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Can't flash/update BIOS on 5520
Following the instructions below, at step #5 - there is no 'Other Options' section and no 'BIOS Flash Update' showing in the BIOS UI. (see image below)
Installation
1. Copy the downloaded file to a USB drive. You do not need a bootable USB drive.
2. Insert the USB drive into any USB port.
3. Power on the system.
4. At the DELL logo screen, press F12 to access the one-time boot menu.
5. Select BIOS Flash Update in the Other Options section.
6. Click the ... button to browse the USB drive to locate the downloaded file.
7. Select the file and click OK.
8. Verify the existing system BIOS information and the BIOS update information.
9. Click Begin Flash Update.
10. Review the Warning message and click Yes to proceed with the update.
The system restarts and displays a Flash Progress bar at the Dell logo screen. The system restarts again when the Flash update is complete.
I have done BIOS updates previously on this 5520 with no problem but now I'm stumped. Is there a solution? Or am I stuck with my current BIOS version (v1.30.0) forever?
Chino de Oro
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June 9th, 2024 00:43
Verify that USB is 32GB or less and formatted with FAT32, copy the BIOS firmware below to the USB drive.
BIOS firmware 1.36.0, Precision_3560_Latitude_5520_1.36.0.exe
Important note: Once the BIOS is upgraded to version 1.32.1 or later, you cannot downgrade the BIOS to versions earlier than 1.32.1. BIOS downgrades are restricted when there are security updates and important fixes with earlier versions that impact the functionality
Also, it seems like all BIOS firmware in between from version 1.31.0 through 1.35.0 were removed for undisclosed reasons. Think about it before update your BIOS.
If all else fails, or you may end up bricking the system, use the BIOS_IMG.rcv, BIOS Recovery image file. This file is used for the System BIOS Recovery process to recover a system from a corrupted BIOS. Put the BIOS recovery file on a USB drive and use CTRL + ESC key combination to trigger recovery process. To learn more, review this how to article https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000132453/how-to-recover-the-bios-on-a-dell-computer-or-tablet
gillbatesjr
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June 8th, 2024 18:58
Okay, I did finally resolve step #5. I found the way to browse a list of selected BIOS update files from which to choose. However, the file names are totally weird and are not standard Windows file names. There were maybe 8 or so to choose from. I tried all of them and they all flagged as invalid.
To be clear, I'm attempting to update the BIOS from the BIOS Boot Menu - not updating the BIOS from Windows. I'm doing so 'cause I can only boot my Win10 in Safe Mode - and I'm afraid to try updating BIOS from Windows in Safe Mode. Afraid of bricking my PC and unable to update the BIOS at all. If anyone has done this successfully, please let me know. TIA
gillbatesjr
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June 9th, 2024 17:18
Thank you for that very informative post!
My USB flash drive is 64gb FAT32, so that is a problem. I have other smaller flash drives I can use. I saw the note earlier re warning abt cannot downgrade to earlier than v1.32.1. I think the wise choice now is to simply wait and not upgrade my BIOS now. Also, I restored from a backup and can now do a normal Win10 restart (not safe-mode) so my crisis is passed. Again, thanks for your reply.
(edited)