HP Support Assistant had me update BIOS and then computer stopped working

[KBrownPMI]

HP Support Assitant had me update BIOS on 11 Dec and during the restart process the computer stopped working.  No start up at all... 

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@KBrownPMI

Notice the emphasis on the "IF" statements.

This procedure might fix the problem.

If the BIOS is trashed, this procedure will make no difference (will not help).

IF the BIOS update is just stuck / stubborn / frozen-in-place half way through the update / boot process,

IF there is not actually anything wrong with the windows installation or the File System,

The following procedure might resolve the issue.

“Press and Pray” 

1. Unplug everything, including power and all other externally connected components
2. Press and hold down the power button for forty (40) seconds
3. Release the power button
4. Plug in only basiccomponents –

• Desktop:  Power, wired mouse and keyboard, HDMI to monitor (monitor is powered on)
• Notebook:  Connect AC Power

1. Switch on the system with power button - Click power and release (as for normal boot)

Hoped for Results:

• System switches on, monitor active, mouse and keyboard responsive
• Screen shows the BIOS update window with choices:  cancel / update
• Wait several seconds ..stare at it and contemplate actions.. (In at least one case, never needed to click "update" -- system continued on its own after about 10-20 seconds)
• BIOS update continues on its own, completes, and reboots the system

When the system reboots,

1. Log in
2. Connect LAN (Ethernet)
3. Connect other components (USB, external webcam, speakers...)
4. General housekeeping (checks, more staring at it)
5. Pour an adult beverage and consider what's important in life

If you get away with it and the computer comes back to life.

Do Not (in the future) use the HP Support Assistant to update the BIOS.

BIOS updates are best done manually and ONLY when there is a need for the update.

Thank you for participating in the HP Community Forum.

We are a world community of HP enthusiasts dedicated to supporting HP technology.

[KBrownPMI]

Dragon Fur, 

I followed the instructions and also took the batter out of the mother board for a few minutes. 

I was successful in getting it back going again. 

Thank you for your comments. 

[Dragon-Fur]

@KBrownPMI

You are welcome.

Excellent.

The procedure is meant to force the computer to look to the disk for instructions as opposed to using anything stored from the last boot attempt.  Nice clean-and-go procedure for "things that are stuck".

In the future, if / when the HPSA tells you about a new BIOS, do not use the HPSA to install it.

Instead, open your computer's Software and Driver website support page, Expand the categories (or just Expand the BIOS section), Read the Details on the BIOS update, decide whether you want to download, save, and install the Update.

Happy Computing!

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We are a world community of HP enthusiasts dedicated to supporting HP technology.

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