How to upgrade (old) BIOS from non-Windows

[burtp]

Hardware: HP Envy Desktop 75-114

Board: IPM17-00

BIOS: VA0.12 (from 2015)

I have Linux (Debian Bookworm) on the HDD, as the machine is ineligible for Windows 11, and I got tired of the Win 10 updates failing to install.It is a low value machine, but perfectly zippy running Linux, once you exit through the HP diagnostics and continue the boot.

During boot, following initial POST, the machine flags an error and throws me to the blue HP 'Hard Disk Error' screen to 'F2' for 'System Diagnostics'. None fail. Saw this behavior initially with Windows 10 installed, but see the same with dual boot, only Linux, and with no HDD attached at all. Have tried with new HDDs, same result, and the error pops very early. Thinking the ancient BiOS may need replacing, and hoping its not disk controller hardware.

There is no BIOS or firmware upgrade option in the low-level 'Hewlett-Packard Setup Utility', so prefer a USB approach, if possible.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @burtp,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

We understand you're experiencing a persistent “Hard Disk Error” message on your HP Envy Desktop 750-114 with the IPM17-00 motherboard, even after successful diagnostics and OS boot. We appreciate the detailed troubleshooting you’ve already performed, including testing with alternate drives and operating systems. 

Your current BIOS version (VA0.12) is from 2015. While later BIOS versions (such as VA0.13 or VA0.14) may address these symptoms, please note the following limitations:

• HP no longer provides active BIOS updates or drivers for this model via standard support pages due to its end-of-support status.
• BIOS updates were originally intended for Windows environments. We do not officially support BIOS flashing using Linux or third-party tools.

What You Can Try

1. 🔧 Clear CMOS and Reset BIOS Settings

Sometimes, a lingering POST error can persist across boots if CMOS holds stale values.

Steps:

1. Power off and unplug.
2. Open the case, find the CMOS battery (silver coin cell).
3. Remove the battery for at least 5 minutes (or short the clear CMOS jumper if present).
4. Reinstall, plug back in, and power on.
5. Enter BIOS (usually F10) and load Default Settings → Save and Exit.

Check if the error still appears. If it does, continue below.

2. BIOS Restore: 

1) Shut down the computer, keep the charger plugged in

2) Hold down the Windows and B buttons together while the computer is still turned off. 

3) Turn on the computer and continue to hold the Windows and B buttons until a BIOS Recovery screen appears. 

4) Follow the on-screen instructions and click on OK.

3. ⚙️ BIOS Settings to Check (if you haven’t already)

Inside BIOS (F10 on boot):

• Storage Settings:
  • Try toggling between AHCI and Legacy IDE/RAID, if available.
• Boot Options:
  • Disable Fast Boot.
  • Disable UEFI boot and try Legacy Boot (or vice versa, depending on setup).
• SMART Monitoring: Disable if it’s enabled (to suppress error checks).

I hope this helps.

Take care, and have an amazing day!
 

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Regards,

VikramTheGreat