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September 16th, 2025 02:07
I blew it. I turned off my N5050 Inspiron during a bios update. BAD IDEA.
I turned off my N5050 Inspiron 500GB during a bios update. BAD IDEA. Now it won't start at all showing only with the message like 'Missing an essential part necessary to start' or similar.
I have a Latitude E6420 with a 120GB SSD with Windows 10 PRO 64bit, and a cable from the Latitude USB that has the N5050 500GB HDD that connects directly at the other end. Can I format the 500GB using the Latitude program and then clone the SSD onto the 500GB HDD to repair the 500GB N5050? Neither one will accept Windows 11 so this is my option for now. Can I do this and have my N5050 back?
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anne_droid
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840 Posts
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September 16th, 2025 12:19
Hi
What/Which BIOS update was used?
Please can you confirm the Make Model and OS, along with any configuration details like touch screen, backlit keyboard, SFF or tower etc etc.
IF the BIOS is intact, then test the machine bootability, use a USB with Linux Mint on, and NO other storage device fitted/attached.
https://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=322
If you get the same error, then a BIOS recovery is the next step.
Generic instructions...
Updating the BIOS from DOS (Non-Windows users)
Note 1: Before updating the BIOS, ensure that you suspend BitLocker encryption on a BitLocker-enabled system. If BitLocker is not enabled on your system, you can ignore this step. For information about how to disable BitLocker, see How to Enable or Disable BitLocker with TPM in Windows at support.dell.com.
Note 2: Do not turn off power or interrupt the BIOS update process during the update.
Note 3: Your system requires a restart after installing the BIOS. The restart can be deferred but must be completed to ensure that the update is installed.
Installation
Note: You must provide a bootable USB drive. This executable file does not create the DOS system files.
1. Copy the downloaded file to a bootable USB drive. People usually use Rufus.
2. Power on the system and then Press the F12 key.
3. Select USB Storage Device and boot to the DOS prompt.
4. Run the file by typing following command. For example:
A:\ Precision_5530_X.Y.Z.exe
Note: Precision_5530 is an example. You can change the product and model number based on the supported platform.
If in doubt please ask.