Royally screwed?

I need some help from people familiar with the M15x... I just got this M15x today, and it was great. Started up the Win7 installation, and got it up and running. Installed all the drivers, and noticed a BIOS update. Downloaded it and burned it to a CD. I played with the laptop a bit, and then decided to install the update. So, like any routine BIOS update, I put the CD in, hit F12 to get into the Boot Menu, and chose CD/DVD drive. So, it started updating, and I left the room. I came back, and it was in the final stages of programming the BIOS. And then it suddenly turned off. It seemed wierd. So I turned it on. NOTHING HAPPENED. It sits at a not lit at all screen, no signs of life except for the keyboard lighting up. It was plugged in during the flash. I tried maybe holding F2 to get into the BIOS and here the beep signaling that, but nothing happened. Tried F12 and scrolling down 2 to the CD option like I would if there was somthing on screen, nothing still. Suggestions? I have no clue what to do. Do I have a new several hundred dollar paperweight, or can I fix it? Thanks!

 

So keyboard lights up, but screen doesn't come on?

Try unplugging the BIOS battery and doing a power drain. Take off the back cover, unplug the coin battery. Leave everything unplugged and hold the power button for about 20 seconds. The put the BIOS battery back in and try to boot it.

 

First, try removing the BIOS' coin cell battery AND do a power drain (unplug, remove the battery, and hold the power button for ~10-20 seconds)
Also, considering you just got it today, you'll still be under warranty. I'd call Dell ASAP and explain that the BIOS update (may have) fried your MoBo.

EDIT: Ldmoose beat me to it

 

Hah, its not new... It looks new, but its used, in original packaging. I'll try that next.

 

In case nothing works and you don't have any warranty left let us know, there are some possibilities to recover it if you're lucky.

 

Thanks! Well... Took out the CMOS and power drained... Exact same thing. Nothing changed. Any ideas? I can hear the CD drive spin up, and sometimes the fans come on full bore for a second then go to low. Also, a few secongs into boot up, the HDD light flashes, then turns off.

 

Haven't tried it myself, but there are methods which sometime allow you to reflash the BIOS, check out this post and the links in this post.

Bios Recovery Procedures - Page 82



Also this thread should have some information, like I said, I never had to try this so far, so I can't really give you any specific help, but hopefully you find some useful information there.

 

Okay, will do. Also.. I have a WINCRISIS USB from a while back, any use?

 

Don't think so, stick to the descriptions, and in case you have some specific questions you should be able to find help in the threads I linked to when you post the question there.

I don't know whether anyone here has ever attempted something like this with a M15x...

 

So, I got a DOS USB and what not like your second link said, and put BIOS.wph on it from dell... I don't know if I had the right file, but I chose the one that had a .bin suffix, which seemed correct. It is not on with the USB light lit up, and I think it may be working. If not... I have no clue.

 

Kev, just be sure we're on the same page, there are two different bios files on the M15x support page -- one is a system bios (A09), the other a video bios for the 5850M (A02). Which one were you trying to flash? If it was the system bios (A09), my first inclination would be to just try it again.

 

It was A09. I have a 5870M in my system, so I wouldn't use that file. Also, that was mine too, but I can't. Nothing comes on screen, theres no beep like usual when I hold F2, and I don't think I can get into the Boot Menu, since I can't see it to confirm.

 

Tried the Phoenix Crisis thing as written in the link svl7 gave, no cigar. Trying WINCRISIS. If not, I have no clue, whatsoever.

EDIT: Called Dell to see if they had anything to offer, and they quoted 300-400 for a mobo replacement. He seemed to think the motherboard was fried, but all thats wrong, I believe, is a corrupt CMOS. I don't know..

 

Can you take the chip out of this mb? If you can there are places you cam send it to that can reflash it and mail it back to you that would probably be cheaper than a new mb. Also how far are you out of warranty if less than 60 or so days get the extended warranty for $275.00 and dell will replace the mb.

 

I think you'd have to cut it out, and I'm 5 months out, I believe. Ended in the end of January. I think I was quoted $132 to add warranty, which I may do. The problem is, I have a 5870 in here, a non supported card, and I'm afraid they'd try to put the original 260M back in it.

 

Bummer. I wonder what caused the flash interruption/corruption. Hopefully this can serve as a lesson for others to change the BIOS boot order to 1) USB, 2) CD/DVD and 3) HDD so there is some way back in, if only to explore.

 

Does anybody know the type of the BIOS eeprom? You can let it reprogramm professionally for a little fee, there several online services which offer this.

 

No clue. All I know is its a Phoenix BIOS. Any other ideas? The online services sound like the best bets...

 

Yeah, you need to take a peek at the mobo for this. I plan to tear down my M15x as soon as I have some time, so if you're not in a hurry I can search the name of the IC for you when I take a look at the mobo, but you probably want it working again as soon as possible.

