Nuvi 2450

Dell, HP, Lenovo..Let the BIOS/UEFI firmware recall begin!

I knew the DELL BIOS UPDATE was the cause of all my problems. Here's the blood and guts of it all.

If you own a PC from Dell, HP or Lenovo, chances are very good that the BIOS or UEFI firmware update you installed earlier this month is bad. Here’s how to dig yourself out of the Meltdown/Spectre mess.

With Intel announcing a massive “Oops! Belay that order!” mea culpa earlier this week for its Meltdown/Spectre-related firmware updates, it didn’t take long for hardware manufacturers to announce their own recalls – and set in motion an enormously complex series of stopgap and half-gap measures.

Bottom line: If you flashed your BIOS or UEFI this month, you’ll almost undoubtedly have to flash it again just to get rid of the buggy code. Then you’ll have to upgrade the firmware once again, at a later time. But nobody knows yet just when or how.

Intel has posted its list of buggy microcode families. While the initial warning went up for Broadwell and Haswell processors, this new list brings even more muck. Specifically, Intel warns that microcode patches for all of these processors are bad:

Haswell (4th generation), Haswell Perf and Haswell ULT;
Broadwell H (5th generation), Broadwell U/Y;
Skylake H/S (6th generation), Skylake U/Y/U23e, Skylake X;
Kaby Lake H/S/X/G (7th generation), Kaby Lake U/Y, U23e, Kaby Lake Refresh U4+2 (8th generation);
Coffee Lake S + KBL PCH (8th generation).

That covers a very large percentage of Intel-based Windows PC shipped in the past five years. (If you have an older PC, be aware – they never "fixed" it anyway.)

Prease to read more here:

https://www.computerworld.com/article/3250297/microsoft-wind...

Affected HP Machines:

https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c05869091

Affected Dell Machines:

http://www.dell.com/support/article/us/en/19/sln308587/micro...

Affected Lenovo Machines:

https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/solutions/len-18282

--
Never argue with a pig. It makes you look foolish and it anoys the hell out of the pig!

Thanks for Update & Headsup!

What an ordeal?! Quite a mess...

https://thenextweb.com/insider/2018/01/23/linux-creator-slam...

After seeing your ordeal, I'd held off on updating all my Dell machines. Thanks for the update and headsup!

One more thing...

For whatever reason, my machine decided to load some software from Micro$oft...

No way to go backwards, via restore point, it's unable to come up in save mode, it's not got a clue how to try and do a system repair... I'm fit to be tied! I don't have time to have to rebuild this crappy system once a week!

Now I have to wait for another BIOS fix.. maybe... this is insane!

Guess what... I'm having to try and rebuild the bloody thing again!

I tried to talk with the fine, outstanding, technical support team from DELL and explain this is a mess and we need a way to go back to a prior level of the BIOS.

Of course, these all knowing folks say it's a software problem and since my system is out of warranty, I can get support from them for some $$$ and it's of course, not Dell's fault!

Dell doesn't give a rat's butt about it's customers, nor the pain they are causing nor will they listen that this is a BIOS bug.. even after pointing them to their own site!

This is unacceptable..

In the past I would only purchase Toshiba Laptops, but Toshiba quit making consumer level laptops.

I'll never buy another Dell, nor HP nor Lenovo!

ACER & ASUS's all the way from this point forward!

I need to get off my rant... ARGH!!!

Count me as one really pissed off Dell customer!!

Oh, and since I have an opportunity to influence some moderately large organizations about what system hardware to get for their environments, guess which system manufacture I'll NEVER; EVER recommend!! What?? You Can't Guess.. it's got 4 letters in it's name, starts with D and rhymes with HELL!!!

--
Never argue with a pig. It makes you look foolish and it anoys the hell out of the pig!

Good advice for vendors ...

Don't piss off a company's purchasing agent.

--
Alan - Android Auto, DriveLuxe 51LMT-S, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, Nuvi 3597LMTHD, Oregon 550T, Nuvi 855, Nuvi 755T, Lowrance Endura Sierra, Bosch Nyon

And then after my post yesterday

It seems someone at Dell managed to find the own level BIOS and post it that couldn't be found before.

