BIOS Update

[Jacob1999]

My desktop PC is very old. The most recent BIOS update is "Phoenix Technologies, LTD 5.08 4/30/2008". So far that I have heard, there is an update for "1/20/2009" (or "1/30/2009") that offers options for the supported VM-x technology. All the download options I've found from searching offer a paid download, by either signing up for a paid monthly newsletter for the download, or taking a survey that doesn't end and mostly leads somewhere asking for credit card info. I cannot afford to sign up for a news letter, and I'm not entering my info into a source that I don't trust. Can anyone provide me with a working download from HP themselves (if one still exists)? If not, I'll settle for the next best source.

Side note: My system started on Vista, but I recently upgraded to 10. (Not sure if this detail is important or not, but I currently own only one copy of Windows 10, and it's not installed on this Compaq, so I still have the "Activate Windows" splash until I can afford another key... Signs that I'm poor include: The fact that I dug up a computer my Dad owned 10 years ago and upgraded it to Windows 10, the fact that I can't sign up for a paid newsletter.)

[mdklassen]

From: Compaq Presario SR5223WM Desktop PC Product Specifications

Product number: GN573AA

Release date: 07-Sep-2007

Country/region sold in:

• US
• Canada

and:

Results for " SR5433WM"

HP Retired Products Policy

The product you searched for is no longer supported by HP. Please use the link above to see additional information.

[Jacob1999]

That link doesn't seem to include the BIOS update...

[mdklassen]

---

@Jacob1999 wrote:

That link doesn't seem to include the BIOS update...

---

Correct.  HP has "retired" your computer, and has removed all information about device-drivers and BIOS updates from the HP Support web-site.

I do not "trust" any BIOS update that comes from a "third-party" web-site.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, @Jacob1999

It looks like mdklassen posted a link to a different PC than yours.

Here is the link to the specs for your model...

https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c01420138

The problem with your PC not having support for VT is the E2160 processor it has.

That processor does not support virtualization...

https://ark.intel.com/products/29739/Intel-Pentium-Processor-E2160-1M-Cache-1_80-GHz-800-MHz-FSB

However, if you still want to update the BIOS (read the release notes first) I have zipped up and attached the last BIOS update that was available for your model below.

YOU WILL HAVE TO REINSTALL WINDOWS VISTA TO UPDATE THE BIOS.   THE BIOS FLASH FILE WAS ONLY WRITTEN TO WORK IN WINDOWS VISTA.   I have no idea what would happen if you flash the BIOS when running W10.

Here is a copy and paste of the BIOS release notes...

Title: MS-7525 Motherboard BIOS Update

Version: 5.22

Description: MS-7525 Motherboard BIOS update improves compatibility with Nvidia GeForce G210 graphics card, and resolves issue with system hanging at HP logo during startup.

Purpose: Recommended

Category: BIOS

Operating System:

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic (32-bit)

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic (64-bit)

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit)

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit)

Microsoft Windows Vista Business (32-bit)

Microsoft Windows Vista Business (64-bit)

Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate (32-bit)

Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate (64-bit)

Microsoft Windows Vista Starter

Language(s):

Global English

Enhancement/Fixes:

- Improves compatibility with Nvidia GeForce G210 graphics card.

- Resolves issue with system hanging at HP logo during startup.

- Improves BIOS security

- Updates processor thermal policy.

Prerequisites:

- You must be logged on as an administrator to install this update.

- You must have a Microsoft Windows Vista operating system.

- You must have an MS-7525 motherboard.

Installation Instructions:

1. Click the Download Only button.
2. At the File Download screen, click the Save button.
3. At the Save As screen, save the file to your Desktop.
4. If a message appears stating that the file already exists, click YES to overwrite file.
5. Double-click the icon for the update downloaded to your desktop, and then click NEXT.
6. Follow on-screen instructions.
7. If prompted to restart the system upon completion of the update, click YES and allow system to restart.

Copyright © 2009 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.

[Jacob1999]

I can't actually figure out how to downgrade to Vista, but if the BIOS update doesn't include support for Virtual Machines then I really have no use for it, or this computer. 😞

[Paul_Tikkanen]

The BIOS update does not include support for VT.

As I posted earlier, VT support is dependent on the processor the PC has, and the E2160 does not support VT.

You would have to upgrade the processor to one of those listed in the processor upgrade section on the link I posted above that support VT.  Not all of those do either.

The E7600 supports VT (Core 2 Duo E7xxx (Wolfdale-M), but not the E7300 or some E7400's, or E7500's. 

https://ark.intel.com/products/41495/Intel-Core2-Duo-Processor-E7600-3M-Cache-3_06-GHz-1066-MHz-FSB

You have to order a specific sSpec to get VT in a E7400 or E7500 processor.

[Jacob1999]

Thanks for the information, Paul. The only problem is, at the moment I cannot really afford to buy a new processor. I'm living with my parents still, but they've told me that I am not allowed any of their money to spend on anything except groceries and clothes. Once I can manage to get myself a job, I might be able to get that set up, but it just isn't worthwhile since this computer is already so old, and I have a laptop that came pre-packaged with Windows 10.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.