ComradeLucifer Posted June 5, 2011 Author Posted June 5, 2011 The Guy asked for BIOS Version/Date: Dell, Inc. A03, 3/22/2011
cichlidfan Posted June 5, 2011 Posted June 5, 2011 Well, that would not be the strangest thing I have come across by any means. Nvidia just released some new drivers so I would check their site. The BIOS for your laptop would be gotten from the vendor, it will be grouped with the drivers for your machine. Go ahead and at least check the date on the latest BIOS. Your BIOS information can probably be seen briefly when booting. You can just enter the BIOS setup and get the information if it flashes by too quickly. Your machine should display a message when booting that says something like "Press DEL to enter SETUP". That will take you into the BIOS. If either needs updating then I would do so. Your laptop probably has some type of EZ program for flashing the BIOS, somewhere on the driver CD assuming it came with one. Otherwise, you should be able to get it from the same place you get the BIOS. It should have a name that includes the words FLASH and BIOS. Note the use of the word should. ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero, i7-6700K, Noctua NH-D14 Cooler, Crucial 32GB DDR4 2133, Samsung 950 Pro NVMe 256GB, Samsung EVO 250GB & 500GB SSD, 2TB Caviar Black, Zotac GTX 1080 AMP! Extreme 8GB, Corsair HX1000i, Phillips BDM4065UC 40" 4k monitor, VX2258 TouchScreen, TIR 5 w/ProClip, TM Warthog, VKB Gladiator Pro, Saitek X56, et. al., MFG Crosswind Pedals #1199, VolairSim Pit, Rift CV1 :thumbup:
cichlidfan Posted June 5, 2011 Posted June 5, 2011 The Guy asked for BIOS Version/Date: Dell, Inc. A03, 3/22/2011 That's likely to be the newest but it never hurts to check. ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero, i7-6700K, Noctua NH-D14 Cooler, Crucial 32GB DDR4 2133, Samsung 950 Pro NVMe 256GB, Samsung EVO 250GB & 500GB SSD, 2TB Caviar Black, Zotac GTX 1080 AMP! Extreme 8GB, Corsair HX1000i, Phillips BDM4065UC 40" 4k monitor, VX2258 TouchScreen, TIR 5 w/ProClip, TM Warthog, VKB Gladiator Pro, Saitek X56, et. al., MFG Crosswind Pedals #1199, VolairSim Pit, Rift CV1 :thumbup:
ComradeLucifer Posted June 5, 2011 Author Posted June 5, 2011 Hey cichlidfan i got the info. Bios Version/Date: Dell, Inc. A03, 3/22/2011. Thoughts?
ComradeLucifer Posted June 5, 2011 Author Posted June 5, 2011 also, no cd came that would allow me to flash the BIOS- BTW, what does flashing the BIOS refer to?
ComradeLucifer Posted June 6, 2011 Author Posted June 6, 2011 just talked some more with the guy- apparently the newest BIOS is A05; he reccomends updating it if the problem persists with the WARTHOG and all other avenues fail. I wish Jeff could chime in here- he has all that experience as a Dell technician.
ComradeLucifer Posted June 6, 2011 Author Posted June 6, 2011 got BIOS A05- you were right- was with drivers. t's downloaded- the guy says I should save it as a last resort because of a "small risk of a failed BIOS update"
cichlidfan Posted June 6, 2011 Posted June 6, 2011 also, no cd came that would allow me to flash the BIOS- BTW, what does flashing the BIOS refer to? Flashing the BIOS is basically reloading the core driver for your motherboard. When you turn on your PC a bunch of stuff happens before it ever looks for a hard disk. All of the code that is running is your BIOS (Basic Input Output System). It is stored on a chip on your motherboad instead of on disk somewhere so a special program is needed to update it. The method for updating it varies a bit depending on the BIOS vendor but the correct information for your specific machine should be available on Dell's website. ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero, i7-6700K, Noctua NH-D14 Cooler, Crucial 32GB DDR4 2133, Samsung 950 Pro NVMe 256GB, Samsung EVO 250GB & 500GB SSD, 2TB Caviar Black, Zotac GTX 1080 AMP! Extreme 8GB, Corsair HX1000i, Phillips BDM4065UC 40" 4k monitor, VX2258 TouchScreen, TIR 5 w/ProClip, TM Warthog, VKB Gladiator Pro, Saitek X56, et. al., MFG Crosswind Pedals #1199, VolairSim Pit, Rift CV1 :thumbup:
cichlidfan Posted June 6, 2011 Posted June 6, 2011 got BIOS A05- you were right- was with drivers. t's downloaded- the guy says I should save it as a last resort because of a "small risk of a failed BIOS update" There is always a small risk with BIOS updates but I personally have never had one go bad (I have probably only done a couple dozen at most). Also, the MS tech was being prudent by saying that (covering his ass) and general advice is often to leave the BIOS alone unless you know that it specifically fixes your problem. On the other hand I know guys who always update any driver or BIOS as soon as they find out there has been an update. This stuff is like going to the doctor sometimes, because he is not always 100% sure either. Gotta do life for a bit...I will check in later. Check your Nvidia driver too. ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero, i7-6700K, Noctua NH-D14 Cooler, Crucial 32GB DDR4 2133, Samsung 950 Pro NVMe 256GB, Samsung EVO 250GB & 500GB SSD, 2TB Caviar Black, Zotac GTX 1080 AMP! Extreme 8GB, Corsair HX1000i, Phillips BDM4065UC 40" 4k monitor, VX2258 TouchScreen, TIR 5 w/ProClip, TM Warthog, VKB Gladiator Pro, Saitek X56, et. al., MFG Crosswind Pedals #1199, VolairSim Pit, Rift CV1 :thumbup:
ComradeLucifer Posted June 6, 2011 Author Posted June 6, 2011 The guy mentioned a "small risk of a BIOS update failure" What does this mean/possible fallout and do you think I should run the A05 I downloaded considering the supposed risk?
ComradeLucifer Posted June 6, 2011 Author Posted June 6, 2011 nividia did indeed just release some new drivers 4 days ago for my GeForce GT 540M, downloading them now
cichlidfan Posted June 6, 2011 Posted June 6, 2011 The guy mentioned a "small risk of a BIOS update failure" What does this mean/possible fallout and do you think I should run the A05 I downloaded considering the supposed risk? Under the circumstances... those being that drivers or hardware could really be the problem, this problem is not a known issue related to your existing BIOS, and this is a laptop (meaning you are not fixing it yourself)...I would have to agree with the MS guy... Try everything else first. The "fallout" is that a failed BIOS update will generally turn your laptop into a brick. It is a repairable brick but you aren't fixing it at home (a motherboard swap is the usual solution) and it is unlikely to be covered under warranty (though I have never actually checked that but I doubt that it would be). Try the drivers and then the Warthog and then we shall see where it stands. One more thing, chill out a bit...if you let things like this get to you then you will be old way before your time.:cry: No offense.;) ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero, i7-6700K, Noctua NH-D14 Cooler, Crucial 32GB DDR4 2133, Samsung 950 Pro NVMe 256GB, Samsung EVO 250GB & 500GB SSD, 2TB Caviar Black, Zotac GTX 1080 AMP! Extreme 8GB, Corsair HX1000i, Phillips BDM4065UC 40" 4k monitor, VX2258 TouchScreen, TIR 5 w/ProClip, TM Warthog, VKB Gladiator Pro, Saitek X56, et. al., MFG Crosswind Pedals #1199, VolairSim Pit, Rift CV1 :thumbup:
jeffyd123 Posted June 6, 2011 Posted June 6, 2011 (edited) ya i replace mother boards several times a month from BIOS updates gone bad but its generally safe. the only thing I can think is its possible that the USB voltage could be defective on the laptop and the BIOS may help but its a total guess by me.... I seriously doubt it would help. they usually dont and I never do them anymore. The other guy from MS isnt up to speed with the problem. the game runs fine with no stick plugged in so Im pretty sure its not the video driver. It is producing a generic BSOD which I think is due to the chipset voltages falling to low ( from the USB drawing to much amps) to run the PC anymore.... thats my "theory" at this point. please be sure to uninstall the saitek drivers and the profile software BEFORE installing your new stick. Hey by the way, what model laptop is this... I forgot. Were all pulling for ya Lucifer. Edited June 6, 2011 by jeffyd123 1 i7 8700K @ 4.4Ghz, 16G 3200 RAM, Nvidia 1080Ti, T16000 HOTAS, TIR5, 75" DLP Monitor
cichlidfan Posted June 6, 2011 Posted June 6, 2011 Agree 100% with Jeff. For what its worth. 1 ASUS ROG Maximus VIII Hero, i7-6700K, Noctua NH-D14 Cooler, Crucial 32GB DDR4 2133, Samsung 950 Pro NVMe 256GB, Samsung EVO 250GB & 500GB SSD, 2TB Caviar Black, Zotac GTX 1080 AMP! Extreme 8GB, Corsair HX1000i, Phillips BDM4065UC 40" 4k monitor, VX2258 TouchScreen, TIR 5 w/ProClip, TM Warthog, VKB Gladiator Pro, Saitek X56, et. al., MFG Crosswind Pedals #1199, VolairSim Pit, Rift CV1 :thumbup:
ComradeLucifer Posted June 6, 2011 Author Posted June 6, 2011 Hey guys. It's a new high-end Dell XPS 15. So if the new stick doesn't work tomorrow, what would you advise?
