You might want to take a look at BIOS Recovery options on a Dell PC or Tablet. This is available on some, not all, Dell machines.
As far as recourse from Dell, no, they absolve themselves of responsibility in the disclaimer section of their web pages. (boilerplate language) I'm a register paralegal in Michigan!
Last edited by Snick; 17 Feb 2018 at 17:11. Reason: add info
Yeah, that's the one. And if it didn't need upgrading why did the Dell Support Ass(istant) tell me to do so. If didn't list many of the other drivers that had been updated or installed through Windows Updates.
The disk I used to install the OS was not a Dell disk, so I basically had no internet availability. So I used another PC to download the Ethernet driver to a USB stick. Once I installed that Network driver from the stick I used the now internet capable PC to download the Chipset driver, then the BIOS
What is it that 'Can't hurt'? Do you mean the BIOS reset? Or buying a refurbished mobo?
Will give that a try. And as I expected the old HDD also only displayed the gray screen - no sounds or text or any signs of life.
If it ain't broke don't fix it!
As I stated earlier, HDD or SSD has nothing to do with bios, which is on bios chip on motherboard.
Try this and see if you have this available on your Dell desktop; only available on select PCs!
How do I initiate BIOS Recovery on a Dell desktop or all-in-one PC?
- Restart the computer.
- Press and hold the CTRL key + ESC key on the keyboard until the BIOS Recovery page appears.
- On the BIOS Recovery screen, select Reset NVRAM (if available) and press the Enter key. Select Disabled and press the Enter key if you wish to save the current BIOS settings.
- Select Recover BIOS and press the Enter key to start the recovery process.
Last edited by Snick; 17 Feb 2018 at 17:12. Reason: add info
Some may disagree but I suspect that the BIOS update killed it and if that is the case using another hard drive won't fix it. The BIOS update is actually an update to the computer's firmware and not windows. Granted sometimes there are recovery disks but if the BIOS is so scrambled that it can't recognize any devise due to an bad install then it can't perform the restore. Not recognizing any devises, displaying a screen at boot, or beeping are very bad signs. If I where you I'd start looking for another computer or a replacement motherboard.
Exactly.I would ONLY perform a BIOS update if I am experiencing severe hardware issues and I have tried everything else in my power to fix it including a reinstall of Windows. It would be my last resort.
What I meant by "can't hurt". Its not working so trying the CMOS reset won't cause any more problems. Worth a try. I don't think the Dell BIOS recovery was on the older models like you have. I've worked the Dell forum since 2002 and only the last several years has Dell had a BIOS recovery. The older models, a replacement motherboard is needed for a BIOS corruption.
Too late now, but a BIOS update should only be done if it fixes a problem you have or supports new hardware you want to install.
A BIOS recovery on a disk or built into the board might help if it is only partially damaged but if it is completely damaged it won't be able to sense your cd drive or keyboard so it is really of no use in that case. Your only recourse is a motherboard replacement or a new computer. So it could be that there isn't one there as fireberd said or it sounds like your computer can't communicate with the keyboard.
Wasn't sure if it would work or not, but worth trying. Get lucky sometimes! Running out of ideas short of replacing bios chip or new MoBo! I've done the replacement a few times & the desoldering /soldering of the tiny pins is arduous and time consuming!
I have an SMT workstation (Surface Mount Technology) but I would still be wary of trying to replace the BIOS chip (would have to be an exact Dell replacement chip). Most motherboards are multi-layer and that even gets more complicated. But again, won't hurt to try if you can find the correct BIOS chip - it either will work or you will have to replace the motherboard. The other option if you don't want to try the chip is replace the motherboard (again only a Dell exact replacement will work/fit).
I believe Dell has BIOS chips, if they do, you can obtain the model/version and try Ebay or Amazon for better price, but replacing them is a PAIN, due to the minute soldered connections. Too much heat and you fry the chip, to little heat and you have a cold, non-conductive connection. I built the Thomas Heathkit Paramount Organ when I was in High School, never had an issue with the 1000 plus solder connections, just one bad transistor on one of the sound boards.
BIOS chips are in the $20 US area, give or take a few bucks.
Quote
I do not have BIOS Recovery on this unit.