HP dc7900 CMT cannot update BIOS

[VMB2]

I have recently acquired a quad core dc7900 CMT and I have been trying to update the BIOS from v1.08 to v1.27 without success. The v1.08 BIOS it currently has features a built in firmware upgrade option. This routine has no trouble finding the binary update file on my flash drive but shows 104% complete when upgrading. I waited for confirmation that the upgrade had completed but none came. I went for lunch and on my return I rebooted the computer to find it still on v1.08 . I suppose I can be grateful it wasn't bricked!

I installed FreeDOS 1.2 on the hard drive temporarily and copied the the service pack containing the v1.27 upgrade to drive C:. Using FLASHBIN.EXE the upgrade gets to 255% then restarts over to get to 255% again and continues over and over until power-cycled. Fortunately, the BIOS is still intact but it is still at v1.08 .

I also tried the above using the v1.23 update and booting from the CD.ISO that came inside that service pack but still no luck with exactly the same 104%, 255% results.

I wondered if there was some undocumented feature such as requiring a jumper on some motherboard pins or something that would enable a successful BIOS upgrade.

I have also tried with and without the Intel ME enabled and AMT configured to allow local changes but still no luck.

I found that someone else had experienced exactly the same problem as me, sadly with no resolution found.

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Desktop-Hardware-and-Upgrade-Questions/HP-Compaq-dc7900-SFF-cannot-upd... 

I hope that someone knows of a proven solution for this problem.

[VMB2]

 It appears that someone else had the same idea about an undocumented feature...

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Desktop-Hardware-and-Upgrade-Questions/DC7900-what-can-prevent-bios-to... 

It's a pity that there is no further information.

[Echo_Lake]

@VMB2

Thank you for posting on HP Support Community.

Don't worry as I'll be glad to help, I have a few troubleshooting steps we could try to fix the issue:  

1. Turn off the computer, and then connect the power cord.

2. Press and hold the Windows key and the B key at the same time, and then press and hold the Power button for 2 to 3 seconds.

   

3. Release the Power button but continue pressing the Windows and B keys. You might hear a series of beeps.

   • If the HP BIOS Update screen does not display, repeat the previous steps but press the Windows key and the V key. If the screen still does not display, your computer might not support the feature or there is a hard drive issue. Continue to the next section to Recover the BIOS using a USB recovery drive.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance.
Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.

[VMB2]

I tried this process on my Mini Tower system, first with window key+B and secondly with window key+V but all I get is a 301 Keyboard error after the 8192MB memory check result. The system has initialized the PXE boot agent and is waiting for me to press F1.

Pressing F1 boots from hard drive.

I will try the USB recovery again when I find another flash drive.

[VMB2]

I had a back channel response from someone I contacted that had reported a similar problem who said that it was a security issue that affected updating the BIOS. The person could not remember the specifics, but said once that was fixed the BIOS could be updated.

I would like to try to update the intel Management Agent firmware on this machine. Sadly, I recently changed the management agent password during this problem and cannot remember what I changed it to. Is there a way to reset the password to the default 'admin' or can it be erased altogether?

[Echo_Lake]

@VMB2

Thank you for posting back.

I appreciate your efforts to try and resolve the issue. I would suggest performing system factory reset will put the computer back to the original factory settings in this way all corrupted and outdated software will be removed. 

While doing the recovery there is an option to backup your personal files. If you have not previously done one now is a good time. 

Restoring Files that were Backed Up Using HP Recovery Manager (Windows )You can also contact HP support for assistance. They can remotely access your system to help alleviate difficulties: www.hp.com/contacthp/

The HP Cloud Recovery Tool allows you to download recovery software to a USB drive. You can use the downloaded recovery image file in order to install the Windows operating system. 

• Click here: https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c04758961#AbT3to perform System Recovery (Windows 10) 
• Click here: https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c06162205 to Use the HP Cloud Recovery Tool (Windows 10)

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance.
Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.