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    Noob BIOS flashing question

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by MetalMania, Sep 19, 2010.

  1. MetalMania

    MetalMania Notebook Guru

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    Ok, downloaded A08 and was expecting to follow Dell's install instructions: Run exe to unzip to C : Dell\Drivers, then do start-run-pathname\filename

    But when I unzip I'm now looking at the Alienware WinPhlash64 utility with a bunch of options I'm not sure what to do with. Backup BIOS and Flash BIOS with new settings, or Backup BIOS only?

    BIOS setting locations has a backup file for existing BIOS window with FLASHABL.bak prefilled - but I don't know where it's saving that to, and there's a Specify new BIOS file prefilled with W851A08.ROM which I guess is the correct new one.

    So, what is the recommended way to do this? Should I just leave the defaults on WinPhlash64 and click "Flash BIOS", or should I follow the Dell instructions and run the R279733 file from start-run window? Or is WinPhlash what I'm going to see when I do that anyway?

    Sorry this is probably nothing to worry about, but it's my first ever BIOS flash and I don't want to screw up.
     
    MetalMania, Sep 19, 2010
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  2. DR650SE

    DR650SE The Whiskey Barracuda

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    Back up/flash is what you want. Just double click and let it doe it's thing. If you have an extreme CPU though, I would stick to A07 as the current A08 reduces clock speeds on the 920xm/940XM
     
    DR650SE, Sep 19, 2010
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  3. MetalMania

    MetalMania Notebook Guru

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    Thanks. No, I have the 620m so from what I've read I should be safe with the A08. I hope.
     
    MetalMania, Sep 19, 2010
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  4. DR650SE

    DR650SE The Whiskey Barracuda

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    Yea, you should be just fine.
     
    DR650SE, Sep 19, 2010
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  5. MetalMania

    MetalMania Notebook Guru

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    Just wanted to say thanks again, flashed A08 no problem and went to the beta graphics drivers. Still need to recheck games etc but I can now come out of sleep mode with a functioning screen! Haven't tried the touchpad yet because I've got a mouse plugged in. Tried unplugging it and the touchpad didn't come back on, not sure how to do that if I start with a mouse.
     
    MetalMania, Sep 19, 2010
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  6. reborn2003

    reborn2003 THE CHIEF!

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    Pressing Fn + F12 should turn on the touchpad again. It depends what mouse drivers you have installed for the touchpad though. Mine normally just auto detects whether I have an external mouse plugged in or not. So when I unplug it the touchpad comes back on.

    Cheers. :)
     
    reborn2003, Sep 20, 2010
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  7. MetalMania

    MetalMania Notebook Guru

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    Hmm, I don't know - it's whatever came stock with it for the touchpad - Synaptics I guess it is? Don't know what version though or if the drivers are included in the A08 BIOS. The mouse is just a regular Logitech laser mouse, haven't connected my MXwhateveritis gaming mouse yet. I didn't actively install drivers for it, just plugged it in and it took care of itself.
     
    MetalMania, Sep 20, 2010
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