Processor Microcode Update Error

[LeinadTM]

I have an old xw4400 Workstation that I've been tinkering with for a while, and today it occured to me that the old processor might be able to be replaced by the spare Intel Q6600 that I had lying around. I opened it up, the socket was compatible, and on boot, I got a microcode update error. I can still boot into the operating system, however.

How can I fix this error? Is there a download centre or something I can go to?

Thanks,

Daniel

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, Daniel:

According to the specs at the link below, page 3, the processor you installed is not supported.

http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/archives_Canada/12568_ca_v12/12568_ca.PDF

There are no microcode updates on the support page (Vista).

Now, I did read the release notes for the last BIOS update (v02.07), and this BIOS contains the most recent microcode updates.

ENHANCEMENTS:
The following enhancements were made to BIOS version 02.05:
- Includes the most recent CPU microcode updates.
- Improves the security of pre-boot authentication (BIOS-based) passwords by
clearing data from volatile memory.

So, if you have the latest BIOS installed, then there is nothing you can do to remedy the problem.

If you do not have the latest BIOS installed, then you may want to update the BIOS.

However, I do not recommend you use the windows based flash because it was not written to work on W7.

Use the F10 DOS BIOS flash method found in the BIOS update instructions when you first run the exe file.

[LeinadTM]

Hi,

I currently have BIOS version v02.03 installed, but when I go to the downloads page for the computer, there are no downloads listed. Is this where I'm supposed to download a BIOS update from?

Thanks,

Daniel

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome, Daniel.

You will find the BIOS update under the Vista operating system, and as I wrote above, use the F10 BIOS flash method to run it.

HP xw4400 Workstation System BIOS

This package contains the System BIOS image (BIOS Family 786D7) and local and remote BIOS flash utilities for the HP xw4400 Workstation. These utilities can be used to restore or update the System BIOS. System BIOS is operating system independent.

02.07 Rev. a    Dec 8, 2010

Windows Vista (32-bit)

http://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp51001-51500/sp51215.exe

When you first run the file, an information page will open.  You want to read the info under this section...

F10 Setup BIOS Flashing

The HP Workstation system supported by this softpaq provides a BIOS upgrade option through F10 setup using the “Flash System ROM” feature.  Reboot the PC and press F10 to enter setup.  In the File menu, select the “Flash System ROM” item.  This flash utility will present the user with the option to select the media containing the BIOS image file (XXX_MMmm.bin).  The binary image file is contained in the DOS Flash directory and is named XXX_MMmm.bin where "XXX" is the abbreviated BIOS family, "MM" is the major version number, and "mm" is the minor version number.  F10 ROM based flash can accept the binary file from the root directory of any removable media such as USB, legacy floppy diskette, and CD.  The BIOS CD Media file, included in this softpaq, should be used to create a BIOS image CD.  When flashing with F10 ROM based flash, the CD media must be El-Torito compatible.  The user is prompted when the process is completed.  The new BIOS code will not take effect until the PC is rebooted.

--------------------------------

I use a USB flash drive.  You must format it with the FAT32 file system.  Then just copy the file contents of the DOS flash directory to your FAT32- formatted USB flash drive.

Restart the PC, and tap the F10 key at the beginning of the HP welcome screen.  Select the File menu>Flash System ROM command, and then select the USB flash drive.  The PC should now see the BIOS update files on the flash drive.

Follow the on-screen instructions to update the BIOS.

Hopefully that BIOS flash will have the microcode update to support the Q6600.