Most DELL (or any other brand) of machines have BIOS updates/upgrades from time to time. There have been several projects attempting to solve the issue that arises when attempting to upgrade the BIOS of a DELL computer with no MS Windows O/S on it. However, most of them are defunct (not working anymore).
BTW: You CANNOT upgrade the BIOS from a VirtualBox or a VMWare install - Please DO NOT try this - you need to be running an MS O/S or FreeDOS natively - i.e. on the bare metal.
Therefore, what is the solution? Here's one that I came across that is very easy and straightforward and makes use of the native *.exe BIOS file from DELL.
(This method will also work for any other brand of computer that provides it's BIOS files as *.exe format).
1) Install unetbootin from Synaptic or CLI.
2) Plug in a USB stick (it does not need to be erased, just to enough room for the FreeDOS and the bios (*.exe) file).
3) Create a FreeDOS bootable USB stick (on the USB stick you just plugged in).
4) Download the latest and greatest DELL_BIOS_MODEL.EXE file for YOUR specific machine from the DELL SUPPORT website from your Ubuntu install.
5) Transfer the DELL_BIOS_MODEL.EXE file to your USB stick.
6) REBOOT your computer and enter the BIOS options (F8 or F12 - usually).
7) Select BOOT from USB before booting from anything else. Hit .
8) Wait for the USB with the FreeDOS to boot.
***THIS NEXT STEP IS IMPORTANT***
9) DO NOT choose to install the FreeDOS - this will erase your HDD and wipe-out your Ubuntu install.
Also, do not choose any of the other special memory boot options.
Just choose boot FreeDOS with no extras.
10) You will get a couple or warnings/errors - its okay to ignore them. When presented with the A:\ prompt, type C: and hit .
11) Type dir and you should get a list of all directories and files on your USB stick.
12) Type DELL_BIOS_MODEL.EXE and hit to execute the BIOS update/upgrade file.
13) DO NOT touch the power (make sure your are plugged in with an A/C adapter if your are using a laptop); follow the on-screen instructions.
14) If necessary after the update/upgrade, enter the BIOS (again, usually F8 or F12) and return the first boot device to what was before (usually the CDROM or HDD).
Original Post: http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1901977
Hi Matt:
ReplyDeleteBeen looking for an answer on this for a few months now.
I need a little help. I get stuck on #12.
How do I enter the File Name Win1501263.EXE ?
In lower caps? Spaces? Use under lines? I've tried several ways and keep getting bad command line.
Dell Inspiron 1501 System BIOS, v.2.6.3, A16
Inspiron 1501 FlashBIOS Version A16
Release Date: 12/24/2007
Version: 2.6.3,A16
File Name: Win1501263.EXE
Thanks.
g.Rade
Lubuntu O.S. only, no MS/Vista
Sorry I didn't see our post until today. Make sure that you are running the command from the same directory that the file is stored in. That should do it.
ReplyDeleteI can't figure it out...
ReplyDeleteUSB/Win1501263.EXE
C:\>Dir
WIN150~1 EXE 3,608,576 06-06-2016
C:\>WIN150~1
This program cannot be run in DOS mode.
C:\>
Really a very fine way to express and looking a very pleasant article with full of healthy information. I am definitely going to tell in my class about this platform and the information shared here. Very well written.
ReplyDeleteCisco SG95D
Thank you for this! Just helped me breathe more life into my old Dell that needed a BIOS update for the latest GPU support!
ReplyDelete