Latest BIOS Update bricked my OMEN Desktop

[RokkyBlueZ]

Hi,

Yesterday, I updated my HP OMEN 25L (8876 board) with the latest BIOS, which is supposed to fix the "Secure Boot disabled" issue on Windows 11. After the update, I cleared the CMOS as instructed by the update executable.

On reboot, the PC displayed a red error message about invalid Secure Boot signatures and didn’t detect any installed OS.

So, I used my recovery USB drive with the HP factory image to successfully reinstall the system. However, after rebooting, the computer now shows a black screen with no signs of life at all — no POST, no activity.

I tried clearing the CMOS again and even attempted to reflash the BIOS using the BBR jumper, but nothing worked.

Anyone with this issue?

Thank you!

[BeemerBiker]

Make sure you put the jumper back correctly.  you may want to read this post which is similar to your problem.

If you can get into the bios setup, be sure to press F9 or whatever key restores the bios default settings.

AFAICT, if the bios has secure boot enabled then no matter that windows tells you otherwize, your system is protected.

It is always dangerous to upgrade bios. Unless there is a real need and the HP support assistant requests the upgrade, I would not do it. Look at the BIOS revision history and see if an upgrade is useful. Updates that improve security are needed in a corporate environment but for gaming system they will likely slow down your system.
I personally would not upgrade any gaming BIOS that was only security related unless the PC was used in a corporate, industrial or military organization.

[RokkyBlueZ]

Thank you for the quick reply. Unfortunately, I had already followed this step on Reddit, but it didn't work… unfortunately, I had to enable Secure Boot because some games wouldn't work without it enabled. I hope HP releases a proper BIOS update… and I hope I'm not the only one experiencing this issue.

Thank you again!

[BeemerBiker · Accepted solution]

The bios you used is here.

the previous one (f21) is here

I assume you tried the win + b key recovery as described here.: HP support video for bios recovery

Click here to see how to recover your BIOS.
Do 1, 2, and the first part of 3.
For the second part of 3 you will need a USB flash drive and possibly an
older BIOS if the recent BIOS caused the problem. Make sure the USB flash had LED lights.

Try the new one or the older one I listed.

To install from USB.
When you power up your system the LEDs on the flash drive should flash once at the instant power is applied. They will then flash about three to five seconds later (hopefully). When they flash a second time that means the files are being read from the flash drive. If you never see it flash a second time then the boot loader is damaged and you cannot recover the bios unless you use a programming tool or replace the chip. You hold down the Windows key + B key when powering up with the USB flash inserted.

If all the above fails --- Bios boot is corrupted. You can replace the bios, replace the motherboard or possibly program the chip using a 341 programming tool.
 (this tutorial might be useful). 
An HP bios flash is discussed here

lClick here to check warranty
and
Click here for world-wide contact info
Or contact the closest authorized service center

Let me know what you find out.

[RokkyBlueZ]

Hi! Thanks for the help. Yes, I tried the procedure you described, but unfortunately it didn’t work… However, I did a BIOS dump of my motherboard using the CH341A programmer and extracted the Padding (FF000000h) for the DMI information.

I’ll try to purchase another motherboard, since after removing the BIOS chip, reprogramming it, and reinstalling it, the board no longer works… Once I get the new board, I’ll reprogram it with the DMI info and hopefully I’ll have a working motherboard again.