Updated December 2009

Table of Contents:

Introduction ...........................................................................................1

What are the files and directories in a BIOS softpaq? .......................................2

In what operating systems can I update the PC BIOS?.......................................4

Will I lose my setup configurations when updating the BIOS? ...........................4

How do I update my PC BIOS in Windows 7, Vista, or Windows XP?................4

How do I update the BIOS in a DOS environment? ...........................................5

How do I update the BIOS when not running Windows 7, Vista, Windows XP,

or DOS? .........................................................................................................6

What are the steps necessary to execute the HPQFlash utility? ..........................9

What are the steps necessary to execute the HPQPwsd utility?........................12

What are the steps necessary to create a bootable floppy for BIOS update?....12

What are the steps necessary to create a bootable CD for BIOS update? .........13

What are the steps necessary to create the BIOS image CD for F10 ROM flash

and recovery?...............................................................................................13

What are the steps necessary to create a bootable USB flash media (DOK) for

BIOS update?................................................................................................14

What are the steps necessary to use SSM for BIOS update? ............................15

What are the steps necessary to use Altiris for BIOS update? ..........................15

What if the PC does not complete the BIOS flash process? ..............................18

What is a processor microcode update softpaq and how is it used? ................18

How can a processor microcode update be executed in Windows? .................19

What does the BIOS binary image naming convention indicate? .....................19

Can the BIOS POST splash screen be modified?..............................................19

How do I update the ME firmware in Windows 7, Vista, or Windows XP?.......20

How do I update the ME firmware in a DOS environment? .............................21

What are the steps necessary to use Altiris for ME firmware update? ..............21

What if the ME firmware does not complete the update process? ....................23

Can the ME firmware be restored to a previous version after updating? ..........23

Summary......................................................................................................23

Appendix A – Modifying a DOS boot diskette for Flashbin.exe................24

For More Information ...........................................................................25

Introduction

This whitepaper outlines Hewlett-Packard Business PC dc class BIOS flashing

options beginning with the 2005 products (e.g. dc7600). The BIOS (Basic Input

Output System) is the set of routines typically stored in read-only memory that

Compaq 8100 BIOS Flash Q&A White Paper

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