Update the Bios

[EHJSGU]

I haven't done a shutdown in a log time; I just use SLEEP every night.  Microsoft said that some updates -- like the latest from V. 1803 -- require a shutdown to fully install.  When I did a shutdown recently the system would not boot and I got an error screen with recoveries that didn't work.  (Somehow, by a combination of cyclying the power switch and/or CTRL-ALT-DEL continuously, it rebooted and all is fine -- for now.)  Microsoft said it could be the BIOS.

My three year old system has the original BIOS; should I take the chance and update it?  (If it doesn't work then I have a dead computer!)

H-P will not help unless I buy their support package; if it didn't boot they cannot log-in and my only option then is a local computer shop.

What's the risk?

[erico]

The NOX16AV#ABA you provided does not match any HP documents. 

Invoke the BIOS and on the main page, you should see the product number. Post it here in your thread. 

The risk is having a bricked, and therefore useless PC.  

It is recommended to wait until Microsoft finally puts out an update in December that is compatible with more desktop and notebook PCs. That is what most people are doing. I use the Windows Insider edition on the desktop I am typing on.  It is a DIY ASUS ROG mobo based beast.

[EHJSGU]

It is N0X16AV#ABA (I think second digit is zero).  Serial no. [removed].  Model no. Envy Phoenix 850-160 SE DT.

Then I will wait until WIN 10 updates to update the BIOS, or maybe never update the BIOS until it is time to get a new computer.  I was struck how Microsoft was willing to spend a lot of time working with me while H-P would not give me the time of day until I bought their support option ($35 start and then $16/month).  Are all manufacturers like this?

[erico · Accepted solution]

For the Intel platform version of the Envy Phoenix 850-000 series desktop, there never was a BIOS update.  

An update is probably not going to happen since your desktop PC appears to have a legacy.