HP Compaq Elite 8300 CMT

[NJTH]

This is a similar question to one with a posted solution: https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Desktop-Operating-Systems-and-Recovery/We-were-unable-to-find-drivers-...

I'm running W10 64bit, 16GB RAM.  I have an SSD with the operating system, and 2 other HHD drives (big case!). I recently pulled a 4th drive - a 2TB Seagate - because of bad sectors/inaccessible drive, and am trying to replace it with a WD 4TB HHD drive.

My problem: this drive doesn't show up anywhere - including "disk management".

I wondered if the current BIOS cannot handle a 4TB drive - it's the original BIOS:  HP K01 v02.83 10/29/2012

The above solution was for a different HP product.

My concern: messing with the BIOS could screw up the whole system!

I see 2 solutions:

1. Update the BIOS - if that's likely to be safe, I'd like to know how to do this.

2. Since it seems to handle 2TB well, just return the drive and  get a 2TB drive instead.

I'd really appreciate some guidance and suggestions.

Thanks!

[NJTH]

Forgot to mention that I got the same response as listed in the link in my original post - "we were unable to find drivers for your product"

[NJTH]

So I left my computer alone for an hour and - much to my surprise - when I rebooted, the new 4TB drive showed up - I did the necessary and am now copying files (it's basically my backup space in case one of the other drives fails).

My first question still remains, however, though slightly modified:

Assuming it's okay to update the BIOS, is there a strong reason to do so? Everything seems to be working okay right now, and I'm of the opinion that if it ain't broke, don't fix it.....!

Thanks!

NJTH

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

it is OK to update the BIOS as long as you don't use the Windows based flash method.

What I suggest to anyone wanting to update the BIOS is to read all of the release notes and see what they do that either fixes a problem you are having with the PC, or adds an enhancement, or patches a serious security flaw.

You can read this discussion below for how to safely update the BIOS in your PC if you decide to do so.

Current BIOS is not compatible with Windows 10 - HP Support Community - 8001776

You can read this discussion where I copied and pasted the release notes to all of the BIOS updates that are available.

Solved: Upgrading the bios of Compaq 8300 CMT - HP Support Community - 8032554