According to the documentation the BIOS can only be updated through an operating system.. huh?

But the interesting thing is, BIOS 1.4.1 is no longer available on Dell's support site and it's been replaced with BIOS 1.3.0 with a newer date!

--
Never argue with a pig. It makes you look foolish and it anoys the hell out of the pig!

.

BarneyBadass wrote:

It seems someone at Dell managed to find the own level BIOS and post it that couldn't be found before.

According to the documentation the BIOS can only be updated through an operating system.. huh?

Dell provides 2 BIOS update utilities, one that is run from within Windows and another utility that runs from either bootable cd/dvd (or floppy disk, in the old days) or bootable USB flash drive.

According to installation instruction, you can do either one of the above.

[Run the BIOS update utility from Windows environment]
1. Browse to the location where you downloaded the file and double-click the new file.
2. Windows System will auto restart and update BIOS while system startup screen.
3. After BIOS update finished, system will auto reboot to take effect.

[Run the BIOS update utility from DOS environment if Legacy Boot Mode(Non-Windows users)]
1. Copy the downloaded file to a bootable DOS USB key.
2. Power on the system, then Press F12 key and Select "USB Storage Device" and Boot to DOS prompt.
3. Run the file by typing copied file name where the executable is located.
4. DOS System will auto restart and update BIOS while system startup screen.
5. After BIOS update finished, system will auto reboot to take effect.

old days

Both ways work.

In the old days every PC had a floppy drive and this was by default the first bootable drive, and the C: drive was the second. To flash the BIOS, boot the PC with the BIOS update floppy in the drive. The update runs in DOS.

Today a USB drive would take the place of the floppy and the same file as the floppy method can be used, the same as above. The problem is, the USB port probably isn't the first bootable drive and we would have to go into BIOS setup to make that change. After the update we would have to change it back because it is a security risk.

The update in Windows with an automatic reboot is now the best way. I have done it on my Dell PC, and it worked quickly.

dobs108 smile

And the Saga continues... ARGH!!

Chewbacca and everyone else, thank you for your help, comments, tips and links... so here's what happens now!

==============================================

So now that Dell has put the 1.3.0 BIOS back on the website, how do I get to downgrade it so my system is stable?

I have the Inspiron5459_130 application.. from the Dell web site for my system.

I've got a version of windows 7 running on my system at BIOS 1.4.1 but it's unstable.. and my system crashes every couple of days and I have to rebuild my system by using two 5759 systems:

1 is at BIOS 1.4.1 and the other is at BIOS 1.2.7

So I remove the HDD from the System at BIOS 1.4.1 and put it into the system at BIOS 1.2.7.

Then I build a Windows 7 system by re-installing my Windows 7 from the USB key and all is well.

Then I pull the battery out of the system at BIOS 1.4.1 for about 30 mins.

Then I install the Drive I installed the new version of Windows 7 on back into the system with BIOS 1.4.1, put in the CMOS battery again, close it up, put in the system battery and connect power. I boot the system with BIOS 1.4.1 and when the Win 7 system comes up I double click on the BIOS file named: Inspiron5459_130

I get the following:

Verify you want to go from BIOS 1.4.1 to 1.3.0

Press OK

Get Thinking about it.. wait...

Then I get..

BIOS Update blocked due to unsupported downgrade.

And the downgrade fails... Uh.... Say what???

So my system at 1.4.1 is about as stable as a child on crack and the wonderful folks at Dell are less than helpful, let alone knowledgeable!

ARGH!!!! This the exact reason BIOS's should always be flashed from a BIOS FUNCTION!

--
Never argue with a pig. It makes you look foolish and it anoys the hell out of the pig!

Maybe you could use it as a

Maybe you could use it as a boat anchor. smile

--
I never get lost, but I do explore new territory every now and then.

.

BarneyBadass wrote:

I have the Inspiron5459_130 application.. from the Dell web site for my system.

That seems to be the same as what I'm looking at right now at http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/19/product-support/pr...

