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    Need help flashing BIOS

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by Scarx2gt, Oct 31, 2013.

  1. Scarx2gt

    Scarx2gt Notebook Enthusiast

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    I am getting way too stressed about this.... I was attempting to flash my Alienware M17xR3 Bios to A12 but because I do not have a working battery pack it does not allow me to flash my BIOS. I've tried using the /force it in command prompt and have even tried launching it from a bootable USB whereby DOS says that it is unable to boot in DOS.

    I am trying to upgrade my laptop's GPU from the GTX 460m to 780m, I've already got my card and have seen tons of videos and tutorials on this now to be confident enough to do the physical swapping but I cannot seem to find a way to flash the BIOS.
     
    Scarx2gt, Oct 31, 2013
    #1
  2. Alienware-L_Porras

    Alienware-L_Porras Company Representative

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    Try copying the files into a bootable USB as suggested here
     
    Alienware-L_Porras, Oct 31, 2013
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  3. Scarx2gt

    Scarx2gt Notebook Enthusiast

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    As I said before I did try using a bootable USB but it constantly says "Unable to boot in DOS". When I try to to do /forceit on Cmd it still asks that I have my battery plugged in. I am getting no help at all and its stressing me out cause this was supposed to be one of the easiest process although with some risks. Getting a new battery is way to expensive, and the ones on ebay take a while to get here and about the same price after delivery costs.

    The people I've bought the GPU from have been silent for the past 4 days and Dell hasn't replied to me in 3 days.... :confused:
     
    Scarx2gt, Oct 31, 2013
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  4. Scarx2gt

    Scarx2gt Notebook Enthusiast

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    Help anyone =(?
     
    Scarx2gt, Nov 1, 2013
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  5. j95

    j95 Notebook Deity

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    Blind flash option, skip step 3 (A04 BIOS) and use A12 unlocked BIOS instead of A08 http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...ttling-m17x-r3-580m-without-120hz-screen.html
    -Remove GPU (allows to blind flash any BIOS version)
    -Download unlocked A12 BIOS M17x R3 BIOS A12 - unlocked & 'SATA fix' - Downloads - Tech|Inferno Forums rename PAR00MEC.fd to PAR00X64.fd
    -After restarting a couple of times wait until there are no beeps and system shutdown.
    -Install 460M, Disable IGP>Set Display to PEG>Disable Integrated sound card>Save changes without exit option>shutdown>Install 780M Windows 8/7 GTX 780M installation
    I'm not responsible If you brick your system, follow instructions.
     
    j95, Nov 1, 2013
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  6. Scarx2gt

    Scarx2gt Notebook Enthusiast

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    Only other reference I have is this guide, it doesn't mention needing to do a blind flash or removing my GPU....
    Installing your card in a M17x R2 R3
    1. Flash bios with (R2) A10 or (R3) A12 , unlocked Bios
    2. a) Disable onboard HD audio /R3 Disable onboard grahpic card
    b) Disable IDT GPU in advanced settings
    //R3 change display model from SG to PDG
    3. Install Card
    4. Install this driver with the .ini mod (easy):
     
    Scarx2gt, Nov 1, 2013
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  7. j95

    j95 Notebook Deity

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    "Unable to boot in DOS" Try this first http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...sh-drive-flash-aw-bios-updates-under-dos.html
     
    j95, Nov 1, 2013
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  8. Scarx2gt

    Scarx2gt Notebook Enthusiast

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    Yea...that was the first thing I tried lol =/.
    I found a way to disable battery check and battery bound for the dell BIOS flash but not sure if it actually does anything.
     
    Scarx2gt, Nov 1, 2013
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  9. j95

    j95 Notebook Deity

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    That's why....
    upgradeyourlaptop still 'misleading' users to upgrade the R2 w/ 780m...knowing that it's not possible, PEG not PDG.
     
    j95, Nov 1, 2013
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  10. Scarx2gt

    Scarx2gt Notebook Enthusiast

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    Yea I made sure to check, I have a R3.
     
    Scarx2gt, Nov 1, 2013
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  11. Scarx2gt

    Scarx2gt Notebook Enthusiast

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    Yes! :)...finallly got it to work. I disabled the Battery check and it went smoothly. Now for the next risky part.....
     
    Scarx2gt, Nov 1, 2013
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  12. j95

    j95 Notebook Deity

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    j95, Nov 1, 2013
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