Ubuntu
libsmbios package

getSystemId error

Asked by David Fourer

Need help finding System ID, BIOS Version, from libsmbios. I want to identify the latest BIOS .HDR file for my system and flash the BIOS, per instructions at http://linux.dell.com/wiki/index.php/Tech/libsmbios_dellBiosUpdate

david@davidf:~$ getSystemId
Libsmbios: 0.13.10
Error getting the System ID : Could not instantiate SMBIOS table.
Error getting the Service Tag : Could not instantiate SMBIOS table.
Error getting the Product Name: Could not instantiate SMBIOS table.
Error getting the BIOS Version: Could not instantiate SMBIOS table.
Error getting the Vendor : Could not instantiate SMBIOS table.
Is Dell: 0

Thank you.

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Ubuntu libsmbios Edit question
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Savvas Radevic
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Revision history for this message
Savvas Radevic (medigeek) said : 		#1

Why do you want to flash the bios? It's dangerous and generally not recommended, unless it allows you something useful.

Revision history for this message
David Fourer (dfourer) said : 		#2

Savvas Radevic wrote:
> Your question #56041 on libsmbios in ubuntu changed:
> https://answers.edge.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/libsmbios/+question/56041
>
> Status: Open => Needs information
>
> Savvas Radevic requested for more information:
> Why do you want to flash the bios? It's dangerous and generally not
> recommended, unless it allows you something useful.
>
>
 The fan stopped running at full speed. The low speed seems to be
working. The CPU sometimes overheats. Replacing the fan did not help,
and a Dell tech recommended updating the BIOS. I don't know why, since
the fan worked when the computer was new. I suppose they know something
about this malfunction and they are giving me a clue. Of course it's
out of warranty.

I tried some Dell diagnostics that came with the computer and run from a
self-booting CD, and they do report the fan failure. I found some info
in Ubuntu Linux forums about manually setting the fan speed, but I don't
know if this can overcome the problem.

I am not aware of the dangers of flashing the BIOS. Please help me to
understand the pros and cons of trying this. I am not a computer
professional and my knowledge about this is limited.

Dell Inspiron 6000, Ubuntu Linux V. 8.04, 2.6.24-22-Generic Gnome V. 2.22.3
Dell Service Tag HKR5M81

David Fourer
Chicago, IL

Revision history for this message
Savvas Radevic (medigeek) said : 		#3

Post the output of these commands:
sudo dmidecode
sudo lshw -C system

You can use http://paste.ubuntu.com/ to paste the text there if it's too big.

Revision history for this message
David Fourer (dfourer) said : 		#4

Savvas Radevic wrote:
> Your question #56041 on libsmbios in ubuntu changed:
> https://answers.edge.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/libsmbios/+question/56041
>
> Status: Open => Answered
>
> Savvas Radevic proposed the following answer:
> Post the output of these commands:
> sudo dmidecode
> sudo lshw -C system
>
> You can use http://paste.ubuntu.com/ to paste the text there if it's too
> big.
>
>
 I posted the output at paste.ubuntu.com under the name dfourer_dmidecode
The result went here: http://paste.ubuntu.com/99010/

Revision history for this message
Savvas Radevic (medigeek) said : 		#5

Hm.. I have no idea how to help you further, it's too.. Dell-dependant and I don't have a Dell computer. :)
Maybe someone else can help, point them to the link: http://paste.ubuntu.com/99010/
It ought to definitely give them a view of what they are looking for!

Revision history for this message
Best Savvas Radevic (medigeek) said : 		#6

OK, I've read this bug report: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+bug/274095

You have to run get system id as root:

$ sudo getSystemId
[sudo] password for forger:
Libsmbios: 2.0.3
Error getting the System ID:
Service Tag: To Be Filled By O.E.M.
Express Service Code: 1068
Product Name: MS-7235
BIOS Version: V3.8
Vendor: MICRO-STAR INTERNATIONAL CO.,LTD
Is Dell: 0

You should be able to go on from here :)

Revision history for this message
David Fourer (dfourer) said : 		#7

Thanks Savvas Radevic, that solved my question.