File Name: Inspiron5459_130.exe
Version: 1.3.0 ,1.3.0
Release Date: 24 Jan 2018
File size: 6.63 MB

I'm surprised that they release v1.3 yesterday. It may have been a mistake because obviously v1.4.x was already released sometime ago. Hopefully they'll fix the mistake by releasing a newer version.

BarneyBadass wrote:

So I remove the HDD from the System at BIOS 1.4.1 and put it into the system at BIOS 1.2.7.

Then I build a Windows 7 system by re-installing my Windows 7 from the USB key and all is well.

I'm a little confused but if I understand you correctly, you successfully rebuild/reinstall Win7 on 1 laptop (with BIOS 1.2.7).

The other laptop (with BIOS 1.4.1) is the one you are having problem rebuilding/reinstalling Win 7.

Am I right?

BarneyBadass wrote:

I boot the system with BIOS 1.4.1 and when the Win 7 system comes up I double click on the BIOS file named: Inspiron5459_130

I get the following:

Verify you want to go from BIOS 1.4.1 to 1.3.0

Press OK

Get Thinking about it.. wait...

Then I get..

BIOS Update blocked due to unsupported downgrade.

And the downgrade fails... Uh.... Say what???

Check your BIOS to see if there is an option to allow downgrade. My (Lenovo Thinkcenter) desktop BIOS shows the following option under Security menu:

Allow Flashing BIOS to a Previous Version: [Y]/[N]

It gets stranger and stranger...

chewbacca wrote:
BarneyBadass wrote:

I have the Inspiron5459_130 application.. from the Dell web site for my system.

That seems to be the same as what I'm looking at right now at http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/19/product-support/pr...

File Name: Inspiron5459_130.exe
Version: 1.3.0 ,1.3.0
Release Date: 24 Jan 2018
File size: 6.63 MB

I'm surprised that they release v1.3 yesterday. It may have been a mistake because obviously v1.4.x was already released sometime ago. Hopefully they'll fix the mistake by releasing a newer version.

BIOS 1.3.0 was my previous BIOS prior the upgrade to 1.4.1

chewbacca wrote:
BarneyBadass wrote:

So I remove the HDD from the System at BIOS 1.4.1 and put it into the system at BIOS 1.2.7.

Then I build a Windows 7 system by re-installing my Windows 7 from the USB key and all is well.

I'm a little confused but if I understand you correctly, you successfully rebuild/reinstall Win7 on 1 laptop (with BIOS 1.2.7).

The other laptop (with BIOS 1.4.1) is the one you are having problem rebuilding/reinstalling Win 7.

Am I right?

Yes you've got the right idea.. and here's the next twist to this... (oh, you're going to like this!)

If I take the drive from the system with BIOS 1.2.7 after getting it built, and there are patches (or service from Microsoft for the OS) the patches install, but when the system needs to re-boot, the re-boot fails.. but if I take the drive out of the system at BIOS 1.4.1, install it into the system with BIOS 1.2.7, then boot the system, the fixes are installed onto the OS drive.. then, if I once again remove the drive from the system with BIOS 1.2.7 and put it back into the system at 1.4.1, it boots... very strange...

chewbacca wrote:
BarneyBadass wrote:

I boot the system with BIOS 1.4.1 and when the Win 7 system comes up I double click on the BIOS file named: Inspiron5459_130

I get the following:

Verify you want to go from BIOS 1.4.1 to 1.3.0

Press OK

Get Thinking about it.. wait...

Then I get..

BIOS Update blocked due to unsupported downgrade.

And the downgrade fails... Uh.... Say what???

Check your BIOS to see if there is an option to allow downgrade. My (Lenovo Thinkcenter) desktop BIOS shows the following option under Security menu:

Allow Flashing BIOS to a Previous Version: [Y]/[N]

Yes there's a check-box that says, allow to downlevel the BIOS and it's checked... but.. here's the catch.. it's only valid if the attempt to upgrade the BIOS failed or was otherwise corrupted...

So.. If the BIOS was at 1.3.0 and it tried to upgrade to BIOS 1.4.1 and the upgrade to was corrupt, then and only then can the BIOS be downgraded... so why Dell put the BIOS 1.3.0 up onto the system so we could download it if we can't install it!

