A03 Bios bricked my M15x

Mine shows A03 and EC 1.00 for fwiw.. I came from A02.

 

Well the reason i dont want to just let them change the MB, is time... If i have to send it to them, it will take like a month... and that sucks..... like a lot..

 

I update my system from A02.

I update this morning around 11am. I downloaded R252901.


Bliadd

 

I personally am demanding FULL REFUND or a NEW LAPTOP. I will not settle for a motherboard.

WHY?

#1. Have you ever tried replacing a laptop motherboard? We'd spend a day doing this and in most cases, this alone will surely VOID the waranty.

#2. Doing so, will surely scar the unit, leave scratches all over and after replacing, Im sure, we will end up with notebook thats not worth half its original value.

 

Your are correct. You most likely will scratch the laptop. However there is no way you are getting a new laptop. I'm amazed, it's like some of you have never dealt with warranty before.

 

As others have reported after contacting Support on this issue, Dell is opting to dispatch a replacement motherboard along with a service tech. Will the service tech damage the unit in the process? Some techs are not as careful as others. Its hit or miss.

Everyone has the option to discuss replacement with support when contacting them about this failed BIOS update. Its something you must do if you are interested in a replacement system. Will Dell replace the system? Most likely not, but you can always ask.

 

When I purchased my unit, the store's sales rep told me that the warranty covers "damage from dropping the unit to a hard surface".

Of course I will not drop the unit to the floor and claim warranty.

 

Hello All,

Stupid me, but I went ahead and tried the update, after reading bout a succesfull one. The WinPlash went OK, and the system shutdown. I waited a good 5 minutes, before I turned it back on. Got the Alien logo, then blam, the Dreaded Cursor of Death (DCOD). I am on the phone with AW right now. The tech said that during the update if anything goes wrong, it "fries the motherboard" and the only solution is a replacement motherboard. If something went wrong during the flash, WinFlash did not catch it. The tech said that they recommend customers contact them prior to updating the BIOS, so that they can do it over the phone. The tech I spoke with seemed to imply (very nicely I might ad, he was very friendly) that this was probably my fault, and that I had done something incorrectly. I agree, simply because of the all of the issues everyone else is having, I shouldn't have tried. The only other thing I can think of, is maybe I didn't wait long enough, and should have waited until the computer powered itself back on. Maybe it is actually doing something that is critical that I interrupted? He said I should be getting a call by Wed from the tech to replace my motherboard. He also said my data should be safe, but I will be very suprised if Windows can survive a motherboard replacement without a re-install. My M15x reads BIOS version A03, with EC 1.0 now, but exhibits the same symptoms as others.

M15x with A02 BIOS (Shipped with A00 BIOS)
4 GB DDR3 1333 MHz
500 GB 7200RPM HDD
GTX 260M
Core i7 720M
Windows 7 Ultimate (64-bit)

Glad it was not my only computer. This stil sucks, this is the last time I am flashing a BIOS without a specific reason....... (other than curiosity)

Rich

 

Regardless of reports of success, I highly suggest everyone who has not run this update to stay away from it until Dell responds. Better to be safe than sorry as you found out.

 

If we all are doing something wrong (e.g., not waiting LONG enough after the powerdown for the self-restart) then Dell should clearly state how much time one is to wait after the first powerdown before touching the computer.

I waited several minutes - failure. LinkRS claims to have waited 5 - failure. Would be interested to hear how long the folks that had success had to wait. 10 minutes? 15? 30? Anything over a few is unreasonable without some prior instructions - I have flashed many a device and never had a failure like this. And AW users are a savvy bunch...i dare say this is NOT our fault...

 

Priceless that Rich!

You're telling us that you went ahead with the upgrade despite already knowing the risks.

You sure you weren't angling for a new machine?

 

Really wishing I would have seen this thread last night! Downloaded and installed last night and got the cursor blinking. It was bed time so I figured I would troubleshoot in the morning. As many of you have discovered this is not recovereable.

Just got off the phone with tech support who is dispatching a tech to swap out the motherboard. I was also accused of not flashing properly even though I did A00 to A02 just fine and have update countless Dells with 0 problems!

Question for those that read this thread before flashing...
WHY WOULD YOU INTENTIONALLY BRICK YOUR BOARD???

