How do I file a bug report on HP provided BIOS?

[BeemerBiker]

I just received a response from HP about the BIOS problem and they stated the following

Since the issue started right after updating to BIOS version F.39A on the HP TP01‑2096 (Product ID: 318G8AA#ABA) and a factory restore didn’t resolve the graphics problem, it’s possible that the BIOS update affected the integrated graphics initialization or driver compatibility

Please go here and download AMD's auto detect driver app and see if that fixes the problem.

Update either (or both) the Radeon graphics or the Ryzen chipset. 

In addition, I thought of two more things

1 - Is there a particular program that is failing?  For example, many applications use OPENCL on AMD products,  and that tools is being depreciated by Adobe and other vendors due to switching to CUDA and METAL ie: noi longer updaing OPENCL apps.  Possibly the graphics app has a problem due to OPENCL libraries no longer being supported.  This is just a guess but I have actually run into this with AMD graphics cards such as the Radeon VII, S9001 and Mi50

2 - possibly the bios updated failed.  In this case you can try a reinstall of the bios.  I assume you already tried the "windows key + B " so what remains is to put the bios firmware on a USB as described in the second part of part 3 here.

Make sure the USB has led lights.  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.

Download the bios sp16599..exe from here and run it on your HP system but select the option to create a USB flash. Boot the USB and press the function key (if asked) that selects the USB as the boot drive. You may need to go into the BIOS to force the USB to boot. 

When you have time try this and let me know what happens.  Use the message tool to send me a personal message or just post on this thread.  I was requested to report back what you find so HP is actually looking at the problem.

[Train45]

Interesting, I will try the AMD fix tomorrow. I had already tried addressing this with their Adrenalin software but the version you linked to is newer. 

I'd tried reflashing the BIOS previously with that service pack and a USB to no avail. I am willing to try once again though.

I will let you know.

[Train45]

I didn't see the message tool anywhere so I am just replying here.

1.  I ran the AMD auto-detect driver app and it did not solve the problem.   One symptom I had with this system, but was able to work around - Downloading the file and attempting to run it would generate an "extended systems attribute" failure and the file would not run. The application frequently crashed but I did successfully run it after repeated tries.   The system is unstable and this is one of the symptoms.

2.  I updated the BIOS and the system indicated a successful run.  This would be an update to what was already installed.   Again, no change in output. 

3.  I did a full system cloud restore, erasing everything on the machine.  No change in operations.

4.  I ran the HP Diagnostics which indicated the BIOS was installed and working correctly.  I ran the hardware diagnostics from the newly imaged system and all components reported passing.

5.  I did all the pending Windows updates which coincidentally included AMD drivers and BIOS updates based on the titles of the packages.  Again no change in operations.

There is no particular application that is failing, in fact the symptoms appear in Windows itself.  File Explorer, Start Menu and many intrinsic Windows dialogs all appear corrupted.  If I could post a screenshot here, I would.  Basically, the fonts for the menu choices go to roughly 36 point (or so) and overflow the available space.  The few applications I did check on just pass through what Windows provides them according to their support staff.  The symptoms are not consistent, sometimes the windows are correct and then will distort as used.  Sometimes minimizing the window and then restoring it, clear the error condition for a brief while.  But it always comes back in a random timeframe as far as I can tell.

I return to the BIOS update, HP only lists it as compatible up through Windows 24H2 and I am running 25H2.  I know there were some substantial changes made between those 2.  I still believe that may be the source of the conflict for the BIOs and is why I am hoping for a corrective fix.

Sorry for the long winded reply.  I really wish there was a way to reverse this BIOS upgrade, that would be the ultimate test and is the one thing I can't do.

[Train45]

I missed one thing - I ran the AMD auto-detect tool on the system both prior to the cloud restore and again on the cleanly restored image.  It didn't make a difference either time.

[BeemerBiker]

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@Train45 wrote:

Downloading the file and attempting to run it would generate an "extended systems attribute" failure and the file would not run. The application frequently crashed but I

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That error indicates file corruption.  I am guessing there is a hardware problem since this is after a clean install of windows (no virus) and you indicated the system is unstable.  Try memtest86, it is better than the windows 11 memory test or HP's memory diagnostics.  

It may be possible to flash an older bios. You would have to invest in a USB tool (it is cheap) but the process is complicated.  Example here.  Let me know if you want more information about this.

Please let me know if any of this is helpful

[Train45]

"That error indicates file corruption.  I am guessing there is a hardware problem since this is after a clean install of windows (no virus) and you indicated the system is unstable.  Try memtest86, it is better than the windows 11 memory test or HP's memory diagnostics.  "

Not necessarily a hardware problem, the BIOS update description specifically states it made changes to the underlying security configuration, making it irreversible.  One of the symptoms was web instability.  The workaround was to simply download it on an alternate system and transfer it over via local network connectivity before running it on the system.

I did run memtest86, at least the free version.  I did a 4 pass run of the complete suite.  There were absolutely no hardware issues reported or logged.  I'd like to see what other information you have on the BIOS update procedures but the process does look cumbersome. 

Does there come a point when HP believes me when I keep pointing to their BIOS update as the issue?  I'm starting to feel like they need to put me on the payroll!  If a corrected update, or even a properly versioned rollback could be issued, it certainly would make this much easier.