BIOS update without BATTERY

[DanF]

I have a Dell Inspiron laptop that came in with over heating issues. It's the N5010.

I've cleaned it internally as usual, replaced thermal compound, etc... All seems fine. It runs at around 52 idle. (it's a Corei7).

I have also found that the BIOS is quite outdated, as it's running a N05 bios when there's a N15 version. The laptop is without a battery, client said it was damaged and went ahead with ordering one for himself through ebay, for which he is still waiting. So I can't really update the BIOS without the battery. However, I have tried to force the installation by using the /forceit command.

Problem is, that the error message that requires you to have the battery is bypassed, but it then says "Unknown Command".

Ever had this problem before?
Thanks!

 

[baddog]

If it was me then I would let the customer know that the BIOS can't be flashed without the battery being detected and then I'd wait for the customer to bring in the battery when it arrives.

Just out of interest how often do you get power cuts in your area and do you run off a UPS?

 

[DanF]

More than power cuts, the voltage is not constant on this island, sometimes it goes up and sometimes down... sometimes electricity cuts off and comes back in a second, causing a lot of damages.

Personally I recommend clients to use a UPS with their computer systems. However they almost never use one with a laptop.

 

[baddog]

I wouldn't do a BIOS update without the battery attached to a laptop without a UPS attached first.

 

[DanF]

Just informed the client that I wold require the battery in order to proceed and perform certain tasks. Will wait for her reply.

In the meantime, what do you suggest in order to test the overheating issue?

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

I wouldn't do a BIOS update without the battery attached to a laptop without a UPS attached first.

There's your answer OP....you most likely have a UPS or more in your shop/office, right? The UPS is the surrogate battery for the laptop.

 

[jay007]

Extract the bios file and you will find an ini file. Open it up and you will see all settings for bios update like checking for battery. Just change option to false and bios update will run. I've done this a few times where battery was not detected. i didnt know if power ic was blown or a bios update would fix it so i would change that option in bios update file rather than disassemble the laptop. Sometimes bios update fixed it other times it didn't. Very common will some dell laptops.