My setup if that helps:
Came with A00 and I updated to A02
920XM
256GB SD
260M
4GB 1066mhz
A02 .96 was on there when flashed
Windows 7 Pro

 

Just to let everyone know. Dell/Alienware engineering is aware of this problem and are investigating the cause of the failure.

Dell/Alienware has pull the A03 BIOS from there website as well.

Bliadd

 

Hey all just checked Dell uk and AO3 is gone back to AO2 UK time 23:40 about time.......

 

I reckon after this there is going to be a few looking for new jobs & rightly so .

 

A job of replacing all the mobos....

 

Yup - they finally pulled it. Back to A02.
Wonder if they will ever issue an "I'm sorry" communication to any of us. Pulling the BIOS is as much admitting there is a problem...

 

couple of points:
this is not a case of user error -- the failure rate is way too high and prevalent, plus most of us who now have a bricked machine are reasonably computer savvy, followed the section entitled "installation" on Dell's site and still have failure. Moreover, who buys an Alienware who is not at least semi-capable in computer terms and then attempts a Bios upgrade? So, get justifiably indignant should any rep suggest we brought this on ourselves.

Second, don't fear a motherboard replacement. It does not affect the system nor should it result in any visible damage to the machine -- not saying it can't, just that it shouldn't. Provided there is no systemic damage to the memory or HDD, there is no reason for a new laptop -- just the time inconvenience of losing use of the laptop while we wait for the replacement part to arrive.

Lastly, with any luck perhaps this will finally kick Dell out of any coma of complacency regarding AW quality and service...OK, so that's still widely optimistic! But one can hope. This is an embarrassment that can not be spun nor blamed on a supplier. Interesting to see how Dell responds. One thing we know for sure, the bill for the replacement parts and their install will get management attention.

 

Hope DELL will learn a thing or two from this, no?

And see if A03 BIOS for M17x will result in more bricked M17x!

Spending £3,200 for "The most powerful laptop in the universe", it's the right to demand better service!

 

Can someone please tell me the filename of the A03 bios? Is it still available anywhere?

 

Change that to:

"The most powerful brick in the universe"

 

Change that to " The most Expensive Brick in the Universe"

 

R252901.exe

I'm in the near miss category, I browsed NBR while the file was downloading and saw this in time.

 

Bliadd as your only 1 successful in this forum can u post some proof for us to look at
?

 

To be clear: That is the bad BIOS file.
THats the one you DONT WANT to install

 

Hi Dez,

I would luv a new machine Some folks were thinking that it might be the wrong BIOS for the M15x (for example), so I wanted ti see if I could figure out where the fault lies. I am thinking now, that the failure is in the boot block update. This is the portion of the BIOS that tells the computer how to boot. At least in my case, the main BIOS and the EC flashed correctly. The boot block being corrupt would explain why the solution is a new motherboard. Most corrupt flashes can be corrected as long as the boot block is intact. Some motherboards have a fail-safe boot block for recovery purposes, apparently not the M15x. In other cases, a manufacturer will make a minor revision to the hardware, which ends up requireing different BIOS updates, maybe that is what happend in this case. Someone else here has postulated that maybe this update is for the refreshed M15x with Arandale support, this could explain why the flash seems to work, but in the end fails. Of course, we could all be doing this wrong (NOT!) LOL

I just hope that when they swap my motherboard, that they don't destroy my M15x!

Rich

 

i have the a03 bios, came with my laptop delivered on the 6th of january, haven't updated my drivers and there is an update, its driver version 195.62. i'm running 186.47 on a 260m. what should i do. i figure since other peoples m15x's are getting bricked it's cuz the had the driver update when they tried the bios update to a03

 

Not the case Thorpe. If you are already on A03 (as shipped) dont worry about it.

 

Thorpe24 i am using 195.62 on M17x with great results for 2 weeks or more.I cant quote how beneficial this would be for M15x but seems good M17x

 

Leave it to Dellienware to turn a fix into a break.

 

Damn!

When I called up and submitted my SERVICE TAG + EXPRESS SERVICE CODE. They could not dig it up?
Its like "Are you sure you are a DELL CUSTOMER"?

HELL. If this keeps up, I will file a DISPUTE CLAIM with my Credit Card and see how they feel?

