Multiple entries of System BIOS (N21) being installed in HP Support Assistant Action Log

[chaloots]

While expanding the HP Support Assistant Action Log I spotted numerous, as in sometimes three a day, entries of System BIOS (N21) having been installed. All of these listed include white "!" in red circle. I personally have invoked the upgrade process a couple of times but saw no indication that the attempted install had failed.

My question is whether these multiple installation listings with what appears to be an alert or warning icon for each one are worthy or further concern. How can I confirm that System BIOS is truly current and installed properly?

[Dragon-Fur]

@chaloots 

HP Support Assistant is having trouble installing this fussy and sensitive update.

If you want / need to update the BIOS on your computer,

Please install the BIOS manually,

That is, do not use the HP Support Assistant to install this fussy and sensitive update.

Reminder – Manually Update the BIOS

How to install BIOS Updates:

Select the option to manually install the BIOS update.

HP Notebook PCs - Updating the BIOS (Basic Input Output System)

HP Desktop PCs - Updating the BIOS (Basic Input Output System)

Open HPSA Software

Settings > Set to “Notify” as opposed to “Auto-Update”

Save Changes > Restart the computer and log in

Open HPSA

Check for Updates > Use the list to determine candidates for update

If BIOS is offered, set to “ignore” or otherwise remove this update from list of potential updates

Install other HP software and updates using HPSA or manually install those updates

Check Current BIOS version

Control Panel > icon view > Administrative Tools > System Information

System Summary - Check the information next to BIOS Version / Date 

Consider:

SDM is still available (at this writing) to support products manufactured before the EOL of that SDM software.

SDM (or its replacement HP Image Assistant) can be used to manage / update your business class machine.

SDM can successfully install the BIOS even if / when that update is mixed in with other updates.  While it is *still* considered better to manually install the BIOS in any circumstances, SDM can at least handle the update and the requisite system restart operations.

HP Image Assistant (HPIA) - and SDM

Business Systems - Client Management Solutions (software management)

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 "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.

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)

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.

So, what to do?

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

From the Image Assistant Web page:

• HPIA 4.1 User Guide
• HPIA Supported Platforms

Reference and Resources – Places to find (more) help and learn about your Device

Clarification of terms and "what the device can do" (Specifications)

Device Homepage

NOTE:  Content depends on device type and Operating System

HP Drivers / Software and BIOS, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, User Guides, Product Information, more

• HP EliteDesk 800 35W G2 Desktop Mini PC
• HP EliteDesk 800 65W G2 Desktop Mini PC

OR

Open Support Home

Enter the name of your device

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

Thank you for participating in the HP Community Forum.

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

Click Thumbs Up on a post to say Thank You!

Answered? Select the relevant post "Accept as Solution" to help others find it.

[chaloots]

Dragon-Fur,

First, thank you for the comprehensive, in-depth reply. It seems to have covered many more bases than anticipated for the task of updating BIOS. Am saving/bookmarking this post for further reference as there is no current need, alert or system indicator to update, but should that need arise it will be from the sources you recommend. A pause will also afford the opportunity to investigate HPIA further, as it is just me on a personal computer and not as part of an enterprise network.

again, grazie

[Dragon-Fur]

@chaloots 

You are welcome.

True - sometimes the answer is "leave it alone".  Smiling.

If you wish to do so, 

Find bulletins / Notices that are relevant to your device

• Subscribe to HP Alerts

Get connected with updates from HP

and / or

• Check for information at your computer's support website

Open Support Home

Enter the name of your device

When the website support page opens, select Category Bulletins and Notices (wording may vary)

Happy Computing!

Thank you for participating in the HP Community Forum.

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

Click Thumbs Up on a post to say Thank You!

Answered? Select the relevant post "Accept as Solution" to help others find it.

[chaloots]

Once again you have my appreciation.

I do have one persistent question: with these additional update/support sources you have furnished, I'm wondering when/whether to continue using the installed HP Support Assistant. After all, it was a combination of seeking out the BIOS update there and my naïveté in using it as a BIOS source in the first place that started this merry-go-round to begin with; a genuine "which one to trust and have faith in" conundrum.

Will try to remember to check the forums here prior to any heavy duty updating.

Thanks again.

[Dragon-Fur]

@chaloots 

I use SDM for my Zbook 17 G3; at this writing, SDM still supports my needs.

I have looked at HPIA, I have not “switched”.

Thank you for participating in the HP Community Forum.

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

Click Thumbs Up on a post to say Thank You!

Answered? Select the relevant post "Accept as Solution" to help others find it.