Critical Support Feedback: Intel ME Firmware Update Process for HP Z4 G4 Core-X Workstation (Norwegi

[Arvaker]

Actually wanted to send this to support, couldnt fint email so hopefully someone will take action from writing it here.

To: HP Support / Technical Escalation
From: Mario Borgli
Product: HP Z4 G4 Workstation (Core-X, i9-10900X)
OS: Windows 11 Pro 24H2 (Build 22631)
System Locale: Norway / Norwegian HP Support Website

I am writing to escalate a serious concern regarding the Intel Management Engine (ME) firmware update process on the HP Z4 G4 Core-X Workstation, specifically for systems running Intel Core i9-10900X on Windows 11 24H2.

The purpose of this message is twofold:

1. To document the extensive troubleshooting process I had to undertake.

2. To recommend actionable improvements to how ME firmware updates are documented, distributed, and supported—especially for professional workstations.

After upgrading to Windows 11 24H2, the Intel Management and Security Status (IMSS) application failed to detect the Intel Management Engine Interface (IMEI). Despite having the latest BIOS (02.95 Rev.A, Nov 2024), the ME remained inaccessible from Windows.

There were no clear error messages, no firmware listed under drivers on the official HP support page, and no dedicated ME firmware update utility for Core-X systems easily available.

Troubleshooting Summary:

• Confirmed BIOS version: HP P62 v02.95 (2024-11-21)

• Verified Intel ME enabled in BIOS: Advanced > Remote Management > Enabled

• Installed all latest drivers, including:

  • Intel Chipset

  • Intel ME Driver (sp160118.exe)

  • Wireless LAN, Bluetooth, and others

• IMEI still missing from Device Manager and PowerShell/WMI

• Eventually located firmware manually in HP FTP archive: sp138394.exe (Feb 2022)

• Ran MeInstaller.exe to update ME firmware from 11.12.77.1664 to 11.12.92.2222

• After reboot, IMEI appeared and IMSS functioned correctly

Issues Identified:

• The correct ME firmware (sp138394.exe) is not listed on the HP Z4 G4 Core-X support page

• Available only via HP FTP archive, with no link or mention on the support portal

• No detection or assistance from HP Support Assistant or Image Assistant

• No clear documentation distinguishing Core-X from Xeon firmware

• Troubleshooting information is buried in package-level text files

Impact:

This issue required several hours of manual research and testing, despite having the correct BIOS, official drivers, and HP tools installed. For a professional workstation, this level of friction is not acceptable.

Recommended Actions:

• Add sp138394.exe (or successor) to the Z4 G4 Core-X support page

• Clearly separate firmware update sections by CPU type (Xeon vs Core-X)

• Enable ME firmware detection and flagging in HP Support Assistant and Image Assistant

• Publish an official troubleshooting guide with steps and download links

Conclusion:

This email is not simply a complaint—it’s a call to improve the support experience for technical users who rely on HP systems. I respectfully request that this case be reviewed by the appropriate product and support teams.

I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your response.

From,
Mario Borgli
HP Z4 G4 Workstation – Core-X
Intel Core i9-10900X
Windows 11 24H2

[DGroves]

Huh????

the latest HP ME firmware update is posted on the HP website under the  z4 G4 drivers page i just checked as i post this reply

I selected windows-11  release 24H2 and the update is listed as "Intel Management Engine (11.12) Firmware Update and Utilities"  and the version is 11.12.97.2614 Rev.A and can be downloaded as sp156398.exe if you click on the "see full details" link by clicking on the "+" link (s) to expand the file description it will open this page:

https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/swdetails/hp-z4-g4-workstation/16449890/swItemId/vc-342574-1

and on this web page are links to all SP related DOCUMENTATION .... including How to install so the docs are posted online and included with the SP file

you also need to install the latest  Intel Management Engine Driver software posted on the z4 G4 driver page sp160118

again click the "see full details" link

https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/swdetails/hp-z4-g4-workstation/16449890/swItemId/vc-349419-1

the above two files work on both core and xeon based motherboards,  this is mentioned in the included documentation of each HP "SP" package

HP also plainly lists in plain English the two different motherboard bios files, and the service manual for the Z4 G4 also plainly describes the two different motherboards and includes high res photos of each systems motherboard so unless the HP driver page specifically states it's motherboard/CPU specific the posted drivers work on both motherboards

https://kaas.hpcloud.hp.com/pdf-public/pdf_6775743_en-US-1.pdf

installing the wrong ME firmware can have subtle issues with system stability

while documentation can always be made better or clearer, i believe in your case the main issue is that you did not know how to navigate the HP website to access the files/documentation you wanted

keep in mind that this forum has many many thousands of visitors and there is no one size fits all webpage as such if you can't locate something asking in the forum(s) can usually get a reply helping you along