 

wow im just catching up on this thread whats up with this is this the new bios that no one knew what it did what did it fix and now its messing things up
my system shipped out today am i going to have trouble with it ?

 

Thumper, if you receive your system with A03 dont worry about it. If you receive it with A02, stick with it and monitor the thread for Dell's response. Bottom line, I wouldn't worry about it. Your system will more than likely ship with A03.

 

Guys when i go to download page for A03 (saved it), it says Flash fails cause the system to be non-functional. Remove per Gerhard request. Who or what is that Gerhard? Is he the one?

Here is the link if u wanna see 4 y'r self.:

http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/format.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&deviceid=21831&libid=1&releaseid=R252901&vercnt=3&formatcnt=0&SystemID=ALW_LP_M15X&servicetag=&os=BIOSA&osl=en&catid=-1&impid=-1

 

is that even supposed to be posted in their website?
name of the person who requested the removal? lol whats going on here...

 

My question is... who will be the guinea pig to test the 'fixed' 03 when Dell puts it out ;P

 

I will

no problem .... because if they break it ... welll....

Just PM me when it comes out

 

Oh Moo... always willing to be cannon fodder...

 

thanks guys.

 

im the same way i have no trouble testing it my warranty is good...
and i wouldn't mind getting a new one with a few upgrades

you can ask my sales rep how much of a hassle i was when dell messed up my order the first time... lol

 

Did the people who downloaded get this file or another one? I've seen that file from dell.no, but from dell.com I got a completely different one.

 

obviously that he is bluffing!

Release R252901 is no longer available.

Reason: Flash fails cause the system to be non-functional. Remove per Gerhard request.

 

has anyone successfully claimed for a replacement of a whole new machine? Just wander.

 

If DELL does not resolve this issue favorably, this machine will be my last DELL/ALIENWARE purchase and campaign against DELL for live.

Check with your store about its warranty. I bought mine in HK during a Christmas vacation.
I was told that I can get it replaced for any damage including dropping on the hard floor.

But I am not dropping it intentionally though (ie, in bad faith).

 

Now those who need a motherboard replacement because of the A03 BIOS need to beware of the stupid dell technicians who may cause damage to the laptop while repairing it.

 

Well if they Damage it while replacing Mobo, won't we be able to demand a new laptop? or maybe even refund.. or some other solution? They cant just damage it and give it back to us without doing something about it can they?

 

I'll be quite pissed if they damage it further after making it a very expensive brick as well.

I'm 50-50 regarding a motherboard replacement - I'm aware of the good & bad sides of Dell technicians, but still - I'm hoping I'll be lucky and won't have further damage to the laptop.

If they manage to get it in an even worse condition that it currently is (read after a "recommended by DELL update", I'll be quite firm in demanding either a refund (without restocking fee, as it's against the law afaik in the UK) or a replacement new one.

First of all I've had enough problems with the HDD making really weird noises and freezing my system and technicians being unable to find the solution, until they got enlightened and suggested a HDD firmware update (which eventually worked for 2 days). Then there is a huge thread on NBR forums regarding throttling of both the CPU/GPU at high loads. Now a few dozens (maybe hundreds, who knows?) bricked laptops by a RECOMMENDED BY DELL BIOS update. While the laptop itself is quite good, I'm not really fond of the support/technician experience I should be getting with such a high-priced machine.

 

I am going to try on Monday since I am in the 21 day window and my laptop had some other issues before it was bricked. Has anyone else's laptop died completely to where it won't turn on at all or take a charge?

 

Any sign of upcoming A03 BIOS for M17x as DELL promised? Will this M15x incidient delay it?

I am getting annoyed and angry! Will there be a proper bios fix any soon?

 

Well a day and a half of time has not made me any less angry or disappointed in this situation:
1) We all have bought a clearly "premium" product at a seriously premium price
2) Through complete incompetence on the part of the Dell or AW or both support teams, we now have ruined hardware
3) We all are waiting several days without use of our expensive equipment
4) We now have the pleasure of nervously watching variably competent technicians replace a part that requires the entire machine to be dis-assembled and then re-assembled, knowing that like a car that was in an accident, our machines will never be the same as they were out of the factory
5) And we do this all through no fault of our own...

How are we supposed to feel?
And zero communications or comments from Dell...wow