h8-1237c BIOS causing problems in Windows 10

[JMO44]

Multiple problems with PC- system freezes if I try to start apps (even setting volume or Task Manager) before Windows 10 startup is fully complete; PC shuts down when put to sleep; system unexpectedly  freezes at times, etc. Research suggests updating/flashing the BIOS. My Bios is AMI 7.12 (CHG_712.ROM v 7.12), 10/12/2011; there is a later version - 7.12 Rev. A (sp56123.exe) dated 02/12/2012 - which I have downloaded but not flashed because HP Support Assistance doesn't find it as an update. Can I manually update by running the Rev. A file and, if so, are there any risks?

[Grzwacz]

Hi JMO44

The BIOS update (sp56123.exe) is for the Windows 7 operating system.

Installation of this BIOS update is not recommended when running a different operating system version.

HP released your PC for sale in 2012. HP is not providing Windows 10 driver support for your PC.

My suggestion is to go back to Windows 7.

I hope you have been backing up the important stuff. You can pull the HDD. Connect to a USB caddy or internally to another PC as a data drive so you can back up data before you do a Windows 7 recovery.

Use an image if you have created one.

Use HP Recovery media if you have it.

Purchase HP Recovery media here.

Tom

[JMO44]

Thanks, Tom. I'm glad you stopped me before I did any damage. But I am confused. My PC originally came with Windows 7 Home and has been updated to Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. I had no problem running any Windows version until lately. Do you know if I can "restore" my existing BIOS (v. 7.12) to override any possible corrupt files? HP Support Assistant doesn't provide this option and HP Diagnostics doesn't reveal any problems. Still, after much research of my problematic symptoms, flashing the BIOS is an often suggested solution. Thanks in advance,

Joe

[JMO44]

Forgot to mention I back up constantly to an external HDD.

[Grzwacz]

Hi Joe

You are welcome.

HP, generally does not allow a BIOS rollback to an earlier version. Again, you would have to try this using Windows 7.

I can only guess your PC may have updated to Windows 10, version 1709. This version has been causing problems on legacy PC's.

Open Search (Cortana) if you can. Type "winver" to check the current Windows 10 build. Run winver.exe.

Maybe you have a hardware problem. Try tapping "ESC" at boot. Then run HP hardware diagnostics.

The problem is either hardware or Windows 10.

This is why it may be a good idea to go back to Windows 7.

Same erratic behavior on Windows 7 points to hardware.

Tom

[JMO44]

Understood....but- I have run the HP Hardware Diagnostics several times and nothing fails. And I am not trying to revert to an earlier Bios version; I'm asking if I can reinstall the same existing BIOS version (v.7.12) that I now have. I am wondering if the BIOS can have corrupt files that can be replaced by reinstalling the BIOS.

I do have Windows 10, ver. 1709. I didn't know it has problems wih legacy PCs but I sure do now. Pehaps I will be forced to do a Windows 10 reset?

[Grzwacz]

Hi

The BIOS version you are referring to requires Windows 7 as the host operating system.

I have seen many threads in this forum where it was advised by knowledgeable forum members that BIOS updates are operating system specific.

Besides, I don't think you have a corrupted BIOS.

Your PC would be non-responsive (the system would not Power On Self Test) if the BIOS was corrupted.

Tom

[JMO44]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it sounds like you are saying I have Windows 7 because BIOS ver 7.12 will only work with that BIOS version. Can Windows 10 be installed and run on top of Windows 7? Following is my sytem info--

OS Name    Microsoft Windows 10 Home
Version    10.0.16299 Build 16299
Other OS Description     Not Available
OS Manufacturer    Microsoft Corporation
System Name    JOESDESKTOP
System Manufacturer    Hewlett-Packard
System Model    h8-1237c
System Type    x64-based PC
System SKU    QW806AA#ABA
Processor    Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-2320 CPU @ 3.00GHz, 2993 Mhz, 2 Core(s), 2 Logical Processor(s)
BIOS Version/Date    AMI 7.12, 10/12/2011
SMBIOS Version    2.6
Embedded Controller Version    255.255
BIOS Mode    Legacy
BaseBoard Manufacturer    PEGATRON CORPORATION
BaseBoard Model    Not Available
BaseBoard Name    Base Board
Platform Role    Workstation
Secure Boot State    Unsupported
PCR7 Configuration    Binding Not Possible
Windows Directory    C:\WINDOWS
System Directory    C:\WINDOWS\system32
Boot Device    \Device\HarddiskVolume1
Locale    United States
Hardware Abstraction Layer    Version = "10.0.16299.192"
User Name    JOESDESKTOP\Joe
Time Zone    Central Standard Time
Installed Physical Memory (RAM)    10.0 GB
Total Physical Memory    9.98 GB
Available Physical Memory    6.37 GB
Total Virtual Memory    20.0 GB
Available Virtual Memory    15.9 GB
Page File Space    10.0 GB
Page File    C:\pagefile.sys
Device Encryption Support    Reasons for failed automatic device encryption: TPM is not usable, PCR7 binding is not supported, Hardware Security Test Interface failed and device is not InstantGo, Un-allowed DMA capable bus/device(s) detected, Disabled by policy, TPM is not usable
Hyper-V - VM Monitor Mode Extensions    Yes
Hyper-V - Second Level Address Translation Extensions    Yes
Hyper-V - Virtualization Enabled in Firmware    No
Hyper-V - Data Execution Protection    Yes

[Grzwacz · Accepted solution]

Hi

I know you are now running Windows 10.

Your PC shipped with Windows 7.

HP is not providing software, drivers, or BIOS updates for Windows 10.

The only BIOS update available requires Windows 7.

You have to reinstall the factory operating system (Windows 7) if you want to try the BIOS option.

I don't think you have a BIOS problem.

I think your PC is having a bad time running Windows 10 version 1709. You said you ran HP Diagnostics successfully.

You will have to back up data on external media if you don't have backups. Then Reinstall HP's version of Windows 7 (Recovery Media) if you want your PC to work correctly. Or buy HP Recovery Media as suggested in a previous response.

Or do a clean install of Windows 10. Only connect keyboard, mouse, and monitor. Now you will have to reinstall all programs and move data back to the clean installation if it is successful.

I don't know what else to tell you. These are the only options I see that may possibly fix your current unpleasant computing experience.

Tom

[JMO44]

That's about as clear and precise as it gets for an old guy like me to finally understand. Thanks very much for all your help and taking me to the end. Much appreciated. Joe