Can I delete new 5GB HP_Tools partition after successful BIOS update?

[Grzwacz]

Hi Ken

You might want to take a look at this forum thread.

It is not yet confirmed if the problem has been caused by a bad BIOS update.

But this may give some insight on what could happen if a bad BIOS update occurs and the HP_Tools partition is not present.

We will have to see how this thread unfolds.:smileywink:

Tom

[Replytoken]

Thanks for the link, Tom.  Curious to see how that resolves.

I was talking this morning with two IT managers I know and when I started the conversation by asking about a BIOS update, in unison, before hearing any more details, they said "Spectre meltdown, do not install any BIOS updates at this time".  It was a little late for the advice, but in short, they wanted a solution from Intel, not the PC manufacturers.  I am not sure if HP's update was in response to the melltdown, but as it was listed as critical, I decided not to wait (something I usually do).  Oh well.

--Ken

[mdklassen]

> they wanted a solution from Intel, not the PC manufacturers.

That's not going to happen.  Intel has identified the problem, and noted that each manufacturer has made modifications to their proprietary motherboards.  Thus, Intel cannot guarantee a "universal" fix.

However, from: https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c05869091#

(updated 23-January-2018):

Intel has updated their security advisory recommending to stop deployment of current versions of the MCU patch, as they may introduce higher than expected reboots and other unpredictable system behavior.

https://security-center.intel.com/advisory.aspx?intelid=INTEL-SA-00088

In response to Intel’s recommendation, HP is taking the following actions:

• HP is removing HP BIOS softpaqs with Intel microcode patches from hp.com.
• HP will be reissuing HP BIOS softpaqs with previous Intel microcode starting January 25, 2018.
• Once Intel reissues microcode updates, HP will issue revised Softpaqs.

HP is working closely with our partners, and updates will be made as soon as possible.

Check this Security Bulletin frequently for updates.

At HP we take security very seriously— it is a top issue for our customers and the foundation of trust in our products. We are focused on addressing security issues and providing the required updates to protect our customers.

That HP document now has 1395 occurrences of the string 'TBD', namely 3 occurrences per computer, for each of the listed 465 computers.  Stay tuned! 

[Grzwacz]

Hi Ken

You are welcome.

Your IT friends are correct: Intel is responsible for providing a universal fix.

Intel writes the code to fix the flaws. Intel releases the code to partners to assist in validating the code. The OEM's then include the validated code in a BIOS update to end users.

Intel's microcode patch has been causing some processor SKU's to randomly reboot after OEM 's had issued the initial Intel patch to end users.

This glitch has also been affecting more Intel processors.

I had patched my system prior to knowing about this problem.

I have not experienced a reboot problem on this system to date.

Here is a screen shot showing the current status of this system, (Z370 chipset/8700K), that is patched:

Intel was quietly telling OEM's to pull the first Intel patch and was advising enterprise customers to not apply the first patch because of this issue. Intel is now officially recommending this.

I have heard Intel may have solved the reboot problem and is releasing updated code (for testing) to OEM's.

This thing is one big mess.

Tom

[Replytoken]

So I am now seeing that a new BIOS, 2.27, has been released.  HP's Assistant is showing it, but I guess I am wondering if installing it would be safe, or put me further into the mess.  Any thoughts?

--Ken

[Grzwacz]

Hi Ken

The BIOS update as quoted:

"- Provides rollback the CPU microcode for Intel 6th generation processors (Skylake) to 0xBA, and 7th generation processors (Kaby Lake) to 0x5E as they may introduce higher than expected reboots and other unpredictable system behavior."

Details on this BIOS update can be seen at this HP Support site.

Your guess is as good as mine.

Tom

[Replytoken]

I was unable to attend to this issue for the past two months and would like to addres it shortly.  I see that HP has also issued 2.28A  just a few days after 2.27A.  My questions are do I update to 27 or 28, and if I update to 28, do I need to first update to 27?  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

--Ken

[mdklassen]

> I see that HP has also issued 2.28A  just a few days after 2.27A. 

> My questions are do I update to 27 or 28, and if I update to 28, do I need to first update to 27? 

From: HP ProDesk 600 G2 SFF

the 2.28 release "Updates Intel MCU of SkyLake to 0xC2".

The previous release:

Version: 02.27 Rev.A

Fixed in this release: - Provides rollback the CPU microcode for Intel 6th generation processors (Skylake) to 0xBA, and 7th generation processors (Kaby Lake) to 0x5E as they may introduce higher than expected reboots and other unpredictable system behavior.

Note that each BIOS-update is "cumulative".  So, it is NOT necessary to install 2.27 before installing 2.28.

Keep watching -- there should soon be a BIOS-update to remediate what the release preceding 2.27 failed to reliably remediate.