Problem with BIOS Update – HP Pro 3300 MT

[Lajk]

Hello,

I’m having trouble updating the BIOS on my HP Pro 3300 MT.
I downloaded the latest BIOS update (version 7.16) (.exe file) from the official HP website. When I run the file on Windows 10 (in compatibility mode for Windows 7), the installation freezes on the “BIOS update” screen and nothing further happens.

I even tried running the update directly in Windows 7, but the result was the same — the installer stopped at the same screen and did not proceed.

I’m trying to update the BIOS because I’m planning to upgrade the processor to an Intel Core i5-3570S and install 2× 8GB DDR3 RAM modules. I currently have version 7.11 of the BIOS installed, which likely doesn’t support this hardware.

The motherboard in my PC is a Foxconn 2ABF.

I would really like to update the BIOS, but I’m not sure how to proceed.
Could you please advise me on how to resolve this issue, or let me know if there’s an alternative method to update the BIOS?

Thank you in advance for your help.
Best regards,
Lajk

---

[DGroves]

never ever run a bios update from within windows using compatibility mode!!!! you are playing with fire and risk corrupting the bios and bricking the motherboard

use winzip/winrar on the HP SPxxxx file and extract it, go into the extracted folder and locate the DOS folder within this file will be the bios file in it's raw xxxx.rom format and a batch file called "FLASH"

now  from windows open a admin command prompt (not a power shell prompt) and run flash bat file

FYI the bat file simply runs   SAFUWIN PO2_806.ROM /p /b /n /r

or use a patched AFUDOS from a Pure DOS environment to flash with these commands

note that for a dos based flash  32 or 64bit does not matter

AFUDOS PO2_806.ROM /p /b /n /r

the proper Bios is 8.06 (Win 7 x64)  sp60638.exe   below is the link to the file

https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/swdetails/hp-pro-3300-microtower-pc/5099458/swItemId/vc-114999-...

[Lajk]

I know that updating the BIOS using compatibility mode on Windows 10 is not exactly the smartest idea, but I got the PC (HP 3300) for 600 CZK (€24.18), so I don’t really mind what happens to it. It’s my test/experimental/low-budget server PC.

I would also like to add that BIOS version 8.06 is 8MB, but my PC has a 4MB BIOS chip. Trying to flash an 8MB BIOS to a 4MB chip would cause a brick.

I’m also having an issue with AFUDOS, specifically with the BIOS being locked (more details in the photo).

[DGroves]

hp is not in the habit of releasing bios updates that are incompatible with systems

and also due to the time lapse involved from this bios's release to now

has not resulted in any know issues I'm going to side with HP

and respectfully say that i believe that you are wrong regarding on the bios being incompatible with your system

[Lajk · Accepted solution]

Hi,

After all the hassle and attempts to update the BIOS, I finally solved the issue — by buying a non-HP motherboard instead.

Thanks for the "support".

Best regards,
Lajk