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November 25th, 2023 16:04
precautions before resetting APTIO to default
Working now to troubleshoot a used Dell Insperion AIO 3477 stuck at 75% point in Windows update.
I'm concerned about preserving the data on the HDD, and I have a few questions about APTIO BIOS.
1. Advanced > SATA Mode Selection (IDE, AHCI, RAID) -- The unit has RAID option enabled. This unit has only one drive bay, so I'm assuming this is incorrect?
2. If I reset to factory defaults in APTIO, and SATA is changed back to what I assume is the default AHCI, will APTIO do anything destructive to the data on the HDD?
3. What's the best way to document the current APTIO settings? Screen shots?
Bonus question, does this unit have a particular USB bay I need to use when booting from USB?
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redxps630
9 Legend
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14.6K Posts
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November 26th, 2023 01:06
1. Dell bios is often but not always default RAID regardless of how many drive bays present
2. Inspiron 24 3477 All-in-One sata op default is AHCI. refer to service manual > ssytem setup for bios options of this model. BIOS does not alter or destroy data on hdd but changing sata operation in bios can render pc not bootable. there are tricks to remedy that.
This option configures the operating mode of the integrated SATA hard drive controller.
Default: AHCI
3. you could do screenshots but it will take a lot. you can also use manual which helps to some extent
Windows update stuck is risky as some update involves auto flash of bios without user consent. stopping such update can brick the mobo.
(edited)
RoHe
10 Elder
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45.2K Posts
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November 26th, 2023 02:50
Use a cell phone to take screenshots of the BIOS screens.
You may want to remove the HDD, install it in a USB drive enclosure, and connect it a different PC to copy off all the files you want to preserve.
What version of Windows are you trying to install? This PC model doesn't support Win 11.
To boot this PC from USB, use a USB2 stick, probably no larger than 8 GB that's formatted FAT32. Once it's made bootable, plug the USB into the PC with power fully off. Then power on and tap F12 to open the menu where you can select the USB boot option.
(edited)