BIOS update help

[oldfool62]

I have an older desktop that tells me I need to update Windows desperately to solve big issues.  But when I try to download and install Win updates, it won't install it. I have tried re-downloading it and still gets to a point on installation when it gives up. I checked with Microsoft and the tech told me a BIOS update was required as my version dates to 11/2018. When I use the HP Support Assistant, it doesn't show updates are needed. Using Virtual Assistant, I learned I'm out of warranty so they won't offer tech support. I understand the BIOS update is a very technical issue so I'm reluctant to do it myself. The computer is operating slowly, especially at start-up, so I wonder if I should give up the fight and buy another PC. Any advice would be appreciated.

[BeemerBiker]

Your slimline system is still fairly new, is  upgradable and well made.  You mentioned windows 32 but I assume you have the 64 bit version.

What CPU and how much memory do you have?

Please run MSINFO from the windows search box and report 

- bios version include the ROM ID

- CPU

- Memory

If you have the HP support assistant it will provide that information.

Your slimline can be upgraded to 16gb  and even 8gb can make a huge difference over 4gb

If you have the  G4560T Intel CPU then you could upgrade to any of the following "slimline" only

Note that any of the i3, i5 or i7 CPUs will provide a better graphics processor, the "630" version 

an upgrade to a faster CPU probably will require a BIOS upgrade.

Look at HP's support assistant (or msinfo) to get the ROM ID. If it is one of 81B4, 82F2 OR 92F9 

then you can upgrade to one of the following (only)

Your motherboard supports a "C" drive that fits in an M.2 slot.

Please verify that your motherboard looks like the one in that url.. 

Some custom HP system may have used a different motherboard.

If you have a mechanical hard drive then updating to SSD and especially an M.2 with 1tb of space makes a huge difference.

Once I see what CPU, Ram and HDD you currently have I can make some recommendations.

[oldfool62]

I found the info asked for in your message. BIOS is shown as F.35. CPU Intel Celeron G3930@2.90  Ghz. Memory is 4GB Micron 2400 Mhz.

[oldfool62]

Forgot to say it is using Windows 10 Home 64-bit V 9043.1645.

[BeemerBiker]

The biggest improvement you can make is to double your memory to 8gb.

The next biggest it to start using the SSD M.2 slot for your disk drive

Once you get the above working then we can look at whether the CPU needs to be upgraded or not.

Please download and run CPU-z to find the type and number of memory sticks your system has

The following image is from running two instances of CPU-z on an HP Pro3400

Select "SPD": and Slot #1 one one instance and Slot #2 on the other.

If you show 2GB of memory in each slot then we would have to replace both with a pair of 4gb to get 8gb

If a single 4gb is shown then we just need to buy another 4gb stick with the same RANK and Manufacturer

8gb of memory should be sufficient for this older motherboard to work nicely in window 10

A hard disk improvement is more complicated.  The spec for your system shows only a 7200 RPM hard drive.

Please look at your motherboard and see if you can locate a circuit board  in the "M.2 SSD socket".  It would be  just below the expansion slot and would be screwed into one of the two posts shown.  If this slot is empty (as shown) then one can easily add a 1TB M.2 disk drive that is significantly faster than any 7200 RPM drive and you would not have to replace any disk drives.

If that slot is empty I recommend a Western Digital 1TB SN750 gen3

Using either HP Support Assistant or CPU-z please lookup the "System Board" or "Model"    You mentioned F35 for the bios. 

If your board id is 82F2 then bios F 45 can be installed https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp106001-106500/sp106058.exe

If not then look here for one that has the same board id

https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/selfservice/hp-slimline-270-p000-desktop-pc-series/13823526/mod...

You will have to upgrade the bios before upgrading the CPU but I would see if the above improvements make a big enough difference 

If you are not comfortable with adding memory and an M.2 SSD upgrade you might consider using a retail store that can install the memory and M.2 and clone your existing hard drive for you  Else post back here for help

You can use the windows key + shift "S" to capture the images of CPU-z to allow posting here

[oldfool62]

Thank you for the assistance, but I will have to find someone to help with the technical requirements you referred to in your suggestion. I don't have the expertise to do what is recommended so I will have to end it here. I appreciate the help. 

[BeemerBiker]

Find a retail store that sells memory and m.2 SDD and ask them to install it for you if you buy it from them.

BestBuy, Microcenter,  etc

iFixit or uBreakIfix probably do not  sell the components so find a retail outlet with a geek squad or equivalent.

Print up what I wrote and take it to the store and get a  quote.