BIOS Upgrade failed  

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  1. Posts : 25
    Windows 7
       #1

    BIOS Upgrade failed


    I've tried to upgrade my computer's BIOS, but it failed multiple times. The first time, It said "WinFlash: Load Driver Failed!!" after I doubleclicked it while in Internet Explorer's download list and I clicked OK. It then came up with a message that said that it failed to install properly and I attempted a reinstall after closing Internet Explorer. Same message. I tried later a third time after disabling Vipre. This time, I could see it do something, a blue line going across the screen. But it still said "WinFlash: Load Driver Failed!!"

    What do I do? Should I avoid rebooting? Is it not a problem if the driver failed to load? I've heard that with some computers, a failed upgrade shouldn't cause a problem.

    My computer is a Dell Inspiron 545s and the BIOS is version A11 and the brand is, according to DXDiag, is Phoenix AwardBIOS v6.00PG. The version I attempted to upgrade to is A12.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 8,135
    Windows 10 64 bit
       #2

    First, a failed and corrupted BIOS on a Dell and the ONLY option is to replace the motherboard. It does not have a BIOS recovery feature that some commercial motherboards have. I used to do a lot of support on the Dell forums so I know how they work.

    The two "Fixes and Enhancements" listed on the Dell downloads are "Enhanced Display" and "USB Key Support". If you are not having any display issues or USB flash drive support isssues you should consider not installing (or attempting) this update. In most cases BIOS updates should only be done if there is something in the BIOS' updates that apply to your specific installation, especially with a Dell since a failed/corrupted BIOS will require a new motherboard.

    If you want to try it again, follow the listed Dell installation instructions EXACTLY.

    You can get additional assistance from one of the user experts on the Dell communitry Desktop General Hardware section Desktop - Dell Community
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 25
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #3

    I forgot to mention that when I ran the file, it never comes up with any options display or anything about replacing the BIOS. It fails almost instantly, about 1-2 seconds after I click the file. Maybe 3 at most. Does that change anything, or is it still possible the BIOS is corrupted? A friend of mine who has some experience with computers believes that the driver to flash is what failed to load, thus the BIOS was never touched. Another thing, according to the download page, this file is supposed to be run after a reboot via floppy disk. But my computer has no floppy drive.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 25
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Oh here's something that might be helpful. A friend of mine gave me a file for A11, the previous version, and the same problem happens. So I took the liberty of taking screenshots. I had to record a video first since it flashes by so fast. Here's the window that flashed for a second before the failure message popped up: http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u...womessages.png
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 8,135
    Windows 10 64 bit
       #5

    There are Windows and DOS versions of the BIOS update on the Dell forum. Only use the Windows version. ]


    Since it is failing during the initialization phase, the BIOS didn't get updated. If it had completed, it would have rebooted your PC and installed the BIOS update before Windows reloads.

    I would be careful with that A11 as its labeled "foxconn". That is another issue, a non-Dell supplied BIOS generally will not install on a Dell motherboard/BIOS. I've seen, from posts on the Dell forums, of users trying non-Dell BIOS' and they will not install. Foxconn makes a lot of motherboards for Dell (many but not all Dell models) but usually the BIOS is labeled "Dell" and not "Foxconn". (Foxconn also makes the Apple iPhones and iPads).

    If you need the A12 update (see my first response about "needing" the update), suggest you post on the Dell forum that I linked you to and let those more familiar with what is happening assist you.
    Last edited by fireberd; 18 Oct 2012 at 13:41.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 5,795
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
       #6

    Assuming you are sure you have the right file, are you right-clicking on it and choosing "Run As Administrator"?
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 25
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #7

    I got the file straight from Dell's site. I assumed it was the right one. I'll take a look at the Dell forum. And no I haven't tried running as Administrator. I think I noticed why it wasn't working. Apparently I had cloud scanning enabled in Comodo Firewall and it was blocking the file from doing too much. Next time I try, I'll disable that along with Vipre.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 7,683
    Windows 10 Pro
       #8

    Make sure you have the "correct" BIOS


    First off you need to make sure you have the correct BIOS for your specific motherboard. Many Dell (or other pc manufactureres) use different motherboards from model to model. So saying it's a Dell computer with "AwardBIOS v6.00PG" may not be correct. Which gets me to my next point...

    If you're relying on the DX Diagnostics (DXDIAG) to tell you what your BIOS is... you're looking in the wrong area. The DXDIAG doe's not give the correct info with regards to BIOS version as seen here (mine)...

    BIOS Upgrade failed-dxdiag.jpg

    Note mine lists the same BIOS version as yours (AwardBIOS v6.00PG). What you are looking at is the chip, not the BIOS version. My correct BIOS version is F6.

    That said, you can read the boot screen, go into the BIOS, or you can use a free utility like CPU-Z to read the current BIOS version...

    BIOS Upgrade failed-cpuz.jpg

    And lastly... MAKE SURE your READ the instructions for updating your BIOS. A BIOS gone bad can render your computer useless!!!

    Good luck.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 25
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #9

    I did doublecheck with CPU-Z and my BIOS version is A11.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 7,683
    Windows 10 Pro
       #10

    Inferdramon said:
    I did doublecheck with CPU-Z and my BIOS version is A11.
    OK, did you do the other stuff? Make sure you have the right BIOS? Read (follow) the update instructions?

    And not sure what you mean here...
    Inferdramon said:
    I got the file straight from Dell's site. I assumed it was the right one. I'll take a look at the Dell forum. And no I haven't tried running as Administrator. I think I noticed why it wasn't working. Apparently I had cloud scanning enabled in Comodo Firewall and it was blocking the file from doing too much. Next time I try, I'll disable that along with Vipre.
    but I highly recommend you download the complete file before trying to update your BIOS as the update needs to run uninterrupted. If an interruption occurs, you could brick your computer!
      My Computer


 
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