Omen GT13 Bios Issue?

[BKruger_J-Tech]

Had to replace the mainboard on a customer's computer that was experiencing problems locking up after a Windows Update (I believe there was an optional BIOS update installed).  After that update, the system would lock up requiring power cycle trying to boot any version of Windows from any source, including a flash drive with the installer.  Replaced the mainboard and got everything working again on the system for the customer.  After they got it back, a Windows update ran and I think it upgraded the BIOS version of the new board again to f.19 (SSID 8876 mainboard) while the most recent listed for this model on the HP site is f.13a.  Again, the system is having the same problem locking up when trying to load Windows.

I tested the RAM (fine after 24 hours testing ) and also replaced it to test as well.  I've tried to clean install Windows to a new NVMe drive after removing the customer's drive but the system locks up with any of the Windows installer USB drives tried.  As noted, the mainboard has been replaced but I suspect a BIOS update ran on it after the customer turned it on the first time.  I didn't see what BIOS version the board originally shipped with, so I can't say for certain this is what happened.  I've seen reference to later version of the BIOS for this board ranging from the f.19 it currently has up to f.28 (not shown on the HP site for this model and unable to get into Windows to have it look for a newer version from the PC).

Looking for some ideas instead of having to order another mainboard to replace the one in the system since they're a bit expensive and the system is no longer under warranty.

Thanks,

Ben

[Nal_NR]

Hi @BKruger_J-Tech,

Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

I'd be happy to help you! 

I understand that you are having issues with the Bios update.

Yes, this seems right. I did check and seems there are no latest versions on Bios. Click here

You may have to wait until further updates.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

[BKruger_J-Tech]

So, you're basically telling me that I need to tell the customer that an HP update bricked their computer after they just had the mainboard replaced and it will be unusable for them until some random point in the future when HP decides to update the BIOS for this board?  The latest BIOS showing on the HP website for it shows F.13a while the BIOS that was loaded by Windows Update / HP Support Assistant is F.19.  Why the large disconnect between the version that is sent out via update/app vs the website?  Were the later BIOS versions pulled from the site because they have problems?

Ben

[Nal_NR]

Hi @BKruger_J-Tech ,

We can try Bios recovery and see if that helps.

To perform a BIOS recovery, follow these steps to recover or reset your BIOS:

1. Download the Latest BIOS:

• Visit HP Support:
  • Go to the HP Support website.
  • Enter your OMEN GT13 model number to find the latest BIOS version for your system.
  • Download the BIOS update file. Ensure you download the correct version for your specific model.

2. Prepare a USB Flash Drive:

• Format the USB Drive:
  • Use a USB flash drive with at least 1 GB of space.
  • Format the USB drive to FAT32. This can usually be done by right-clicking the drive in File Explorer and selecting Format. Choose FAT32 from the file system dropdown and click Start.
• Copy the BIOS File:
  • After downloading the BIOS file from HP, copy it to the root directory of the formatted USB flash drive.

3. Perform BIOS Recovery:

• Turn Off Your PC:
  • Shut down the OMEN GT13 completely.
• Insert the USB Drive:
  • Plug the USB flash drive with the BIOS update into a USB port on the OMEN GT13.
• Enter BIOS Recovery Mode:
  • Turn on the computer and immediately press Esc or F2 (depending on the model) repeatedly to access the Startup Menu.
  • Select BIOS Update or BIOS Recovery from the menu options. If you do not see this option, you may need to refer to your user manual or HP support for the specific key combination for entering recovery mode.
• Follow On-Screen Instructions:
  • Follow the prompts to select the BIOS file on the USB drive and initiate the recovery process.
  • The system will start the BIOS recovery process, which may take several minutes. Do not turn off the computer or remove the USB drive during this process.

Please find the remaining steps in the next post.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

[Nal_NR]

Hi @BKruger_J-Tech ,

Please find the remaining steps. 

4. Alternative BIOS Recovery Methods:

• HP BIOS Recovery Tool:
  • Some HP systems have a built-in BIOS recovery tool. This might involve pressing Windows + B or another key combination during startup. Check the HP support website or user manual for details specific to your model.
• Clear CMOS:
  • As a last resort, you can clear the CMOS to reset the BIOS to default settings. This involves opening the computer case, locating the CMOS battery, and removing it for a few minutes before reinserting it. This method should only be used if you're comfortable working inside your PC.

5. Check for Errors:

• Confirm Recovery Success:
  • After the recovery process is complete, the system should restart. Check if the BIOS has been updated successfully and if the issues have been resolved.

Performing a BIOS recovery can resolve issues related to corrupted or outdated BIOS versions. Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully and ensure you have the correct BIOS version for your OMEN GT13 model.

Refer to this document for more information. 

If you encounter any issues during the recovery process or if the problem persists, contact HP Phone Support for further assistance.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.