If you have Alienware x51 r1 Bios version A08 won't update to A12 or A14 then we strongly recommend that you Download (Alienware x51 r1 Bios version A08 won't update to A12 or A14) Repair Tool.
To start downloading, please choose one of the links from the list below. Run the BIOS update utility from Windows environment.
Browse to the location where you downloaded the file and double-click the new file. Windows System will auto restart and update BIOS while system startup screen. After BIOS update finished, system will auto reboot to take effect.
Run the BIOS update utility from DOS environment if Legacy Boot Mode(Non-Windows users). Copy the downloaded file to a bootable DOS USB key. Power on the system, then Press F12 key and Select 'USB Storage Device' and Boot to DOS prompt. Run the file by typing copied file name where the executable is located. After BIOS update finished, system will auto reboot to take effect.
Run the BIOS update utility from DOS environment if UEFI Boot Mode (Non-Windows users,Load Legacy Option ROM Disabled). Copy the downloaded file to a bootable DOS USB key.
Power on the system, then go to BIOS Setup by pressing F2 and go to 'Boot Boot List Option'. Change 'UEFI' to 'Legacy' of Boot List Option. Go to 'Exit Exit Save Changes' and reboot system. Press F12, then Select 'USB Storage Device' and Boot to DOS prompt.
Run the file by typing copied file name where the executable is located. After BIOS update finished, system will auto reboot. Go to BIOS Setup by pressing pressing F2 and go to 'Boot Boot List Option'.
Change 'Legacy' to 'UEFI' Boot Option. Go to 'Exit' Exit Save Changes and reboot system. If we have helped you with search of your drivers, you can help us, having put the, from your site or to recommend our site to the friends. If you have found mistakes during downloading, please email to. We will endeavour to solve these as soon as possible. Other problems, please try to contact publisher's official support. More Drivers.
In the last week Dell released the A12 bios for the XPS 8700. Turns out the bios is a dud and I (along with others) am having serious performance issues.
I would like to revert to the A11 bios but the A12 bios will not permit a downgrade. Any other bios will not be installed as the machine says it's an older version than the current one and won't allow installation. On the Dell forums they confirm the A12 bios won't allow a downgrade. They say we will have to wait for a new bios which I imagine could be a long time. Especially considering how old these machines are. Since I'm unable to online game currently, being a lag fest performance wise, are they telling me the truth?
Am I at their mercy waiting on a new bios? Is there no other option to force it? I'm fairly intelligent but certainly not a computer expert Although I can usually follow instructions. Pretty upset I had a great system and now it's barely usable. If you cannot downgrade then sorry you will likely have to wait for a fix. If the current BIOS has serious issues, then I recommend contacting Dell over this.
If enough people complain they will push out a new BIOS faster to correct the issues. XPS 8700 is still a pretty decent machine. If it had a graphics card and new power supply it could be a solid gaming PC for current games. The motherboard is also proprietary so you can't replace it really.
You'd need a new case and motherboard, and then in turn a new OS license as yours is tied to the motherboard. I'd just wait for Dell's mercy. I never recommend updating your BIOS unless you are having issues. There is always risks especially right now with Meltdown and Spectre. You can try doing an in-OS BIOS flash. It might let you do it.