I'm going nuts!

I certainly hope on one else has one of these stupid systems and they are experiencing all these problems.. or if you do, this thread it helping you too...

I can only imagine HP, Lenovo and maybe others are might be experiencing similar issues.. maybe their support systems are better than the support I've been receiving from Dell!

One can only hope!

--
Never argue with a pig. It makes you look foolish and it anoys the hell out of the pig!

.

BarneyBadass wrote:

Yes you've got the right idea.. and here's the next twist to this... (oh, you're going to like this!)

If I take the drive from the system with BIOS 1.2.7 after getting it built, and there are patches (or service from Microsoft for the OS) the patches install, but when the system needs to re-boot, the re-boot fails.. but if I take the drive out of the system at BIOS 1.4.1, install it into the system with BIOS 1.2.7, then boot the system, the fixes are installed onto the OS drive.. then, if I once again remove the drive from the system with BIOS 1.2.7 and put it back into the system at 1.4.1, it boots... very strange...

Sounds like there's a problem with MS patches and v1.4.1 combo. That may be why Dell removed v1.4.1 and made 1.3 the latest available version.

BarneyBadass wrote:

Yes there's a check-box that says, allow to downlevel the BIOS and it's checked... but.. here's the catch.. it's only valid if the attempt to upgrade the BIOS failed or was otherwise corrupted...

Ok, I didn't know that feature only works when upgrade fails to install. Your only option now is to wait. Hopefully Dell releases a new BIOS so you can upgrade.

here's what I candescribe.. ARGH!!!

chewbacca wrote:
BarneyBadass wrote:

Yes you've got the right idea.. and here's the next twist to this... (oh, you're going to like this!)

If I take the drive from the system with BIOS 1.2.7 after getting it built, and there are patches (or service from Microsoft for the OS) the patches install, but when the system needs to re-boot, the re-boot fails.. but if I take the drive out of the system at BIOS 1.4.1, install it into the system with BIOS 1.2.7, then boot the system, the fixes are installed onto the OS drive.. then, if I once again remove the drive from the system with BIOS 1.2.7 and put it back into the system at 1.4.1, it boots... very strange...

Sounds like there's a problem with MS patches and v1.4.1 combo. That may be why Dell removed v1.4.1 and made 1.3 the latest available version.

Perhaps, but it certainly seems the prudent thing to have done would have been to redistribute BIOS 1.3.0 as say BIOS 1.4.5 so at least the systems would have seen able to run and be stable until the proper fix to the BIOS could be prepared. With Win 7, I might be able to get the system b built using the 1.2.7 BIOS, then turn off all future fixes.

But, for those with Win 10, I can't imagine what they'll do..

chewbacca wrote:
BarneyBadass wrote:

Yes there's a check-box that says, allow to downlevel the BIOS and it's checked... but.. here's the catch.. it's only valid if the attempt to upgrade the BIOS failed or was otherwise corrupted...

Ok, I didn't know that feature only works when upgrade fails to install. Your only option now is to wait. Hopefully Dell releases a new BIOS so you can upgrade.

At least I'm beginning to be able to identify and articulate the behaviour. Hopefully, my pain is helping some other poor soul.

Dell's idea that customers shouldn't be allowed to downgrade a BIOS is moronic, stupid and demonstrates Dell's complete lack of concern about it's customers!
Never, have I been unable to downgrade a BIOS on a system before!

As I've said, I'll never buy another DELL system, nor will I propose to anyone the idea of buying a Dell system even if they are the largest PC maker in the world.

Dell's just not that smart!

--
Never argue with a pig. It makes you look foolish and it anoys the hell out of the pig!

How about a version older than 1.3.0?

I you go back far enough, you may pass the failure to downgrade issue. At that point you could go back up to 1.3.0.

--
Striving to make the NYC Metro area project the best.

Thank Bob,

Dell seems to only post the "current" version of the BIOS on their system.

This is just unbelievable!

--
Never argue with a pig. It makes you look foolish and it anoys the hell out of the pig!