 

I do.. Where on the mobo will it be located? I've done teardowns on plenty of things, but not this yet.. I'm still trying to use Phoenix or WINCRISIS to recover, hah. I could do a teardown tonight/tomorrow as I have some time.

 

I really don't know where they put the BIOS eeprom, you'll need to take a look at the ICs and search for a flash chip.

 

Okay. I might try looking it up too. Anyone have a programmer?

 

Found a BIOS chip for the M15x online for $28 after tax. Thats better than I coud get it reprogrammed for. Take it? I'd be hesitant, but the retailer has 11k feedback..

BIOS CHIP:Alienware M15x laptop | eBay

 

That looks like a helluva resource. Good find.

 

Ordered. I'll just replace it, it should have A09 on it. I'll also repaste, since it hit 100C on the card on MW2! Not right.

 

the 5870s get hot like that in the m17x's without the retention mod, im sure they have heat issues with the m15x as well, i hope you confirmed with the seller that the chip for that motherboard and not for the area51 m15x.... i would always use winphlash to do bios updates with dell, so no need for a cd to be made and a chance for file corruption. but i hope it works,
some pics of the de-soldering and re-soldering would be nice addition to the thread for future reference though =)

 

It's not soldered, its a pop out chip, thank god. I can solder, but I'd rather not. I'll look up that retention mod. If I end up having to do a full teardown, I'll take pics, unless theres already one on here.

 

+1 to you kev!
Great resource, I might buy one just in case.

 

Could be a good idea. Any ideas where on the mobo its located? I think its near the top of the motherboard, under display, but I'm not sure... Anyone done a teardown?

 

oops i was posting from page 2 lolit will look like this

or this. hope it dosnt look like the one below.

 

It looks like the first one above. I'm just wondering if anyone knows where on the mobo it is located.

 

I just disassembled the M15x and put it together again, I'll check some ICs and if can identify the BIOS chip I'll let you know. I was looking for a different IC, hope I didn't miss the BIOS eeprom, can post some pics later.

 

Sweeet. I got mine apart last night, not all the way, but most of it. I'll bew doing it again tonight and putting up pics, maybe a guide if I have time. I think the BIOS chip is removeable...

 

Yes, with a soldering iron...
I found it... it's a SST25VF016B - 16 Mbit SPI Serial Flash made by Silicon Storage Technology.
It's a SMD chip, size is SOIC and it has 8 pins.

It's possible to desolder it by hand, but it's easier with a hot-air station. Don't know whether you've got experience with soldering such small things, if not you better take it to a electronic repair shop or to someone who has the equipment and a steady hand. ESD-protection is highly recommendable.

 

I pinmodded and VID modded my M11x, I'm okay at soldering. I have a wrist strap for the static. Question, where on the motherboard is it exactly?

 

Cool! In this case it shouldn't be a big job for you.

Yes, it's on the back of the mobo, you need to take it out. Here's a picture, but double check to make sure, it's hard to read the numbers on the pics I've made.
I checked the numbers with a magnifying glass and wrote them down, so make sure I really remember the location correctly.

 

Allright, awesome! I'll make sure to check the numbers. The chip should be here tomorrow, so heres hope. I'll repaste and clean the dust out when I do, and I should be in good shape.

 

@kevmanw4301

If you can give rep to this guy svl7.. you should, He really one of the best member here in notebookreview!! dissassembly thing is really a hardwork just to help everyone. + rep for you bro!!

Mabuhay!!

 

Definitely. Thanks svl7! +rep.

 

Well, this is now fixed. I sent it to Some Guy because I couldn't solder it myself, I didn't have proper equipment. Some Guy did a great job, and repasted it and cleaned it out too! I'd still be stuck with a broken M15x without Some Guy, and I thank him immensely for that. Also, Svl7 helped a ton, confirming which chips were which and adding in his vast wealh of knowledge. I seriously have to thank both of you. Thanks!

 

Cheers! Good to hear it's working again!!

 

Thanks! Some Guy mailed me earlier today and let me know it booted fine. To give you an idea of the temp change that occured due to his repaste and cleaning, as well, CPU idles at 35C, GPU at 57C. (Its a Clevo 5870M, so its running on 3D clocks) It used to idle 70C on the GPU and 60C CPU. Simply awesome.

 

Glad i could help man.

Thanks svl7 for helping figuring out which chip it was. +1

 

+1 for soldering skills

 

Ha, +1 both of you. (when allowed) Now I can turn to overclocking and so on. Would like to see if it can be safely pushed to 5770 clocks, or if I'm dreaming.

 

Thanks for the reps guys.

 

Wow what a great success story kudos to this community once again. I know I'm glad I found you guys.

 

Just go`s to show if you ask for help on here most of the time someone will try to do there best to help you.

Best place on the net for help I think.

 

Definitely. We have a great community.