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August 15th, 2022 09:00

m15 R4, firmware update stuck on Aptio Setup Utility

I'm using an Alienware M15 R4 bought in May 2021. 

I restarted the laptop after downloading some firmware/driver updates. When I came back to my laptop after 15 minutes, I saw this on the screen:

 

20220815_223302.JPG

Aptio Setup Utility - American Megatrends, Inc.

Flashing…WARNING! System firmware being updated. Keyboard is locked. DO NOT TURN THE POWER OFF !!! Once firmware update is completed, system will be automatically rebooted 

- Program new data -

Update OEM EC Block

- 100% -

 

My keyboard is indeed locked as stated, and the arrow keys, ENTER, ESC, F1, F9 and F10 do not work. I waited another 20 minutes and it's still stuck on that screen.

The fans are still running noisy. I am afraid of bricking my computer if I force restart, and I'm not even sure if I'll be able to force restart because I'm unsure if the power button works. (Update: Power button doesn't work, even after holding for 30 seconds.)

I've Googled this problem and I came across an answer on Microsoft's page that advised to wait 24 hours. I've also read two accounts of people just unplugging the laptop and letting the battery die out before restarting their laptops with no issues.

Please help!

7 Technologist

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6.1K Posts

August 15th, 2022 12:00

Hi @Dinghy Mama  welcome to this free user to user Alienware laptop discussion forum. This is not Dell Support. 

Thank you for providing the the BIOS update image, everything is locked until the BIOS version update is installed, in about 20 minutes. Guess that BIOS version update is being installed over the internet, so installation will never complete. 

Please remove ac adapter and all other external connections. Remove Base cover and disconnect main battery  (it is not necessary to remove main battery). Drain residual flea power (perform hard reset) by holding down power-on button for 30 Seconds.  

Connect main battery and plug in ac adapter. Hold down Fn key, then press power-on button, to automatically undertake Dell ePSA Diagnostic tests during POST (power-on self-test). 

Hopefully normal function of the Alienware M15 R4 will be reinstated. 

Alienware m15 R4 with Base cover removedAlienware m15 R4 with Base cover removed

Never update the BIOS version unless an application requires additional functions. 

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