How to create a bootable USB drive for BIOS update/Microcode update (Error 1801)

[Foremoist]

Hello,

I found an old Compaq DC5800 with Intel Pentium E2180 CPU. I also had a Pentium E5400 so I thought I'd just change it for fun, I know it has no use but just wanted to see if it works.

The problem is that the Compaq immediately started to run the fans at maximum speed and gave me Error 1801 Microcode update needed.

But I just can't get a USB drive to be recognized by the BIOS. I guess I am doing something wrong. 

I always get "Removable media is bad or missing" whenever I click on Flash system ROM > USB

Could it have something to do with the fact that I'm also using a USB wireless mouse + keyboard combo? 

If not, what am I doing wrong? I tried 3 different USB drives, all working on the other PC

This is where I downloaded the BIOS files: https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/selfservice/hp-compaq-dc5800-small-form-factor-pc/3658082 

(Go to +BIOS > Microcode Update for HP 786F BIOS Family Computers with Intel Processors)

Thanks

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

See this discussion for how to update the microcode...the dc7800 uses the same microcode update as the dc5800.

Solved: How to fix "1801-Microcode Update Error" in HP tower desktop... - HP Support Community - 617...

You can only update the BIOS using the method you described.

[Foremoist]

Followed each step there, just changed to my update files but still get "Removable media is bad or missing".. I am using USB drives that are working to install Windows 10 so they are OK (And they are USB 2.0, not 3.0, so no compatibility issues)

[DGroves]

you need to make sure the usb key is 32GB or smaller 8GB or smaller is recommended

key needs to be formatted as a  bootable "FAT32" device (not NTFS) if using the key as a boot device for updating, and the files WITHIN THE DOS FOLDER need to be copied onto the root of the usb key in other words copy the files within the dos folder onto the usb key and then run the "FlashBin" updater program from the usb key

some usb keys might have issues, so you might want to try a different key

the latest dc5800 bios v1.60 INCLUDES the latest microcode, and should be installed

you want sp73863 

DO NOT RUN THE WINDOWS BIOS UPDATER UNDER WINDOWS 10 it was written for XP/Win 7 and may brick your computer if run under later OS's

[Foremoist]

Thank you. I installed the BIOS bin file instead of the "microcode update" bin file (It wasn't recognized by the BIOS) and it worked. It was not the USB stick problem.

I ran it via the BIOS so OS didn't matter.

Thank you! It's working now

By the way, do I need to update "microcode" every time I change CPU now? I never heard of micro code before

[DGroves]

reading the included doc files included with the v1.6 bios update will tell you that it includes ALL the microcode updates which have been previously released so no, you will not have to rerun the microcode update, as hp has not and will not be doing any further updates since both intel and HP have "EOL"ed (End Of Life)  the cpu line and the dc5800