Alienware 13 r1 bios bricked

I just got this pc and I used the Alienware update and under critical update I found the bios needed to be updated so I clicked install and my fans was spinning at high speed and my of froze and when I turned it on the lights were on but a black screen meaning I bricked the system any way to fix this using a flash drive ?

 

This guide might help. https://na.alienwarearena.com/ucf/s.../ForumPost/urgent-aw-17-r2-bios-update-failed

 

When I download the bios file it’s an exe that I cannot extract and does this apply to the Alienware 13 r1 as well?

 

You need to use powershell or cmd prompt to write hdr file and then rename that file to correct name bootblock recovery.

 

What’s the correct name should I use?

 

@benc122

Use my guide I posted on 20.January 2018 in 13 r3 forum.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/official-alienware-13-r3-owners-lounge.797884/page-674

Post #6738

 

Where do I get the other 2 files from?

Do I remember the AW13AO8.exe to boot.img.exe? I’m confused on the steps and is this method called blind flashing?

 

@benc122

I have no idea if it is called blind flashing LOL, but it is a Dell official method flashing Bios from memory stick.

If you follow the steps, you will be able to flash the bios.

 

will it fix this black screen with the lights on and fans spinning at high speed with no activity ?

I can’t even get into my alienware because the screen stays black with lights on

 

@benc122 I hope yes. Your bios got flashed and caused a problem. The re-flash should fix it, at least some people reported that they unbricked their laptops after having bad flash.

 

I’m confused about the 1st step

And step 2

 

@benc122 I am at work, but I can help you on Thursday 9 may from 9:00 a.m. Amsterdam time.

 

I’m coming from a M17X r4 I’m thinking the flashing process with the end key will work but it’s different with the 13 r1

It’s not working still black screen with lights on and fans spinning with no usb activity

That method only works with Alienwares that are kabylake and up i have a Haswell processor so this method won’t work

@woodzstack @Mr. Fox do you guys know how to blind flash a Alienware 13 r1 I really don’t want to buy another motherboard if I can fix this one

 

Hi. I am sorry, but I have no idea. I have never owned one.

What CPU/chipset does it have (I cannot remember)? Is it Insyde or AMI firmware?

No need to replace the motherboard. Worst case scenario you fix it with an SPI programmer or replace the BIOS chip with a pre-programmed chip.

 

It has AMI and it has 4200u cpu , I have a spi programmer but I don’t know where I can get these files from for the bios chip

 

It may be possible to do a blind crisis recovery flash, but I do not know what technique to use, what the file name needs to be, or even if the Alienware motherboard of your system's generation would allow it.

If not, you need someone else with the same exact machine with an SPI programmer to dump their chip for you. Or, buy a pre-programmed BIOS chip on eBay and replace it. Those are very easy to replace with an inexpensive soldering iron.

 

I think @Raidriar had 17r2 with same issue and he followed LordZag BIOS bootblock recovery.

 

I used the end key technique and I started getting usb activity but I don’t know what files are appropriate

I used the end key technique and I started getting usb activity but I don’t know what files are appropriate

I do have a soic test clip too so I don’t have to solder anything out but all I need is a bios dump for a Alienware 13 r1

 

@benc122

Hi, do you want to try the method I sent? I have time to help. I downloaded AW13A08.EXE and it seems to be pretty much like 13 R3 bios.

Let me know.

We can go step by step.

 

We can try

I

we can try

But I can’t use CTRL+ESC it will not do anything but remain on black screen and This model don’t have a bios recovery 2 and 3

 

Step 1. When you click on view , there is 'filename extensions, please check it with tickmark "in" '



Step 2. Rename AW13A08.EXE to BIOS_IMG.EXE

 

Ok

 

Can you do step 3 and above? If you are not sure about something, please let me know.

 

It’s not working when I hold CTRL and esc

 

Tried the END key method?

Or try another USB port. Both methods.

 

I can try the end key method?

 

Sure !!! All your system has to do is find bios image.

 

It’s not working I have a programmer and a test clip that’s ready to be used but I need a dump for my computer if anyone has a dump for a r1

 

Try this also:



Try with USB stick and without.

Also has you screen come on at all during all this trying?

 

I did that also and it won’t work

 

Try asking here.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/official-alienware-13-r1-r2-owners-lounge.770303/page-269

Also, I have read of many cases when Dell after contacting their support would troubleshoot out of warranty systems, and even provide free or very cheap spare parts (incl. used or new motherboards).
In one case I read a guy had to buy 1 year basic warranty to be helped.
It is Dell Bios and it is not your fault that flashing went wrong. It is an older system, maybe you can score new motherboard.

Anyways, flashing with programmer should definitely revive it

 

I need a dump so I can finish this saga

Is it a bin file I need to flash ?

 

@benc122 Please note that this is completely different from both methods you already tried. As for your above question, IDK.


XXXXXXXXXXX


[Tutorial] How to fix failed BIOS update

Hello,

My Laptop Alienware 15 R2 ( Probably this will work with R3 too and 15-17)

(English is my third language, if you find some grammar problem please let me know it will be good for me.)

I just fixed my broken laptop after a fail in the BIOS update.

The laptop was full broken it was black screen and it was restarting alone.

