Windows 10 on HP Compaq dc7900 SFF

[pcpunk]

That's all, no booting from the Flash Drive right?  I looked long and hard and could not find the directions, but should be simple enough if I understand correctly.  I've known about doing it from the BIOS for a long time but never attempted it.  I will simply do as you said, thanks!

[pcpunk]

I finally found the directions but don't quite understand them?

"The HP Business Desktop systems provide a BIOS upgrade option through both the Startup Menu and the F10 Setup utility using the "Flash System ROM" feature. Reboot the PC and press the Escape key to display the Startup Menu. Use the arrow keys to select Utilities, and then select the Flash System ROM option. Alternatively, reboot the PC and press F10 to access the BIOS Setup utility. In the File menu, select Flash System ROM. Either method requires that removable media be present (USB storage or data CD) that contains the BIOS binary image file in the root directory. The binary image file can be found in the DOS Flash folder and is named xxx_MMmm.bin where "xxx" is the BIOS family, "MM" is the major version number, and "mm" is the minor version number. To create a CD for updating the BIOS, use a blank CD-R or CD-RW disk on a system with a CD-RW or DVD+RW drive, and write the binary to the disk using any CD-burning software (Windows 7 and Vista support burning data CDs without additional software). If a BIOS Setup password has been set, the password will be required before being able to access the "Flash System ROM" menu. The user is notified when the process is completed. The new BIOS code will not take effect until the PC is restarted."

They keep saying "binary" but I don't know what that means?  How could ONLY that binary image file update the bios on it's own?  Which file or files exacty do I need to copy over?  

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Here's the easy peasy directions...

Get a USB flash drive. 

Format it with the FAT 32 file system.

Download and run the BIOS update file.

An information page will open.

Go to the F10 BIOS setup flash section.

At the bottom of that section, click on the blue View Contents of DOS Flash Folder link.

The window will open and show you the DOS flash folder.

Copy all of the files in that folder to your USB flash drive.  Just the files, not the folder.

Restart the PC, Tap the F10 key at the beginning of the HP welcome screen to get access to the BIOS.

Select the File tab>Flash System ROM command.

Select the USB Flash drive.

The PC should now 'see' the files on the flash drive.

Follow the on screen instructions to update the BIOS.

Easy as pie.

[pcpunk]

That's what I was thinking but it is not apparent.  They assume that you know what you are doing when looking at those instructions, and I don't Haha.  All is under way and looks to be done and rebooting now.

It was fun learning that Paul, and I have a cheap SSD on the way, we'll see what happens.

Good night

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Have a great weekend!

[pcpunk]

All done and working quite well for the OEM parts.  I put Windows 10 1903 on it.  Graphics are a little weird at times, but only on login so far.  Seems to multitask well enough for now.  Tempted to pump it up a little with an SSD but wanted to see how it would fair like this.  If I can find another CPU a little better I will.  I have a quad core that I think will work but the clock is lower.  Still thinking about the AMD Graphics Card you posted, that's real cheap!

CPU
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 @ 3.00GHz 35 °C
Wolfdale 45nm Technology
RAM
6.00GB Dual-Channel DDR2 @ 398MHz (6-6-6-18)
Motherboard
Hewlett-Packard 3031h (XU1 PROCESSOR)
Graphics
DELL U2412M (1920x1200@59Hz)
Intel Q45/Q43 Express Chipset (HP)
Intel Q45/Q43 Express Chipset (HP)
Storage
74GB Seagate ST380815AS ATA Device (SATA) 43 °C

[Paul_Tikkanen]

That is great news.

Yes, the cheap Radeon HD graphics should get rid of any wrinkles in the graphics performance and since it draws such low wattage, it won't be a problem with the P/S.

I wouldn't bother upgrading the processor, before I bought a SSD.

I have 4 of these in two of my HP desktop and notebook PC.  It is not the best performing one out there but if you don't want to toss a lot of money into the box, this is the one for you...

The SSD will need a 3.5" to 2.5" adapter.

I used this one in my CMT form factors because it seemed to give me the most options for mounting it in the bay.

Rosewill RDRD-11004 2.5" SSD / HDD Mounting Kit for 3.5" Drive Bay             Found on Newegg.com.

I had to Dremel off the thin bar that goes across the adapter so I could easily connect the data and power cables.

Even though the drive controller is only sata II, the sata III SSD will still run circles around the mechanical hard drive in there now.

[pcpunk]

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@Paul_Tikkanen wrote:

I wouldn't bother upgrading the processor, before I bought a SSD.

True, good advice.  Though the current CPU is fine I would like to test out a 8600 at some point.

I have 4 of these in two of my HP desktop and notebook PC.  It is not the best performing one out there but if you don't want to toss a lot of money into the box, this is the one for you...

I have a few Sandisk myself Paul, one 120GB Plus and the 240GB Ultra.

The SSD will need a 3.5" to 2.5" adapter.

What about just zip tying into the bay somewhere?  I'm not the type to do this either, but there is no danger in it is there?

I used this one in my CMT form factors because it seemed to give me the most options for mounting it in the bay.

I tried the Corsair as it is a beautiful piece of metal with slots instead of holes, which is quite nice, but the SSD Mounting holes did not line up properly and need modifying, and I don't have time or the tools to do so, I need a Dremel also!!!  So now using the Sabrent, it has mounting holes on the side and top, which allows many mount points, and adjustments forward and aft.  I will look at the Rosewill also.

Even though the drive controller is only sata II, the sata III SSD will still run circles around the mechanical hard drive in there now.

Very true!

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Answers in Bold in your Quote.  I'll need to experiment with quoting a little more here.  I've tried it a few ways and this seemed easiest today.

[pcpunk]

Installed a SSD and now the thing won't boot to Install Media.  Everything was okay until the SSD install.  The SSD is showing in the menu I will post here.  Not familiar with this menu, but did see it before when I put more RAM in.  I tried F1-Enter-ESC-F9-F10 Left and Right Arrow Keys, nothing would work.  I then booted without the Install Media and the same thing happens, can't get to F9 Boot Order or F10 Setup, or ESC.  I didn't put the Graphics Card in yet as I didn't want to make things more confusing.  I hate computers tonight!😬  P.S. I wish they would get rid of that stupid "Ask the Community" Banner at the bottom of the page😠

EDIT:  I got it guys, thanks anyhow!  I wasn't hitting the F-Key soon enough.  It needed to be done before the Splash Screen.

[pcpunk]

Paul, I suggest the Corsair Dual SSD Mounting Bracket 3.5" CSSD-BRKT2

Because of the slotted mount points you can move the drive forward enough to allow easy cable connection.  As you can see in this photo the drive sits forward and hangs over the edge of the adapter.  So if you have space this is a nice feature.