You would need to "force-flash" the BIOS ... I don't know what the switch is, but you might try the switch /forcetype.  If that doesn't work, you might try searching the forums for the correct command. I don't know if all "OEM" BIOS' are the same or compatible, but here is the 2.7.0 BIOS version for OEM systems: ftp.dell.com/.../OEMR-1950-BIOS-020700.exe
Hi guys, I'm trying to update the BIOS on a PE1950 that has no DELL Logo shown during POST. Attached to it is a MD1000 StoragePod. Current BIOS of the PE1950 is v1.3.7 which is super outdated. I tried v2.7.0, v2.51, reflash with v1.3.7, downgrade to v2.0.1 but they all fail with the same error message (something like "This PowerEdge 1950 BIOS is not compatible with the " -  " system). I can post a screenshot if necessary. Now in order to understand what is going on, I'll have to add that this used to be our DiscoveryEducation.com streaming box (see Note1) years ago. The service contract ran out and we are using this 15 slot beast as a backup box in our network ecosystem. I just recently got around to start 'firminating' this box which is when I stumbled over the problem of not being able to update the BIOS. All other FW updates worked normal. I was able to apply BMC v2.50 and the latest PERC5/E and PERC5/i FW. The applicable MD1000 FW also applied without hickups. The system does not have a DRAC. Now is there a way to rebrand this box to be a 'normal' DELL PE1950 in order to get the BIOS updated... and if yes, which tools do I need to use? Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks. ====== Note1: DiscoveryEducation apparently is/was distributing this box as the "DiscoveryEducation MediaServer" ( [URL] ) and they use a 'debranded'/OEM PE1950 from the DELL OEM program ( [URL] ).
How to UnDebrand a PE1950 from DiscoveryEducation.com