/forceit in Command Prompt Gives error: unknown command

Question

I am trying to run a BIOS update using /forceit command after the file name on a Dell Inspiron with a 'faulty' battery (BIOS update on Dell requires 10% battery, hence why I cannot perform this) . I keep getting the following error message:

error: unknown command.

This command should allow me to update the BIOS. Updating the BIOS is my last resort as I have tried practically everything. Is there a way to run this command?

Solution 1

• Make Bootable FreeDOS USB Drive personally I used Rufus Portable.
• Copy the BIOS EXE File. Mine was 3442A14.exe for Inspiron 3542.
• Restart computer and press F12 at boot logo.
• Boot the USB Drive.
• DOS window should appear now type the first letter of the filename and then press tab or type the full name of the file followed by /Forceit
• Press Y to continue update. Update should prepare files the restart and then start updating with percent bar repeated several times and then restart to start Windows with BIOS updated.

Solution 2

/forceit is not a command of its own, you need to use it as a command line parameter like DellBIOSUpdater.exe /forceit.

Comments

[mowienay]

Have you reached a solution?

[barlop]

this isn't even any paramter of any command native to any windows version, it's particular to some dell thing apparently, according to peter

[joebegborg07]

thanks for your reply. I did use it like that.. C:\'file_path'\filename.exe /force it, however I still get the error: command unknown

[Peter W.]

Don't put parts of the path in 's and don't separate the words 'force' and 'it'. You need to be precise, or Windows won't know what you mean.

[joebegborg07]

I'm positive I'm writing it correctly. Is it possible to update BIOS using hirens boot cd ?

[barlop]

-1 see peter's answer at least he mentions that it's a parameter to a command that is a dell thing

[reukiodo]

When I try from FreeDOS (and MSDOS 6.22), I get the error message: - Error: Unable to start a Secure Flash session.

[reukiodo]

Using a hint at forums.lenovo.com/t5/ThinkCentre-A-E-M-S-Series/… , I was able to update from A02 up to A13 successfully, and then up to the current A16.

[Paul Omans]

I have a Vostro 3550 with a dead battery that would not display on the built-in LCD after installing Windows 10 (black screen, HDMI external displays worked). Only fix I found listed online was to update from BIOS A09 to A12, but my battery was dead. I tried using /forceit command line switch in Windows using an HDMI monitor and I got the same error unknown command. I made a freeDOS boot drive with Rufus and used /forceit command with the A12 BIOS update and it went through! Windows 10 now works with the built-in LCD on my Vostro 3550 with BIOS A12 thanks to you! You are my savior for the day!