Here's a crazy, foolish, dangerous idea (that's me!)

BarneyBadass wrote:

Yes there's a check-box that says, allow to downlevel the BIOS and it's checked... but.. here's the catch.. it's only valid if the attempt to upgrade the BIOS failed or was otherwise corrupted...

So.. If the BIOS was at 1.3.0 and it tried to upgrade to BIOS 1.4.1 and the upgrade to was corrupt, then and only then can the BIOS be downgraded... so why Dell put the BIOS 1.3.0 up onto the system so we could download it if we can't install it!

Could you manipulate the utility by corrupting the BIOS file with a hex editor and see if you could then be presented with the option to downgrade? There should be a CRC/checksum that detects the change and keeps you from potentially bricking your system. You could always search for the BIOS screen text strings to change so that if the upgrade proceeded, it would only change a letter or two of text on one of the menus.

Just a thought...

pquesinb....

It's not really a crazy idea..

I had it run through my simple head for about 30 seconds until I realized the BIOS file from DELL is really an executable file, not a raw BIOS that can be loaded.. so hammering the executable only causes the executable to behave unpredictably...

Thanks for the thought...

--
Never argue with a pig. It makes you look foolish and it anoys the hell out of the pig!

My real hope with this thread is

It's helped someone, heck, anyone out there...

If you've hit this problem, at least maybe you'll have an idea how to get your system to run somewhat stably if you can...

and to don't walk but RUN from any BIOS updates you get from any MFG for a LONG LONG TIME!

This is a mess!

--
Never argue with a pig. It makes you look foolish and it anoys the hell out of the pig!

I have always stayed away from bios updates.

It scares me to death because it can brick the system. The only time I would ever try an update is if it would definitively resolve an issue.
I also stay away from driver updates for the same reason. At least with driver updates you can somewhat easily back it down.

--
Nuvi 2460LMT.

Never had a problem

I've updated several computers, including a Dell without a problem. Also updated a couple of Dashcam BIOS for newer features and had no problem.
I usually try to find the corresponding destructions and follow them to the letter.

--
Nuvi 2797LMT, DriveSmart 50 LMT-HD, Using Windows 10. DashCam A108C with GPS.

I save all versions

BarneyBadass wrote:

Dell seems to only post the "current" version of the BIOS on their system.

This is just unbelievable!

I have every BIOS version for every PC I every upgraded (that I own at least). I planned ahead. I wish I had your PC, I could have helped you out.

Here's a question: Does the BIOS flash utility allow you to backup the current version? (My Dell DOS install utility did if I recall) If so, you could start the 1.3.0 upgrade on the 1.2.7 PC, backup that BIOS, then abort the upgrade. You will now have the 1.2.7 version in a file that you could try to downgrade to.

--
Striving to make the NYC Metro area project the best.

.

camerabob wrote:

I you go back far enough, you may pass the failure to downgrade issue. At that point you could go back up to 1.3.0.

My guess is BIOS flash utility initial step is version check and won't even proceed to the next step if you're installing older version. It will not fail if it doesn't even start flashing.

BarneyBadass wrote:

Dell seems to only post the "current" version of the BIOS on their system.

This is just unbelievable!

If I recall correctly, there are many BIOS versions available to download on Dell's support site. Not sure if they change that. What good will old versions do anyway. You can't downgrade.

thanks

camerabob wrote:
BarneyBadass wrote:

Dell seems to only post the "current" version of the BIOS on their system.

This is just unbelievable!

I have every BIOS version for every PC I every upgraded (that I own at least). I planned ahead. I wish I had your PC, I could have helped you out.

Here's a question: Does the BIOS flash utility allow you to backup the current version? (My Dell DOS install utility did if I recall) If so, you could start the 1.3.0 upgrade on the 1.2.7 PC, backup that BIOS, then abort the upgrade. You will now have the 1.2.7 version in a file that you could try to downgrade to.

No, it certainly doesn't seem as if there's a way to unload a BIOS from a running system these daus.

--
Never argue with a pig. It makes you look foolish and it anoys the hell out of the pig!

