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    Downgrading Bios on Alienware M17x R4

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by lawlessnight, Aug 19, 2014.

  1. lawlessnight

    lawlessnight Newbie

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    Hi guys,

    I recently upgraded bios for my Alienware M17x R4 from version A05 to A12 and I experienced unplayable FPS in all my games. I tried to install the original version but got a warming that "It only supports to flash secure BIOS on current platform. The image to be updated is not a secure BIOS" and didn't even work out. I tried to restore to my system but bios still has version A12. Anyone knows how to downgrade or restore to the original version or who I need to contact to resolve the problem :confused:? I had smooth FPS in both Bioshock Infinite and modded Skyrim in High - Ultra settings, but now it's 12 FPS in Skyrim (even indoor) and somewhat playable in Bioshock Infinite :(.

    Best regards,
     
    lawlessnight, Aug 19, 2014
    #1
  2. Raidriar

    Raidriar ლ(ಠ益ಠლ)

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    I want to do the same, but it is DANGEROUS. You will need to blind flash the A05 Bios, search for the procedure it is somewhere on the forum. Just know that the blind flash KILLED my M17x R4 and I was unable to bring it back, so I made a warranty claim to get it fixed.
     
    Raidriar, Aug 19, 2014
    #2
    MickyD1234 likes this.
  3. MickyD1234

    MickyD1234 Notebook Prophet

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    Agree, a rollback on the R4 is a dangerous idea. During the run win 8 came out and the bios went through some major changes - even the .bin file is larger (strange but true!) on later ones. I have also seen a rollback end up with a completely dead machine. Won't even power on!

    Do you still have warranty? I'd be looking elsewhere for the problem but start by 'defaulting' the new bios.

    Good luck ;)

    Edit: post your GPU and display as this is important to provide assistance ;).
     
    MickyD1234, Aug 20, 2014
    #3
  4. amitvig22

    amitvig22 Notebook Consultant

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    As a fellow R4 owner i advice you against doing this, BAD things happen when you try to mess with the BIOS. trust me
     
    amitvig22, Aug 20, 2014
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  5. shinji257

    shinji257 Notebook Deity

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    I have A13 and it works fine. Try setting your bios to default.
     
    shinji257, Aug 20, 2014
    #5
  6. TomJGX

    TomJGX I HATE BGA!

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    I would upgrade to A13 and check your power/ocing settings...I think something is wrong there...
     
    TomJGX, Aug 21, 2014
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  7. Alienware-L_Porras

    Alienware-L_Porras Company Representative

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    Try the A13, if that does not help and your machine still has a warranty you may want to contact tech support. ([email protected]).
     
    Alienware-L_Porras, Aug 22, 2014
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