Dell 5510 Xeon wont boot from USB

You need the bios update. In the most recent update. It fixes the the PXE bootmanagement system.

https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/drivers/driversdetails?driverid=nn0t4

Dell lists this as a hardware fix.

Ok, thank you.  One more question.  The system has no operating system on it.  How can I respore from the rcv file?  I downloaded that file previously, thinking that it may be a bios issue, but couldn't figure out how to restore from USB. A google search and looking on the bios site didn't seem to help.

@a-dev-b​  

you might need to go on ebay and buy a $30 to $40 copy of windows 10 COA and a minimum used 64GB SSD or HD. (Or the most recent free version of unbuntu to get into a web browser that will get you to download online

unfortunately because your USB wont function at PXE. You will unfortunately have to install win10 via a PCIE/DVDROM drive. Unless you can get a burned copy of unbuntu on DVD.

Then go to dells website via Edge, or unbuntus web browser.

I've attempted installing Windows from the usb as well.  It still gives me an error.  A hardware check I ran found all hardware to be ok.  Which is why I am trying this method.

If you purchased this system used, does it have an administrator password on it?  It may be a previous owner locked system system so it cannot be booted from USB.

Press F2 a few times at powerup - can you get into setup to check the settings, or are you challenged for a password?

@a-dev-b​ 

The only connection in your case to bypass USB. Thats if you arent locked out by security.

You would need a portable external DVD playe (Dell Brand if they still make it). You would need to make sure that DVD player has a USB-C/Thunderbolt connection.  It is possible an older Dell Branded external DVD player with USB might work. Since a Dell bios is to accept any signature written Dell Hardware.

at this point its the only way to over ride the PXE boot because thunderbolts dump directly into pcie lanes

The only other way I believe you can gain access and Im not to sure of this precision model, but have done it with others, is by using a dell docking station.

(Edited for Context and Clarity)

No password on bios.  It seems like raid/AHCI was causing an issue.  Disabling it let the system boot. 

Had to replace the WiFi chip as it was causing an issue.  I think it was faulty.   Facing a new issue now.  The system booted up fine after replacing the WiFi chip with one from a Thinkpad.  Then it died and now I just get a power light that turns on for a bit and then off again after a few seconds.  I thought maybe it just wasn't charged enough.  Nope. Even after leaving it on the charger it still wont boot. 

I have never had this many issues with any laptop new or used before.   I think this is the last Dell I'll ever buy for myself, my business or my customers. Never have I come across a business geared laptop that is designed to be as frustrating as possible.  I've lost 3 days worth of work so far over this.