I think this is the support I'm getting

https://youtu.be/AmD_8cBqhW0

Yeah.. that describes it pretty Well!

--
Never argue with a pig. It makes you look foolish and it anoys the hell out of the pig!

Remember, it's Intel Inside...

That's pretty hilarious and about sums it up.

Often, BIOS updates include microcode updates for the CPU which fix things like the nasty hyperthreading bug (of course I guess I state the obvious here since I believe the update you applied was aimed at Spectre/Meltdown).

I put a new Xeon server together recently and noticed that it failed a Memtest86/Memtest86+ burn-in when all of the cores were running simultaneously (there's actually a bug in the current version of Memtest86+ related to this feature since it's still experimental). After a bit of research and applying the latest BIOS update, the error went away (in Memtest86).

When it comes to updates, I tend to let them age a bit before applying them if at all possible. This is a wise policy to follow when upgrading to a new OS version as well, IMHO. Everyone thinks of Windows when I say that but I've also found that you will want to let other folks test out that shiny new version of Ubuntu for at least a few days before you apply it to your precious laptop/PC.

Of course security-related updates should generally be applied ASAP but you should always be ready for any unintended consequences.

While I don't much care for their desktops, I generally like the Dell servers since they're built like tanks and just seem to run forever but Dell is known for bad behavior with their hardware. Besides the stupid idea that you shouldn't be able to downgrade the BIOS in case of a problem, they've done other lovely things too like a RAID controller BIOS "upgrade" that kept users from using more reliable and (and less expen$ive) third-party drives in their RAID arrays, any non-Dell drive would be rejected by the controller. Fortunately, so many IT admins and managers rallied against that "feature" that they fixed it pretty quickly.

BarneyBadass wrote:

https://youtu.be/AmD_8cBqhW0

Yeah.. that describes it pretty Well!

I'll second on the wait period

I would still be running Windows 2000 if it was supported... I'm not a fan of new and shiny. I need to work. I like old, tried and tested. I get paid to fix things. I don't get paid to keep my operating systems from crashing on a regular basis. To that end, I read the forums for the products I work with and apply firmware updates when the masses have blessed them. Same with IOS updates, WinDoze updates and the like. Better late and safe than BSOD and dead in the water. My iPhone is still on 10.1.1!

--
Striving to make the NYC Metro area project the best.

I agree... but in this case

DELL's automatic update software installed this!

ARGH>>>

--
Never argue with a pig. It makes you look foolish and it anoys the hell out of the pig!

Time to disable it

Turn that $#!t off.

BarneyBadass wrote:

DELL's automatic update software installed this!

ARGH>>>

Oh and camerabob, I actually AM still running Win2K on one PC here, in fact I'm typing this reply on it. Yeah, I'm nuts but I have a lot of firewall in front of it at least.

- Phil

Here's an Email chain between Dell and Me... enjoy!

Here's a partial list of emails between DELL and me.. (DELL's are bold!) I've given them all the information they asked for... we'll see what happens next! Keep posted for more fun nightmarish tales about this mess!

And yes, when I mail it back to Dell, I'll include a very long diagnostic discussion about this entire mess... but DELL is going to take care of this, for NO CHARGE and OUT OF WARRANTY!

Use a big enough hammer and things start to get fixed. I hope others, if they are experiencing these problems, have the mustard to really get in DELL's face and cry FOUL!


Greetings

We take this opportunity to thank you for choosing Dell. The following information relates to your recent request submitted on the Dell Support Website.

We have tried reaching out to you and still waiting for a response on the first email sent. If you need further assistance, please reply to this email so that we can help you further.Also, please reply with the best time (2-hour window) and the phone number to reach you if required.

Your experience with Dell is of utmost importance and priority to us.

Regards,

Dell Technical Support

my reply:

Ok.. and what phone number did you try calling??? How did you try reaching out to me?


Greetings,

Thank you for contacting Dell Support. We appreciate you writing in. We are waiting for the reply of our last email.

Also, please be informed our engineering team is working on the BIOS issues, please let us know if you are still facing any issues with the computer.

Thanks for choosing Dell.