I want to share what I did, probably will be good to have it here.

You need : Working PC Stick/Drive USB 2.0 (Tried 3.0 didn't work)

1. Open the laptop and find the battery cable ( in my case it was easy I just opened the small part to change RAM or hard drive and the cable was there. The name was BATT)
   
   
2. Now go to the alienware service website and download the first bios they have there for your model. (in my case was one from 2015)
   
   
3. If you are familiar with console/terminal/cmd this will be more easy for you. Open a console and find the folder you downloaded the file. Now you need to run this command in the console AW15AXX.EXE /writehdrfile ( do this in the same folder where you have the file) This will create a new file in that folder .hdr
   
   
4. Now format the USB stick in FAT32
   
   
5. Copy the .hdr file in the USB drive. Rename the file to AMIBOOT.ROM, make another copy of the .hdr file and name it AAP10.hdr (remember you need to have enabled to rename file types, you can find it how in youtube)
   
   
6. You should have 2 files in the USB stick 1 AAP10.hdr. and AMIBOOT.ROM
   
   
7. Now with the laptop battery disconnected and the AC cable power too proceed to connect the USB stick (I did it in the left USB stick close to the AC power)
   
   
8. Press the delete button and connect the AC cable at the same time you are holding delete button(not the battery). The fans will start running loud you can leave the laptop running for like 2-3 minutes (in my case was 1 minute)
   
   
9. The laptop should shut down by itself.
   
   
10. take the USB stick out and power on the laptop.

**** In my case I tried different usb ports the ones on the right side didn't worked. so I did it in the left side usb ports.

After this it was normal and alive again.

 

https://www.alexlaptoprepair.com/forums/threads/dell-alienware-13-76jxp-la-a301p-bios-dump-ec.3139/ I brought the dump here but do I need to flash the ec chip?

 

No, do not attempt the flash the EC chip. That could end in disater. Only the BIOS. It does not matter if the extension is .BIN or .ROM using SPI programmer.

If the package you purchased included 2 chip dump files, I suspect the W25Q8 is the BIOS and the W25Q64 possibly the EC. When you open the file in the SPI programmer you may be able to tell by looking at the text in the header prior to writing the chip.

 

When I was finished flashing the bios do I click on verify?

 

Depends on the SPI programmer software. It should verify the flash automatically if you selected that option.

If you haven't flashed it yet, see if this technique will work... just for kicks.

Alienware 17 (Ranger) /18 (Viking) Owners** - How to 'Un-Brick' Your Mobo

 

The flash and method didn’t work

 

Hmm. If the flash operation was successful (completed without errors) and the correct file was used, it sounds like there is some sort of hardware failure.

 

i Can the screen go from grey to black when I turn it on

I can see the screen come on but it’s black like it’s off

I was thinking about upgrading to an r2 motherboard if it will work

 

I am not sure what to suggest at this point. I am not familiar enough with your machine model to recommend anything else, and I have no idea if the AW13 R2 mobo is a drop-in upgrade or not. But, I am fairly confident someone else around here would know that and has probably already done that.

 

I had a Alienware 17 r2 which I believe the same as the 13 r1 board. This step worked and the only difference that I did is I did not release the ctrl and esc key. I wanted for the bios recovery screen before releasing it. @benc122 Give it a go. Might work.

I know the Alienware 17 r2 motherboard works on the Alienware 17 r3. I have a spare alienware 17 r2 board. Might work for the Alienware 13.. ^_^

 

Dell said that the 13 in have no bios recovery

 

T_T

 

When I get this new mobo tomorrow I won’t update the bios

 

I asked @judal57 to try this method after he bricked 15 r1 during BIOS update. It worked for him.

Make sure CMOS is connected and don't disconnect it. Disconnect it once flashing is done. Its best practice to erase existing chip and then do a blank check before write and verify.
Once the flashing is done, disconnect CMOS battery for few secs and plug it back. Once you start the PC, you'll see black screen but continue to press F2 key repeatedly and you'll get to BIOS screen. It happens because BIOS doesn't remember OS boot managers after full CMOS reset, so once it boots to BIOS, use Reset to defaults and exit BIOS. Afterwards, go into BIOS and see if Windows Boot manager is detected properly after setting SATA controller to RAID or AHCI whichever you use.

 

@Mr. Fox what’s the best place to buy the motherboard other than eBay?

 

Have you asked @t456 help? He can do a bin file flashable for SPI chips. He has helped many AW users who bricked their PCs.

 

This is an excellent place to buy Dell/Alienware parts. I have not looked to see if they have your mobo, but you should save this web site to your favorites.
Dell-Alienware Laptop Parts | Parts-People

Edit: looks like they have the AW13 R2 mobo in stock, but not the R1.
https://www.parts-people.com/index.php?action=category&id=151&subid=573&refine=motherboard

Seeing if @t456 has any recommendations is a great idea. He is a very sharp fellow.

 

Yes, he's Harry Potter of IT and everything else. Seeing its a dell product, most modders will run away. I updated to latest BIOS and guess what, I'm partially locked out from writing old image throwing write operations timeout error. I erased the whole chip and then flashed full BIOS dump I saved earlier.