[sowhatvn]

I just recently upgrade my dell mini with newer firmware for internal hdd provided in dell support site follow this link: Dell - Support

I got 40gb hard drive HS04THB 40GB 1.8" 4.2K and follow exactly from instruction using my bootable usb key. It upgraded but said have internal error then my fixed hdd in CMOS now disappear. Nothing happen and now i lost all information in my Mini and NO Fixed HDD.

Please kindly advice what can i do now? What wrong with dell support site for that firmware?

[sowhatvn]

anyone, please help me? can i get it back to dell for warranty?

[Max_Carnage]

Yep, sorry, but it sounds like a warranty job to me.

[sowhatvn]

i called for dell call center, they sent me around and asked me to use recovery disk came along with laptop. I haven't cd rom with my dell mini. i would try to borrow one from my friends.
But if i need warranty from dell, where can i go in Sydney Aus? I bought it in Singapore.
I don't understand how come Dell posted a file like that? pls read the compatibility and fixed drop list. It's clearly show my hdd is there.

[Max_Carnage]

Call back. Don't mention the firmware update. Just tell them about the non-boot problem. Just explain "Hi, when I try to boot it says there is no fixed HDD. I bought it in [insert month], and now it's rooted." I don't know how the warranty works internationally, but I wouldn't mention it - leave that bit up to them. If they fix it, then good. If they don't, then find out what your rights are.

[sowhatvn]

I called them back today, they send me to sales department to have quote of warranty. They said they need to send one technician to where i live and have an inspection of my laptop. They said my laptop is only cover by part replacement condition so i have to pay for technician who come about $220.
I can't believe that cost that much, that almost enough for me to buy a brand new one. What do they thinking about?
I just want to have hard drive replacement. They have no place for me to send back my laptop for warranty in Aust.
I followed the idiot support from their website and that what i got for warranty.

[sosfa]

I had the same problem! but I replaced the hard drive and The problem remained! I posted on thread

[cnr0616]

I have the same issue, I download the ISO and booted to the CD. I got an internal error message after the 20-30 seconds the update was scanning my HD, then a green screen saying the update was finished. The hard drive was operational but it said "no operating system". I booted into bios and the hard drive had the model number of the 80GB version, even though I have the 40GB. I tried to reinstall windows but got a blue screen. I've worked with it trying to update via usb flash drive, but came up with the same error. Now the bios will not read the HDD. I called Dell, they are sending me another HD. Hope this helps. The guy in the post above me said his was still broken after HD replacement, which dosen't make sense unless it was a cable on his machine.

Just to vent a little the dell tech on the chat didn't want to setup a replacement because the computer came with Ubuntu and that was another department. What a duche-bag, I mentioned it didn't matter if the operating system was Mac OSX the hard drive was dead, and if he couldn't replace it I would happily speak to his supervisor. He decided to agree and replace the HD. It just irritated me a little.

There is definitely a problem with this firmware update that Dell needs to address. If you are lucky enough to read this before you try the firmware update, don't do it, it's too risky.

I would like to know if anyone has had success using this update?

[sganimefan]

I had no problems with mine... Update went smoothly and didn't take too long.

Not too shortly after I replaced it with a SSD and I'm using it in a USB case as a portable HDD.

[Zilog8]

Originally Posted by cnr0616

I have the same issue, I download the ISO and booted to the CD. I got an internal error message after the 20-30 seconds the update was scanning my HD, then a green screen saying the update was finished. The hard drive was operational but it said "no operating system". I booted into bios and the hard drive had the model number of the 80GB version, even though I have the 40GB. I tried to reinstall windows but got a blue screen. I've worked with it trying to update via usb flash drive, but came up with the same error. Now the bios will not read the HDD.

There is definitely a problem with this firmware update that Dell needs to address. If you are lucky enough to read this before you try the firmware update, don't do it, it's too risky.

I would like to know if anyone has had success using this update?

I wish I would have run into this thread earlier (although I think I would have trusted Dell enough to try it anyway), but my computer has just done the same thing. Now I have to send the mini back, and drag my 8-pound behemoth to class, *sigh*. Luckily I still have a month left on the warranty, but damn that was cutting it close. What the hell, Dell? Better testing next time.