Regards.
Dell Technical Support

Yes.

BIOS 1.4.1 has several issues.

1) Win 7 can not be installed on the hardware with this BIOS installed.

2) there exists no way to revert to BIOS 1.3.0

3) DELL keeps indicating they have tried to contact me. How? No phone calls, only emails that ask stupid questions they already know the answer!

4) when will DELL reissue BIOS 1.3.0 as BIOS 1.4.5 so the BIOS can be down leveled so my system will once again become stable until the correct BIOS can be distributed. Not having my laptop available is unacceptable!

Do you guys even read these reply's or do they just go into a bit bucket?

My system is about as stable as a child on crack! My system is unusable as it is!

What is DELL going to do to resolve this?

I got this one from Dell today!


Greetings.

We appreciate the fact that you wrote in and expressed your concerns for this issue.

Your patience, understanding and loyalty with Dell is highly appreciated. As an exception, we will have a repair service setup for this issue that you have reported. An official repair box will be sent to you with a prepaid waybill for you to pack your machine within and have it shipped to us for repairs.
To set this up, we require the following information:

1. Best time to reach you between 10 AM – 7 PM (Preferably two hours on any given business day)
2. Complete address to have the box shipped. (We do not accept PO boxes)
3. Primary and alternate contact number to contact you.

Once we have this information, we will have the service setup for you. Please note, the service completion time as per estimate is 12 -15 business days.
The service remains set to default as under the exception.

Awaiting your earliest response.

Thanks for choosing Dell.

Regards,
Dell Technical Support.

So I guess the deal is if you apply enough pressure, DELL will roll over...

and yes my system is out of support...

--
Never argue with a pig. It makes you look foolish and it anoys the hell out of the pig!

I got my DELL back.. repaired free of charge out of warranty

So I got the following letter from DELL regarding my laptop.

They said they:

Replaced my

-Heatsink and FAN.
-HDD (I sent an SSD requesting them reload on my SSD they sent an HHD)
-Driver installed

What they didn't say was they restored my BIOS to 1.2.8! Isn't that interesting!

Because the BIOS chips are soldered onto the board, I'm sure they flashed a Motherboard with information, installed a new one and sent it back! So, no I don't buy what they DELL says my problem is.... Hmmmm... NOPE.. I DON'T BUY IT.. read on.. and you figure it out!

=========================================
Dell, Inc

One Dell Way

Round Rock, TX 78682
Telephone 800.624.9896
www.dell.com

RE: Service Tag:

System Type: Inspiron 17 5000 Series (Intel(R)) - 5759
DPS Reference #:

mm/dd/2018

Dear Mr. or MS.

After extensive diagnostic testing performed in our depot repair facility by certified Dell technicians, we have determined the performance issues exhibited by your portable system are due wholly or in part to your system's battery.
Dell recommends replacing the battery in order to help achieve optimum system performance.

Portable computer batteries carry the lesser of either a 1-year limited hardware warranty or the length of the limited hardware warranty for the Dell computer with which the battery is shipped (see www.dell.com/warranty) .

In the event your battery is still covered under the terms of the limited hardware warranty, we will complete the dispatch process within 2 business days and ship your replacement battery via Fedex Express shipping. Please allow 2 to 3 days for delivery. Be sure to return the original battery using the packing material provided with your shipment within 10 days of receipt.

In the event your battery is no longer covered under the terms of your limited hardware warranty, you may explore your options for purchase at www.dell.com/upgrade. Alternatively, Consumer customers may call (800)288-4410 - Option 1 to reach Dell Out-of-Warranty support Monday - Friday 8 AM -8 PM CST and on Saturdays from 8 AM to 6 PM for additional assistance.

If you are calling on behalf of a business queue hours are Monday -Friday, 7 AM to 6 PM.

We value your business. Thank you for choosing Dell.

Sincerely,

Dell, Inc.

======================================

Thank you DELL for not telling me the truth!

--
Never argue with a pig. It makes you look foolish and it anoys the hell out of the pig!

I got my DELL back.. repaired free of charge out of warranty

So I got the following letter from DELL regarding my laptop.

