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    Can't Update BIOS (Update file prints 'Test.' and exits)

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by ponx, Mar 19, 2016.

  1. ponx

    ponx Notebook Consultant

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    Hi,

    I have an M17xR4 from 2012 which is still on the original factory BIOS A05. I have blown away Windows long ago and now run Linux Mint. However, due to some anomalies I would like to update the BIOS to the latest A12 version.

    I have tried FreeDOS from various sources, along with multiple BIOS downloads from Dell (A08, A09, A10, A12), but EVERY permutation I try when attempting to run the BIOS EXE file, just gives me the following (not including my example prompts):

    FreeDOS C:\A12.EXE
    Test.

    FreeDOS C:\

    What am I missing here..? Dell says these files are DOS compatible...

    ponx
     
    ponx, Mar 19, 2016
    #1
  2. MickyD1234

    MickyD1234 Notebook Prophet

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    I think it might be a windows self extracting compressed file set. Try opening it in your zip utility and extract the files to try again? I have seen sets mislabled as well...
     
    MickyD1234, Mar 19, 2016
    #2
  3. ponx

    ponx Notebook Consultant

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    My archiving tool doesn't recognise it as an archive...
     
    ponx, Mar 19, 2016
    #3
  4. mariussx

    mariussx Notebook Evangelist

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    mariussx, Mar 19, 2016
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  5. MickyD1234

    MickyD1234 Notebook Prophet

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    Oh well, I recall extracting a dell/AW bios .exe files so I could replace the .bin file (unlocked vios). Sry...
     
    MickyD1234, Mar 19, 2016
    #5
  6. nick81

    nick81 Notebook Evangelist

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    Hey there

    You might want to check the link below:
    http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1901977&page=2&s=979c34e6716285bcdf1a4303d6174f99

    Some helpful posts on page 2 and 3 from people who faced the same issue as you. There are alternatives to FreeDos it seems.
    Sorry I can't give advice based on personal experience but I never attempted a BIOS flash other than on my Windows based laptops/desktops...
     
    nick81, Mar 20, 2016
    #6
  7. ponx

    ponx Notebook Consultant

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    Thanks for your help guys, running the update from Windows PE did the trick...!! 8-D
     
    ponx, Mar 20, 2016
    #7
  8. Alienware-L_Porras

    Alienware-L_Porras Company Representative

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    Awesome! It's great to see that you could get it to run in the end. How's the lappy after the update?
     
    Alienware-L_Porras, Mar 24, 2016
    #8