Z8 Fury G5 Corrupt BIOS

[Roberden]

While making and updating some changes to the BIOS last evening there was a power glitch (while the BIOS was being updated). Now the workstation will not boot, it just cycles power every 10-15 seconds or so (no video or other indication).

I have tried a BIOS recovery using an USB drive (created from BIOS service pack) and pressing the ON button twice (within a couple seconds) to initiate a crisis recovery, but it does not work. Unless there is another secret way to do a BIOS crisis recovery (no motherboard jumpers that I can see in this newer line), the motherboard may be bricked. Any ideas? TIA.

[DGroves · Accepted solution]

try a full power reset:

remove power cable, press pwr button for 15sec (or till beeping/pwr light out)

remove side cover and locate cmos reset button and press for 10 sec

reconnect power and try power on

Please read the HP Service Manual for the Z8 G5 for most information on system help

https://kaas.hpcloud.hp.com/pdf-public/pdf_7758355_en-US-1.pdf

HP quickspecs:

https://h20195.www2.hp.com/v2/GetDocument.aspx?docname=c08481321

I believe your system supports "Sure Start"

https://support.hp.com/za-en/document/ish_3966820-3438449-16

depending on how badly the bios was/is corrupted a MB replacement may be the only option

you might still be in warranty (check)

https://support.hp.com/us-en/check-warranty

last, consider that a  100 dollar battery backup module could have prevented this power related problem

https://www.amazon.com/APC-Battery-Protector-Back-UPS-BE650G1/dp/B005GZRUZW/ref=zg_bs_g_764572_d_scc...

[Roberden]

Thank you. You are a consummate helper in this community. All you points are well taken. I have talked with HP Workstation Support and it is all being taken care of as I write.

In the old Z-Series (800,820, 840) workstations you had a crisis recovery jumper that executed separate from the main BIOS to allow re-flashing. Not so in the Z8s, likely all in the name of security.

Thank you for the quick reply.

[BurakTolga]

Hello, can I ask you a question?