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3850 Varsity Dr.
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
1.734.971.1210
1.800.966.8649
e-mail us
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HP Laptop BIOS update failed, now BIOS is corrupt and system won't boot.
A client attempted to update the BIOS on his notebook computer but the operation failed leaving him with a system that would not boot up.
Here is the solution:
What You’ll Need
- USB Flash Drive formatted in FAT32
- 4GB and 16GB drives have been tested
- A/C Adapter (assuming laptop)
- Correct flash update Binary file from HP
On another computer with an active internet connection, navigate to the HP Support for Software & Driver Downloads. Type in the product number for the machine. Select the correct operating system. Go down to where it says BIOS and expand the selection.
Download the latest update available. If you were attempting to flash to the latest update, probably through the WInFlash utility, then this will update you while recovering the BIOS.
You’ll need to extract the .EXE file you’ve downloaded. If you have a Zipping program, such as WinZip or 7-Zip, you can accomplish this by locating the file, right clicking on the file, and “Extract to **filename**.exe\”. This example here will extract the contents of the container to a folder with the same name as the file. Navigate into that directory.
There will be several files with alphanumberic filenames with an .fd extension. You may more than one. If this is the case, open up the “platform.ini” file in Notepad. Scroll down to PlatformName= to find the appropriate name you’ll be using. Here you will rename the .fd file with the same name as the PlatformName, which is usually just leaving the first four characters intact, but also renaming the file extension to .fd to .BIN.
This will allow the BIOS recovery feature to find the proper BIN file on the flash drive. An example would be you have the file “3603F21.fd” and it matches the platform.ini. You would rename it to “3603.BIN” before copying it over to the flash drive. After this step, you may now copy the file to the flash drive.
Make sure your laptop is powered off. While it is off, remove the laptop battery and unplug the A/C adapter. You need the A/C adapter to trigger the BIOS recovery feature. Insert the battery back into the laptop and plug in the A/C adapter. Do not power the laptop on yet. Insert the USB flash drive into any USB port.
After that step, hold the Windows Key and the “B” key. Power on the laptop while holding these keys and keep holding these keys. Keep holding these keys. You should hear a lot of beeps going forward, this is expected. The process changes and you may notice the light on the flash drive lighting up as it is searched for the file. The beeping never stopped for me, but it did change from one beep per second to one beep per three seconds.
After a little over a minute of waiting while still holding the WinKey + B key, the laptop should shut down. After turning it back on, you will see the POST window, but it should immediately ask you if you want to load the CMOS defaults or go into the BIOS to configure everything. I recommend defaults, waiting for the operating system to load, then warm booting, then adjust the time and date after the reboot.
The BIOS version should report the same version you used to recover.
Fixing an Hp Laptop that won't power up
A client had a notebook computer that would not power up. According to tech support at HP, this is sometimes caused by a build-up of static electricity in the system. To discharge the static, just hold down the power button for a full minute. If that was the problem, this technique will fix it. It worked for this particular client. If this doesn't work, you can always call our help desk support team at +1.734.971.1210 who can fix your system whether it is in warranty or out of warranty.
Network Tips
Make sure that all PC’s have latest Windows security patches
Keep your anti-virus software updated
Keep your data on a reliable server; backup daily
Use a Grandfather-Father-Son rotation, take backup media offsite
Protect all equipment with a UPS
Use file system security on server, don’t give excessive access
Protect servers with physical security and lock console
Don’t connect to the Internet without a firewall, monitor firewall logs
Make sure that all accounts have strong passwords (not your cat’s name)
Don’t install free utilities that may contain spyware
Scan for spyware with spyware detection utility ( Spybot or Ad-aware are good )
Limit remote access to those who need
Computer Book Resources
- Computer Books
- UNIX Books
- MS Windows XP Books
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