computer dead after bios update

In most cases (all I've seen) a corrupted BIOS and the only option is to replace the motherboard.  If its still in warranty contact Dell.  

3 flashes is "system board or chipset error" which reinforces the corrupted BIOS.

2 flashes is "No memory or RAM detected" which goes back to the BIOS as the BIOS is what detects hardware.

One outside chance, reset the CMOS (BIOS) memory.  With the PC powered off, open the case and remove the CR2032 battery for at least 10 minutes.  Reinstall the battery and power on.  If your lucky it will have cleared the problem.

The XPS 8910  has the "BIOS Recovery from Hard Drive" option, as indicated in the XPS 8910 service manual.

downloads.dell.com/.../xps-8910-desktop_service manual_en-us.pdf

So before you do *ANYTHING* (including removing the battery), read this:  BIOS Recovery options on a Dell PC or Tablet

www.dell.com/.../bios-recovery-options-on-a-dell-pc-or-tablet

I was afraid of that,thanks for your advice

Did you read the link I posted and try to recover BIOS from your hard drive??

yes,that was one of the first things I tried.But it didn't do a thing,I have bootup usb from Dell.But without the computer not powering up nothing works.Thank You for your advice

Are you saying there's no power at all to the PC?

Does the power button light up after you press it? Do you see an LED lit on the motherboard when PC is connected to a working outlet, regardless of whether you press the power button or not? If motherboard LED is not on, you may have a power supply issue.

Is there a power supply test button on rear of PC, near where the power cord connects to the tower?

If you're using a power strip or surge protector, remove those and connect PC directly to a known good outlet.

Yes,for a instant but amber not white.also yes when I press power supply test button light turns green.Also when you press Ctrl and Esc that's when it goes into 3 amber then 2

Are you pressing and holding the power supply test button? If it stays green as long as you hold it, then the PSU is probably ok.

In that case, power off and unplug. Press/hold power button for ~15 sec. Open case and remove motherboard battery. Press/hold power button for ~30 sec and then reinstall the battery. Does it boot now?

I presume this system is out of warranty, but you may want to contact Dell Tech Support to see if they'd be willing to replace the motherboard since SupportAssist told you to update BIOS. Can't hurt to ask...

Tried all that RoHe,yes warranty ran out 2 days before this happened.My luck,haven't called Tech Support.Maybe worth a try

I would try replacing the $6 DL2032 cmos battery.

Tried all that RoHe,yes warranty ran out 2 days before this happened.My luck,haven't called Tech Support.Maybe worth a try

Bummer...

At one time Dell had a policy that they would replace a motherboard -one time only- within 6 months of the end of the warranty if a BIOS update killed the board. Don't know if they still do that, but since SupportAssist offered you the update and you're just days out of warranty, you might be able to get them to replace it for you.

Remember, I don't work for Dell so I can only suggest what they perhaps, maybe, possibly would do in this situation, but it's certainly worth a polite call to Tech Support. :emotion-5:

A system that new would be allowed to renew service and support.

Sounds like they only had 1 year warranty.

RoHe,I know you don't work for Dell,but got question.I can go to my Dell account and it says I can extend my warranty for 42.00$,but should I call first.Don't want to dishonest

I don't know the answer to your question. I was never in this situation...

The other thing to check out is your credit card. Some (like mine) extend the warranty on products bought with the card for up to 1 year beyond the manufacturer's warranty. Contact your card to see if they offer this feature and their rules and requirements.

I had an electronics device die less than 1 week after the warranty ended and the OEM refused to help me. My credit card only required me to prove date of purchase and send a copy of a receipt for repairing or replacing it, charged to the card. There was no fix, so I bought a replacement and they credited the amount on my bill.

I wonder what bios version he was updating to? I saw some other posts about USB 2 ports not working and some people said it was after the 1.1.3 bios update ???