BIOS Update Question

I am doing a clean install on my Alienware 17. I do have the latest BIOS installed. However, I was wondering if flashing the BIOS again with the current version already installed would harm the Computer at all, for example causing BSODs. Looking forward to hearing what you guys have to say.

 

I have done it before it I encounter errors and have exhausted all other options. Tech support has also had me do it because I guess they don't believe that I am running the most current version. Your computer should simply shut down do the update again and restart as normal.

I am wondering why the effort though? it is def not required to re-intall Windows Unless your having problems that you can't explain I probably wouldn't bother, but it shouldn't hurt anything. That being said there is always a chance something could go not quite right so ....

 

It's listed as the first thing to do in dells Alienware Driver Installation Order. I was on A04 and updated to A07 and I accidentally installed a driver to early so I reformatted my drive and am stating over. I've actually been advised against doing so, so I won't. Plus just to make sure I ran the program and it does list my version as A07. I just hit cancel when it told
Me that it would replace itself and flash the motherboard again. I'm also going to have to call them today because they list Intel Dynamic Thermal Platform driver to be installed but when I try to install it the window that pops up says my system isn't compatible. I also need to ask them about Intel Rapid Start Driver. As far as I can tell I should install it because I am not using a SSD. Plus when I check the dell site for the drivers specific to my computer neither driver is listed, it's only when I click on show all drivers that I have them show up.

 

Intel Dynamic Thermal Platform Driver is not required for operation.

 

Hi LinkinForcer,

Ummm, if you already have the latest BIOS installed, there is no reason to install it again. The EEPROMs used to store your BIOS have a limited number of erase and program cycles, and it should only be done when new one is available. In answer to your question, it would not harm your laptop, but you run the risk of making it unbootable. This risk is the same every time you flash your BIOS, if the flash were to fail (power outage, memory error, corrupt BIOS image etc...) you would render your laptop unbootable (bricked). I have seen posts where people insist that re-flashing the same version of a BIOS solves problems, but I would take such reports with a grain of salt. Chances are, the re-flash just sets values back to defaults which is what really solves the issues. As others have mentioned, it is NOT a normal part of re-installing Windows

Rich S.

 

It should not cause any issues.