ComradeLucifer Posted June 6, 2011 Author Posted June 6, 2011 Am i just shit outta luck at this point?
Panzertard Posted June 6, 2011 Posted June 6, 2011 (edited) Do the BIOS upgrade. He had to tell you that it is a chance of fail - in case it does this, in 1 of a million. It's not 1 in 10, not 1 in 100. If it fails, Dell support will have to send a bloke to your house to fix it anyway. Just do it - you'll be fine. Altough Jeff & chiclidfan is patiently helping you out (patient fellas, really), you need to follow the actions advised by Dell & MS to solve this. Edited June 6, 2011 by Panzertard The mind is like a parachute. It only works when it's open | The important thing is not to stop questioning
ComradeLucifer Posted June 6, 2011 Author Posted June 6, 2011 i'm sorta confused here...I've gotten conflicting advice about this BIOS. Jeff and Cichildfan have been really great with this, and I wholeheartedly appreciate their dedication and everything they have done to assist me. Jeff, if you could chime in again I'd appreciate as I'm really confused now...so, what do you think?
jeffyd123 Posted June 6, 2011 Posted June 6, 2011 (edited) the ONLY reason I would do a BIOS would be to solve a specific problem panzer. if the list of the BIOS fixes doesnt include USB voltages, Im not interested. Lets wait until that new stick is in and see since theres nothing going on anyway. Hell, knowing your luck lucifer, the warthog will be DOA. LOL (Im praying not buddy) Im very hesitant to install another mobo because they are all reconditioned/ repaired from broken PCs. they usually work fine but I do find myself going back and replacing motherboards on about 15 - 60 % of them if not right after installing them.... it comes and goes in waves throughout the year. I checked your model and it is a good one... just be sure the vents on the bottom are getting air (not on the couch or in bed) ... a high performance lappy will burn up pretty quickly if the vents get suffocated. Be sure to clean those exit vents once a month. Edited June 6, 2011 by jeffyd123 i7 8700K @ 4.4Ghz, 16G 3200 RAM, Nvidia 1080Ti, T16000 HOTAS, TIR5, 75" DLP Monitor
ComradeLucifer Posted June 6, 2011 Author Posted June 6, 2011 yep, np probs there- always a hard level surface
ComradeLucifer Posted June 6, 2011 Author Posted June 6, 2011 so, if the stick doesn't work tomorrow, what you would think/what would be the next step? (Hey, at least i got a WARTHOG coming tomorrow :) )
jeffyd123 Posted June 6, 2011 Posted June 6, 2011 put the new BIOS in.... if that doesnt work, call Dell tech support and get one of the parts monkeys like me out there... Tell them the laptop is totally dead and will not start at all (they wont send out parts for your stick not working)... they will send out a new mobo and you wont have to spend 7 hours on the phone with them (which really sucks) If they ask you to mail the PC in for repair tell them you need it for work and cant mail it in. DO NOT TELL THEM A DELL TECH SAID TO DO THIS STUFF!!!!!!! but Im thinking all is going to work well for ya and youre gonna be in the clouds 5 mins after that stick arrives. i7 8700K @ 4.4Ghz, 16G 3200 RAM, Nvidia 1080Ti, T16000 HOTAS, TIR5, 75" DLP Monitor
ComradeLucifer Posted June 6, 2011 Author Posted June 6, 2011 cool, I should, before the stick arrives, how do I completely get rid of all saitek programs and drivers- remove them all from my computer?
ComradeLucifer Posted June 6, 2011 Author Posted June 6, 2011 *I should ask, gefore the stick arrives, how do I completely get rid... (sorry for the poor grammar confusion there)
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