HP Elitebook bios update problem with docking station (U71 Ver. 01.12.01 - 07/30/2024)

[MDAM-BWS]

Hi,

After the latest BIOS update (U71 Ver. 01.12.01 - 07/30/2024), we are experiencing issues with laptops not connecting to the docking station. The docking station does not light up.

We have tried updating everything we could think of. The only solution we have found is a hard reboot.

1. Disconnect the docking station.
2. Hold down the power button for 30 seconds until the computer shuts down, then hold the button down again for 30 seconds. After the 30 seconds, reconnect the docking station.

The computer will then show a black screen and make a lot of noise. After some time, it will come back, and everything works again. However, after about three days, the user experiences the issue again.

Has anyone experienced this issue and found a permanent solution, or does anyone know if HP is aware of this problem?

Device: HP EliteBook 860 16 inch G9 Notebook PC
Docking station: HP Thunderbolt Dock 120W G2
Connected with USB-C

[efidan]

After the BIOS update, all USB-A and USB-C ports have become inactive and are no longer functional. If your computer's battery runs out, it becomes nearly impossible to turn it back on, as the USB-C port is required to charge the battery.

[erickmatos29]

I have the same problem with the charger, how can i fix that? i need wait like 10 min with the battery in 0 for charge again or quit de battery and put again. help.

[MDAM-BWS]

But several users are experiencing that their ports become inactive and have to perform this hard reset several times a day.

Surely there must be a permanent solution.

[Erwin22]

I have the same issue on Elitebook 840 G9 after the update to BIOS 01.12.

I cannot say whether it is caused by the update of the BIOS or by the update of the USB-C controller firmware.

I tried downgrading the BIOS using the "HP Firmware and Recovery" tool, but it failed because the USB-C controller firmware can apparently only be upgraded not downgraded.

Interestingly currently (Oct 2, 2024) the HP driver download page does no longer offer the 01.12 firmware, but instead offers the older 01.11, indicating that this firmware may have common issues. 

[MDAM-BWS]

That makes a lot of sense as the cause of the problem. Let's hope that HP resolves the issue soon. Thank you very much for your response.

[TheBjorn]

Same exact issue here.
Laptop model: EliteBook 840 G9
BIOS Version: HP U71 Ver. 01.12.01, 30/07/2024

Sometimes when detached and reattached the docking station or the charger, or after a shutdown, the USB-C ports suddenly stop working or charging. As mentioned, the only workaround remains the hard-reset pressing the Power button for 30 seconds. Sometimes it fixes for a few days, sometimes only works for a few hours and I have to perform the hard reset multiple times a day.
As others mentioned, I noticed that the HP Support page removed that BIOS version, now only the 01.11.05 is downloadable. So clearly the 01.12 is problematic.
I tried the downgrade, and it downgrades many things, but it doesn't downgrade the USB-C Controller Firmware, that apparently, it can't be downgraded. But then, maybe Windows Updates, automatically download in the background the 01.12 version again, and it updates itself again.

Let's hope HP will fix this as soon as possibile, it's being very annoying and I'm terrified to run out of battery and not being able to charge the computer again.

[spyguitar]

As a workaround, we've found that our clients who are experiencing this can temporarily fix the charging by doing a power reset:

- Shut the computer down normally

- Press and hold the power button for 45-60 seconds

- Turn the computer back on normally

This _should_ at least temporarily allow your computer to charge until HP releases a fix

[Tomie2x]

I had to swap out the battery from fully charged device to overcome the flat battery scenario.

HP really need to resolve this issue!

[TheBjorn]

So, HP decided to change the motherboard. So a technician came to open my laptop, ensuring that the replacement motherboard has the old BIOS.

After the replacement the computer starts up normally, but then immediately after, Windows decides to update the system and reinstall the last BIOS again. So now the computer has a new motherboard but with the same exact BIOS version as before.

And I have to say, after almost a week, the problem seems solved 🤞. I don't know if it's because the new motherboard, or simply because the battery has been detached, but it seems fixed.

I also heard of people who disabled the hibernation feature and they fixed the problem. But I didn't tried it:

powercfg /hibernate off