Latest BIOS update bricked my DEC740

[ab]

I have a DEC740 from December 2022. I just downloaded and flashed (after checking the SHA!) the latest version from here. The flashing process itself was straightforward, and ended with this screen before the system switched itself off:

Code Select Expand

          Insyde H2OFFT (Flash Firmware Tool) Version (SEG) 200.02.00.06
         Copyright (C) 2022 Insyde Software Corp. All Rights Reserved.


                      Loading New BIOS Image File: ..Done

                  Current BIOS Model Name: NetBoard-A10_Gen.3
                  New     BIOS Model Name: NetBoard-A10_Gen.3
                  Current BIOS Version: 05.32.50.0014-A10.22E
                  New     BIOS Version: 05.39.21.0028-A10.35
                           Save SMBIOS Structures


                           Updating Block at FFFFF000h
          0%          25%         50%          75%         100%
           **************************************************     100%

Now, when powered up, it appears to enter a boot loop. The power light flickers off briefly roughly once a second, as if it is constantly resetting itself, and there is no output on the serial console.

I am now going in desperate search of a flash programmer and an older BIOS version, but wanted to get the warning out that this BIOS update appears to be capable of bricking systems!

[patient0]

Now, when powered up, it appears to enter a boot loop.

I assume you disconnected the power for a minute or so? And you don't see anything on the serial console, even when trying to boot from e.g. OPNsense USB?

The previous BIOS v34 I have saved away but you better wait for an answer from @franco or Deciso in general.

[ab]

I assume you disconnected the power for a minute or so? And you don't see anything on the serial console, even when trying to boot from e.g. OPNsense USB?

You're right. After physically disconnecting the power and plugging it back in, the system is functional and I again have serial output. Previously I had just turned the system on and off with the pinhole power button.

Sorry for the false alarm, but perhaps this ought to be part of the installation instructions. Currently they just say "Reboot the machine" which I thought I had accomplished with the power button.

[patient0]

Currently they just say "Reboot the machine" which I thought I had accomplished with the power button.

Glad you're back online without having to use a chip reader/writer.

That is indeed something that could be added to the documentation, yes.