How to get your Dell Firmware updates for Meltdown and Spectre Intel processor vulnerabilities

RV_ · April 26, 2018

I just updated the BIOS to resolve the Meltdown vulnerability on my Intel system. AMD is not subject to it and is vulnerable to the Spectre vulnerability. That is what I can glean from all the tech articles and GRC's InSpectre utility.

Unless you have been living under a rock or not connected to the Internet, you've heard about the Meltdown and Specter vulnerabilities that are in the processor hardware and the many workarounds they said to do then not to do??? That was back in January. I just installed the Feb 2018 firmware update to my BIOS in the AIO (All In One)

Gibson Research (Trusted by Bleeping Computer) has made a tiny utility to see if your system is vulnerable to either the Meltdown or the Spectre vulnerabilities. Download and run it here: https://www.grc.com/inspectre.htm

Before you start looking for your update at Dell's list below, you need to know which version of your BIOS you are running now. To do this is easy. First right click on your start button and then left click on run. In the box type "msinfo32" and then click on "System Summary" if it is not already open and look for the BIOS version. For mine the line read:

BIOS Version/Date Dell Inc. A14, 1/30/2018

Here is a screen shot of the msinfo32 screen: https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-check-the-current-bios-version-on-your-computer-2617974

Just copy that line for your computer, and also copy the processor type which tells you if you have Intel or AMD, mine reads:

System Type x64-based PC

Also copy whether the processor is 32 or 64 bit, mine reads:

Processor Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4770S CPU @ 3.10GHz, 3101 Mhz, 4 Core(s), 8 Logical Processor(s)

Now you need to go to the Dell page with your system BIOS update.

Here is the Dell page you start on: http://www.dell.com/support/article/us/en/04/sln308587/microprocessor-side-channel-vulnerabilities-cve-2017-5715-cve-2017-5753-cve-2017-5754-impact-on-dell-products?lang=en

I have a Dell top shelf XPS 1 (2720) which I just updated to the latest BIOS firmware. It was easy. I went to the list, found my listed system, clicked on the number on the far right, and then just downloaded the firmware update. Before I started I clicked on installation instructions to make sure all I had to do was double click on it, as most BIOS updates come in installers. Just make sure you shut down all running programs then double click it and follow the instructions. Be patient as after reboot there will be some black screens while it installs in the background. It is important not to click on it or shut down your computer until it is done installing.

If there are two versions of your system BIOS updates on the page at Dell for the BIOS download click on versions to see previous versions and the letter number series should match. Most folks let their BIOS firmware go way out of date as you can see by the versions check on the page for your system BIOS update when you click other versions.

Once you are sure you have the right system page to download the BIOS, download it, and before you run it close everything that is open and double click the downloaded firmware update and follow instructions. If it is a laptop or tablet you will need to have it plugged into the wall and it is safest if the battery is fully charged. Just say yes as appropriate.

I remind you that while I pass along what worked for me, you do firmware flashing at your own risk. Ask me questions or if under warranty call for them to do it for you remotely. It is a small file 13MB for my 27" AIO.

Keeping your BIOS up to date is required to get the best performance from your system.

RV_ · April 26, 2018

One other tip. Since Intel has not released new Processors without the Meltdown vulnerability, all computers for sale now, new and used/refurbished, will have the vulnerability. I am not sure about AMD but I believe they are the same.

For sure I will not buy any new replacement computers until the end of 2018 or when Intel announces they have the new processors with no vulnerabilities. AMD has Spectre in their processors so the same holds true of new or used AMD systems.