warning about Studio XPS 1647 BIOS and 1645

Ok guys, today I bricked my new 1645 when I was examing the BIOS for the 1647. The BIOS release 1647_A00.exe released this month automatically begins flashing on an 1645 and does not seem to check compatibility or confirm with the user before it updates. The BIOS is completely incompatible with the 1645 to say the least, so be very careful if you download it on to a non-1647 system. Dell is building a new system due to this really sad event. Rip XPS 1645 - December 5th 2009. lol

 

Why would you attempt to flash a BIOS you know nothing about?

I could understand if the 1647 specs were released and were the same as the 1645, but come on!

 

Did Dell say it was your fault that your laptop doesn't work now? Or did they just offer you a replacement?

 

The intent wasn't to flash it but learn more about this mystious new system known as 1647. It shouldn't have been possible to install it in the first place, Dell's BIOS updates have always checked and confirmed compatibility. In my defence, the XPS 1647 is supposed to be identical to the 1645, except sporting Core i5 processors. The BIOS is only available on the Dell FTP, making its' apperance quite curious for the tech know-it-all.

 

And who said it is supposed to be identical?

It will prob use the same P55 chipset, but that's where the similarities most likely end.

 

I just grabbed the 1647 BIOS and dumped all the strings. Nothing interesting to see, hoped it contained references to some future hardware or something.

 

They just offerred repair. They were more concerned with the inability to run diagnostics and isolating the reason why the display wouldn't turn on and there was no activity. I am imagining the tech didn't understand when I told him the wrong BIOS was installed, or installed improperly. In any event, replacement was offerred because it already had numerous other issues and several parts replaced alrady, none of which were due to misuse, and those issues were still a problem. This, if it were even an issue, I'd say was partly users fault. My warraanty covers accidental damage as well so it's covered no matter what anyway.

 

I would never admit I updated the bios. I would just say it stopped working and I want a new replacement system (if within 21 days).

 

lol, well I at least told him that it was either or, due to the update. I had no way to confirm it. I didn't make any requests and just ran through all the tests and trouble shooting, I believe they spend more time on how your computer isn't working than the why. It never got me far telling them all the details because they don't seem to care and just want to get your problem solved. Maybe it's not so much admitance but realizing that you shouldn't make assumption or presumptions regarding how the warranty and repair system works.
lol

 

Who says the motherboard for the XPS 1647 will even be the same. It might be the HM55/57 or QM55/57...

 

Lol reminds me of the time I bricked my 1640 twice in a row with the CORRECT BIOS.

 

yeah that....