HP Support Assistant - three bugs (at least)

[wrd2093]

Please allow me to rant ...

1.  I have two HP devices under my one HP profile - both Win 10 Pro - one older laptop, one newer desktop.   On desktop (HPSA version 9), I keep getting messages from the laptop that are 3  years ago.  Deleting them doesn't help - they keep coming back every time I refresh on the desktop version 9.  Is there any central website where you can manage messages and delete messages permanently.  Despite the fact they relate to the laptop, they don't seem to appear on version 8 on laptop (so can't delete them there).  Tried re-installing HPSA on desktop just leads to bug #2 ... 

2. Desktop HPSA version 9  - with 2 windows users (one standard, one admin).  Wanting to uninstall and install again (hoping to clear up old messages).  Did this as admin.  After the re-install, I switch to standard user - as soon as I  login the uninstall process kicks in upon login (no option to stop it) - and it uninstalled what I had just installed - for both users!  So then I installed while logged in as standard user (using elevation prompts) ... and then when I went to admin user, it kicks in the uninstall for that user and removes it from the desktop.  It is a comedy of errors.    If I have reinstalled, why does it want to uninstall as soon as I logon for the other user?  I can only seem to keep HPSA reliably installed provided I don't switch between users.

3. Intel NIC driver for the Desktop  keeps failing (no message) - keeps showing up to install again.  Finally "deleted" it from HPSA  ... it shows up again a few days later.  Groan.

HP really need to dump this HPSA client software  - it has always worked poorly.  Why not a decent web-based client (like Intel Driver & Support Assistant uses) and a way to centrally manage (delete!)  messages for profiles with multiple devices.

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@wrd2093 

HP Support Assistant is decent software - most of the time.

Its use is primarily directed at consumer class computers.

Your concerns are noted, of course - HPSA is usually better with each release.

That said, HPSA does not work for everyone.

Try / Consider

HP Image Assistant for your business class system(s).

HPIA supported platform list

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/caps-softpaq/cmit/imagepal/ref/platformList.html

Business Class Software Update Managers

Client Management Solutions - Overview

HP Client Management Solutions support most HP commercial desktops, notebooks, and workstations.

Client Management Solutions – Manageability Tools

Available Tools and what they can do for you

Examples

Single System Management Software – HP Image Assistant

Many newer business (commercial) computers are supported in the HP Image Assistant management grade software. 

At this writing: If your computer was manufactured before the EOL date for the Software Download Manager, you can choose to use (or continue using) SDM.

HPIA Information and Download

Business Systems - Client Management Solutions (software management)

Scroll to the bottom of the Website for additional information and links.

HP Image Assistant is a free tool that aids IT Administrators improve the quality and security of their PC Windows image by diagnosing the image, identifying problems, recommending solutions, and analyzing their PC’s readiness for migration between Windows 7 and Windows 10.

HP Image Assistant can be downloaded at the HP Manageability website.

HP Image Assistant (HPIA)

From the Image Assistant Web page:

• HPIA User Guide
• HPIA Supported Platforms

HP Image Assistant Installation Path Notes

• The software installs into C:\SWSetup\<sp#> where “sp#” is the name of the installation package.
• Once installed, PIN the software executable to Windows Start and or Taskbar
• Optionally, the software executable can be “sent to Desktop” as a shortcut
• When changing versions of the software, all the links and PINNED shortcuts must be updated manually

Example Path HPIA executable - Version 4.5.8.1

  C:\SWSetup\SP103654\HPImageAssistant.exe

Multi-System Deployment - HP System Software Manager (HP SSM)

Network deployment / multiple system network

“The HP System Software Manager (SSM) is a utility that automatically detects and updates BIOS, device drivers, and management agent versions on your networked PCs.”

SSM – Download, Release Notes, User Guide link

Single System Management Software – Softpaq Download Manager

Older business class systems

SDM (at this writing) still supports many business class systems manufactured prior to the software's EOL (End of Life) announcement. 

The SDM software is no longer listed in Client Management Solutions.

NOTICE:  The Download Library marks SDM as "EOL July 2019"

White Paper on the subject (document may or may not load - access appears to be temperamental).  If the file does not open, try copy/paste of the address into your browser address bar (URL).

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/caps-softpaq/cmit/whitepapers/SDM_EOL.pdf

Partial Excerpt of the SDM "End of Life" PDF file content:

Confidentiality
This document can be shared internally & externally.

Introduction
HP is retiring HP SoftPaq Download Manager (HP SDM) on July 31st, 2019, it will be replaced by HP Image Assistant.

break...

Except continues:

Will I be able to continue to use SDM?
Yes, SDM, will continue to work and have access to updates (SoftPaqs) for older
products launched before July 31st, 2019. SoftPaq Download Manager will not be tested
with new product launched after July 31st, 2019. HP recommends using HP Image
Assistant to access updates to new products.

SDM Download and Help

4.4.0

sp87158

04/20/2018

Windows (Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10)

sp87158.exe

sp87158.html

How-to and Instructions:

HP Notebook PCs - Using HP SoftPaq Download Manager

Once the SDM software is installed, the Help document can be accessed within the software or on disk:

• Open SDM software, Click the Blue Question mark “?”in the upper left of the main SDM window.
• Open File Explorer > Navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\HP\HP SoftPaq Download Manager > Select language appropriate .chm file

If you can do so, it is time to migrate to the  HP Image Assistant

Device Home Page - References and Resources – Learn about your Device - Solve Problems

NOTE:  Content depends on device type and Operating System

Categories:  Alerts, Warranty Check, HP Drivers / Software and BIOS, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, Manuals / User Guides, Service and Maintenance Guide (Replacement Parts and Procedures), Product Information (Specifications), more

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

Open Support Home

Enter the name of your HP device

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