Dell BIOS update "installing..." ad infinitum

My (short-fused) friend is having this problem, I'm not with the machine or able to see it, and he's gone to work now so I can't ask any questions. I am tasked with finding answers by the time he gets home, this is my first port of call.

He has been having USB wired mouse problems for weeks/months: most often unresponsive but when it came to life yesterday he took the opportunity to run Dell Support Assist.

Via Dell Support Assist:

Dell XPS 8910 system bios

Installing...


This has been going on for many hours. Please advise if you can

I don't use any Dell bloatware like Support Assist - i just peruse the support page every few months and install any new drivers directly.

I had a BIOS update hang for ages like that a few ago. I just turned my laptop off / on using the power button and all was fine with the BIOS updated.

Thank you, Steve. I'm terrified that my advice might brick his PC, but if there's no other way forward he'll have nothing to lose! :)

Dell has a BIOS recovery procedure for newer PC's. If the BIOS is corrupted in most cases it can be recovered using one of the procedures listed. As noted this is only for newer Dell's and not all.
Here is the procedure:
BIOS Recovery options on a Dell PC or Tablet | Dell US

Thank you, Fireberd - his machine is marginal re qualifying, and the method for checking looks rather involved - too involved for him to bother? Will he prefer to spend £1000 on a new desktop? I wouldn't be surprised

An update just to say that he powered down the PC and it has survived. I have yet to guide him thru checking if the BIOS was updated or not. In fairness, he works long, arduous shifts and needs his down-time.

Currrentbios for that machine is....

If that is what you have great..If not download direct from the below link and install direct..

Version: 1.1.7 ,1.1.7		Release Date: 30 Aug 2018
File Name: XPS8910_1.1.7.exe
File size: 7.03 MB

Support for XPS 8910 | Drivers & downloads | Dell US

Thank you, Porthos :)