How to remove/reset service tag from Dell BIOS? model: XPS 15 L502X

Ron_92 · 03-05-2022, 02:40 PM

I have a Dell XPS L502X model. I want to remove Windows 7 from it and install Linux but I just can't seem to boot from the USB drive. My question is if the registered service tag is causing the BIOS to neglect a foreign OS detection from the USB? Does this relate in any way? Seeking some help on this matter please. Thank you

mrmazda · 03-05-2022, 03:11 PM

I've never experienced a Dell not booting at all from USB, but I have often found only certain USB ports would serve that purpose.

I can't imagine a service tag affecting bootability, but you could try a BIOS reset. Also ensure there are no BIOS security settings for Windows, like TPM or Computrace, enabled.

Will your Linux USB stick boot any other PC? How did you make the stick?

michaelk · 03-05-2022, 03:45 PM

Welcome to LinuxQuestions.

No, Are you positive you created a bootable drive?

What distribution are you trying to install and how did you create the bootable drive?

Typically pressing the F2 key for the BIOS/UEFI or F12 for the boot menu.

Fearless Fred · 03-05-2022, 05:30 PM

You will need to go into the BIOS and disable secure boot and enable CSM mode (basically legacy boot) before many windows based computers will allow you to boot from a USB drive to install Linux..

keep pressing F2 at boot up for the BIOS screens, and if that doesn't work, restart and keep pressing F12..

Not sure which BIOS your running, but latest from Dell for that model is here;

https://www.dell.com/support/home/en...code=xps-l502x

Ron_92 · 03-06-2022, 01:51 AM

Thanks for the reply guys. Well I have an Intel 2nd gen so I don't really have Secure Boot and UEFI support available on it. It's the Phoenix SecureCore Tiano Setup BIOS. Computrace is Disabled yes.

I have used BalenaEtcher, Rufus, UUI, YUMI, Win32DiskImager, UNETbootin..the lot. Nothing seems to be helping. I don't see the USB boot option available on pressing F12 (boot menu)
I have tried various distros so far - Kubuntu, Kali, Fedora, OpenSuse. Just can't seem to boot from the USB. What could be going wrong?

mrmazda · 03-06-2022, 02:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron_92

Well I have an Intel 2nd gen so I don't really have Secure Boot and UEFI support available on it. It's the Phoenix SecureCore Tiano Setup BIOS.

Is that the standard name for the Dell BIOS in your model, or a replacement BIOS? If replacement, did it come with any guarantee that everything that did work will continue to work?

Quote:

What could be going wrong?

I'm guessing a non-Dell BIOS is playing at least a part. Does it change the BBS key from the F12 Dell standard to something else?

Ron_92 · 03-06-2022, 02:42 AM

Actually my original motherboard fried out and died. I recently had a new one installed. This is me attempting to boot and install Linux for the first time since getting it replaced. Can't say for certain if the BIOS is standard or a replacement.

brianL · 03-06-2022, 06:09 AM

Try replacing the Phoenix SecureCore Tiano Setup BIOS with the Dell BIOS linked to by Fearless Fred.

computersavvy · 03-06-2022, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fearless Fred

You will need to go into the BIOS and disable secure boot and enable CSM mode (basically legacy boot) before many windows based computers will allow you to boot from a USB drive to install Linux..

keep pressing F2 at boot up for the BIOS screens, and if that doesn't work, restart and keep pressing F12..

Not sure which BIOS your running, but latest from Dell for that model is here;

https://www.dell.com/support/home/en...code=xps-l502x

One issue with your method is that booting in CSM mode can force the install to occur in legacy (MBR) mode. One should never need to switch boot modes (although if totally replacing the OS I prefer using uefi). If the original OS was installed in uefi mode then the new install should be the same. The thing to remember about windows is that when installed in UEFI mode the drive is always partitioned as GPT and when installed in MBR mode the drive is always partitioned as DOS. Linux does not make that distinction.

mrmazda · 03-06-2022, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brianL

Try replacing the Phoenix SecureCore Tiano Setup BIOS with the Dell BIOS linked to by Fearless Fred.

Not all Dells use a proprietary motherboard. If the new motherboard is a generic one, then installing a Dell BIOS is virtually certain to either fail totally, or fail to support all motherboard component functionality.

Did/does Windows object in any way to the new motherboard?

jefro · 03-07-2022, 03:13 PM

I think we need to know if the bios has CSM/UEFI or not. Generally the Windows 7 installs don't have a modern motherboard. You have to mess with windows 7 to get it to boot on xhci boards.
That leads us to wonder if the usb is legacy or uefi also.

I'd install the usb and then boot to bios. Go to hard drive order and see if you can select the usb as first choice.