• ×
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
  • ×
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
Guidelines
Are you having HotKey issues? Click here for tips and tricks.
HP Recommended
HP Z440 Workstation
Microsoft Windows 10 (64-bit)

Just performed a Bios update in Windows now all it does is the red light flashes and the computer beeps 8 times then stops for 2 seconds then does this a couple more times then just flashes 8 times with a 2 second space after a while the CPU fan goes mad.

 

1 REPLY 1
HP Recommended

@ExpertReward,

 

Welcome to our HP User Community!

 

If your HP Z440 Workstation is beeping 8 times after a BIOS update, it typically indicates a corrupt BIOS / invalid ROM image. Unfortunately, looking at related messages in this Community, it may require having to replace your motherboard. This wouldn't break the bank/Credit Union, as a replacement motherboard for your HP Z440 Workstation would cost you as little as 60 quid via eBay-Great Britain: HP Z440 Workstation motherboard for sale | eBay.

 

But let's not jinx it/get ahead of ourselves in this situation and keep our hopes up and try some troubleshooting.  

 

Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially resolve this issue:

 

  1. Check the Graphics Card: Ensure that the graphics card is properly seated in its slot and that any power connectors to the graphics card are securely connected. Sometimes, a loose or improperly connected graphics card can cause beep codes.

  2. Reseat RAM: Try reseating the RAM modules. Make sure they are securely and properly installed in their slots.

  3. Check for Loose Cables: Ensure that all cables, including those connecting the monitor to the computer, are securely connected.

  4. Inspect for Damage: Look for physical damage on the motherboard, graphics card, or any other components. Damaged hardware can cause beep codes.

  5. Clear CMOS: Clearing the CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) can sometimes resolve BIOS-related issues.*

  6. BIOS Recovery: If possible, try to recover the BIOS to the previous version if the issue started after a BIOS update. This process may vary depending on your motherboard or workstation model.**

  7. Test with Minimal Hardware: Disconnect any unnecessary peripherals and expansion cards. Try booting with the bare minimum hardware to see if the problem persists. This can help identify if a specific component is causing the issue.

* Clearing CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) on an HP Z440 Workstation typically involves the following steps:

[Warning]: Clearing the CMOS will reset the BIOS settings to their default values. Ensure that you have backups or notes of any custom BIOS settings before proceeding.

 

  1. Turn Off the Workstation:

    • Shut down the HP Z440 Workstation and disconnect it from the power source.
  2. Open the Workstation Case:

    • Depending on your workstation's configuration, you may need to remove the side panel or access panel to access the motherboard. Consult the user manual for guidance on opening the case.
  3. Locate the CMOS Battery:

    • The CMOS battery on the HP Z440 Workstation is typically a coin-cell battery located on the motherboard. It looks like a small, round silver or gold battery.
  4. Remove the CMOS Battery:

    • Carefully use your fingers or a non-conductive tool to gently pry the CMOS battery from its socket. Be sure not to damage the battery or the socket during this process.
  5. Wait for a Few Minutes:

    • With the CMOS battery removed, wait for a few minutes to ensure that the CMOS settings are cleared. This allows any residual charge to dissipate.
  6. Reinstall the CMOS Battery:

    • After waiting for a sufficient time, carefully reinsert the CMOS battery into its socket. Make sure it is properly seated.
  7. Close the Workstation Case:

    • Put the side panel or access panel back in place and secure it.
  8. Connect Power and Boot Up:

    • Reconnect the workstation to the power source and turn it on.
  9. Access the BIOS Setup:

    • During startup, press the appropriate key (often F10, F2, or Esc) to access the BIOS setup utility. The key may vary depending on your specific BIOS version and configuration. Consult your workstation's documentation or look for on-screen prompts during boot to determine the correct key.
  10. Restore BIOS Settings:

    • In the BIOS setup utility, you may need to reconfigure any custom BIOS settings that were previously configured. Refer to your notes or backups of the settings.
  11. Save Changes and Exit:

    • After making any necessary changes to the BIOS settings, save the changes and exit the BIOS setup utility. This typically involves selecting an option like "Save and Exit."

 

Clearing the CMOS should reset the BIOS settings to their defaults, which can help resolve certain hardware or configuration issues. If you were experiencing problems with your BIOS settings, this process should bring them back to their initial state.

Always refer to your workstation's user manual for specific instructions and details on clearing the CMOS, as the procedure may vary slightly depending on the model and manufacturer.

 

** Performing BIOS Recovery on an HP Z440 Workstation involves a series of steps that may vary slightly depending on your workstation's specific hardware and BIOS version. Here are the general steps you can follow:

 

  1. Access the HP Support Website:

  2. Locate Your Workstation Model:

    • Enter your workstation's model number or serial number in the search bar to find support resources specific to your model.
  3. Download the BIOS Recovery File:

    • Look for BIOS updates and recovery files for your specific workstation model. These files are often available in the "Drivers" or "Firmware" section of the support page. Download the BIOS recovery file that matches your workstation's current or previous BIOS version.
  4. Prepare a USB Flash Drive:

    • Format a USB flash drive as FAT32 and ensure it's empty. Make sure the flash drive's capacity is sufficient to hold the BIOS recovery file.
  5. Copy the BIOS Recovery File to the Flash Drive:

    • Once downloaded, copy the BIOS recovery file to the root directory of the USB flash drive. Ensure that the file has the correct name and extension, as specified in the HP documentation for your workstation.
  6. Power Off the Workstation:

    • Shut down the workstation completely.
  7. Prepare for Recovery:

    • Depending on your workstation model, there may be different methods for initiating BIOS recovery. Common methods include holding specific keys or buttons while powering on the workstation or using jumper settings on the motherboard. Consult your workstation's manual or HP support resources for the precise method.
  8. Perform the Recovery:

    • Follow the specific instructions for initiating the BIOS recovery process. This process may involve inserting the USB flash drive and pressing the required key combination or button.
  9. Wait for the Recovery Process:

    • Allow the BIOS recovery process to run. It may take several minutes, and your workstation may automatically reboot during this process.
  10. Verify Successful Recovery:

    • After the recovery process is complete, check to see if the BIOS has been successfully restored to the previous version. You can usually verify this by accessing the BIOS setup utility during startup and checking the BIOS version.
  11. Remove the USB Flash Drive:

    • If the recovery is successful, remove the USB flash drive from the workstation.
  12. Configure BIOS Settings:

    • After a successful recovery, you may need to reconfigure any custom BIOS settings that were previously configured.

 

[Disclaimer:] Please note that the specific steps and key combinations may vary based on your workstation's hardware and BIOS version. Always refer to the official HP documentation (such as: HP Z440, Z640, and Z840 Workstation Series Maintenance and Service Guide) and support resources for your specific workstation model for accurate and detailed instructions on performing a BIOS recovery.

 

Hope this was helpful.

 

Kind Regards,

 

NonSequitur777


† The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of HP. By using this site, you accept the <a href="https://www8.hp.com/us/en/terms-of-use.html" class="udrlinesmall">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="/t5/custom/page/page-id/hp.rulespage" class="udrlinesmall"> Rules of Participation</a>.