They said they:

Replaced my

-Heatsink and FAN.
-HDD (I sent an SSD requesting them reload on my SSD they sent an HHD)
-Driver installed

What they didn't say was they restored my BIOS to 1.2.8! Isn't that interesting!

Because the BIOS chips are soldered onto the board, I'm sure they flashed a Motherboard with information, installed a new one and sent it back! So, no I don't buy what they DELL says my problem is.... Hmmmm... NOPE.. I DON'T BUY IT.. read on.. and you figure it out!

=========================================
Dell, Inc

One Dell Way

Round Rock, TX 78682
Telephone 800.624.9896
www.dell.com

RE: Service Tag:

System Type: Inspiron 17 5000 Series (Intel(R)) - 5759
DPS Reference #:

mm/dd/2018

Dear Mr. or MS.

After extensive diagnostic testing performed in our depot repair facility by certified Dell technicians, we have determined the performance issues exhibited by your portable system are due wholly or in part to your system's battery.
Dell recommends replacing the battery in order to help achieve optimum system performance.

Portable computer batteries carry the lesser of either a 1-year limited hardware warranty or the length of the limited hardware warranty for the Dell computer with which the battery is shipped (see www.dell.com/warranty) .

In the event your battery is still covered under the terms of the limited hardware warranty, we will complete the dispatch process within 2 business days and ship your replacement battery via Fedex Express shipping. Please allow 2 to 3 days for delivery. Be sure to return the original battery using the packing material provided with your shipment within 10 days of receipt.

In the event your battery is no longer covered under the terms of your limited hardware warranty, you may explore your options for purchase at www.dell.com/upgrade. Alternatively, Consumer customers may call (800)288-4410 - Option 1 to reach Dell Out-of-Warranty support Monday - Friday 8 AM -8 PM CST and on Saturdays from 8 AM to 6 PM for additional assistance.

If you are calling on behalf of a business queue hours are Monday -Friday, 7 AM to 6 PM.

We value your business. Thank you for choosing Dell.

Sincerely,

Dell, Inc.

======================================

Thank you DELL for not telling me the truth!

--
Never argue with a pig. It makes you look foolish and it anoys the hell out of the pig!

make an image

Make an image of the hard drive and install it on the SSD. Then remove the hard drive and install the SSD and see if it boots. I used Acronis True Image to do that on my Dell PC, and it works fine.

The other issue is you cannot install Windows on a formatted hard drive on a Dell computer because the key on the label on the back of the Dell is not the Windows key, so Windows can't be activated, but I don't know whether that is still true because the key is inside the BIOS for Windows 8 and 10.

I bought a factory refurb Dell in 2016 with Windows 7. It had the Windows 8 and 10 key arrangement.

http://www.dell.com/support/article/us/en/19/sln290004/windo...

Also see this post in a Dell forum:
6-24-2016 09:32 AM
RE: HOW CAN I KNOW WINDOWS 8 PRODUCT KEY IN MY ALREADY INSTALLED WINDOWS 8 IN MY DELL INSPIRON 15R TURBO
You can Download a Windows 10 .iso and Clean Install with it. It'll automatically pick up the Windows 8 Product key embedded in your UEFI BIOS (enable UEFI and SecureBoot for optimal performance). See here for details:

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/download-windows-1...

Dr Philip Yip
Tech Enthusiast and Author of the Unofficial Dell Windows Reinstallation Guide
Windows FAQs and OEM Downloads

#IDoNotWorkFor Dell

Here is the link to the Dell forum:

https://www.dell.com/community/General/HOW-CAN-I-KNOW-WINDOW...

dobs108 smile

thanks

For the info

--
Never argue with a pig. It makes you look foolish and it anoys the hell out of the pig!

.

You sent them an SSD and they send it back with a conventional HDD? That service isn't free. HDD is cheaper than SSD. They stole your SSD to cover the repair.

no..

I sent am SSD.

They installed an an HDD with an OS on it, and returned my SSD without putting anything on it.

So they gave me a HDD for free

--
Never argue with a pig. It makes you look foolish and it anoys the hell out of the pig!