EC failure

[Tunderbear42]

I have an HP Victus 16 with Intel and NVIDIA graphics.
After repeated GPU driver crashes, the embedded controller locked up.
I performed an EC reset, and now the system has a white charging LED but does not respond to the power button.
BIOS recovery key combinations do not work.
This is a known EC/BIOS desynchronization state and requires an EC/BIOS reflash or recovery, not a hardware replacement

[Jerry_57 · Accepted solution]

Hi @Tunderbear42,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

When dealing with an embedded controller (EC) and BIOS desynchronization or failure, especially after GPU driver crashes, here's a recommended approach to attempt recovery.
 

Steps to Address EC/BIOS Desynchronization:

Perform a Power Reset:
 

• Disconnect the AC adapter and remove the battery (if removable).
• Press and hold the power button for about 15 seconds to discharge any residual power.
• Reconnect the AC adapter, but leave the battery out for now.

Try BIOS Recovery with USB:
 

• Using another computer, download the latest BIOS update for your HP Victus 16 from the HP Software and Driver Downloads section.
• Follow this guide to create a BIOS recovery USB drive:
  1. Insert a blank USB drive into the working computer.
  2. Run the downloaded BIOS update file and create a recovery USB drive.
• Insert the USB recovery drive into the HP Victus 16.
• Press and hold the Windows key and the ‘b’ key, and then press the power button for 2-3 seconds. Release the power button, but keep holding the Windows and ‘b’ keys.
• If the recovery screen does not appear, repeat the steps or try different key combinations like Windows + ‘v.’

Check for HP Sure Start:
 

• If your device supports HP Sure Start, it might automatically attempt a self-healing process. However, recovery through the methods mentioned is essential if this does not occur.
  
  
  
  I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

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Jerry_57

HP Support