BIOS Update failed because of missing platform.ini file (?)

[BogdanD1234]

Hello,

I tried to reset my Windows 11 OS from within the system because of high volume of the Windows folder and sporadic freezes of the screen. After finishing the preparation for the reinstalling of the OS and laptop booted and problems started to arise:

- the screen is freezing either when the HP logo comes up and some process of Windows (Preparing for reinstalling) or even it freezes with a black screen

- if I try to get into BIOS (F10) or even reboot from an USB device (F9) sometimes it works and sometime it doesn't but all the time the screen freezes again, not allowing me to move further

- I tried to update the BIOS by downloading the latest BIOS firmware for my system - systemID 086C1 - and using an booable USB device (3 actually) I tried to start the updating process - WinKey+B - but even if the screen does come up (no flashes or beeps) and the process of updating BIOS says "Initializing" nothing happens, even after 6h

- after consulting the log file from the BIOSUpdate folder on the bootable USB drive with the files for BIOS update, I noticed that the error was "Failed Loading EFI HP BIOS IMAGE_INTERFACE_PROTOCOL2_GUID (NOT FOUND)" - meaning the process starts (the motherboard is not ruined) but there is no platform.ini file directing the update process.

- I have looked everywhere for the platform.ini file on the USB drive or any other .ini files, but not luck. I have downloaded again the BIOS  - sp162953.exe - and used a different USB drive but no luck.

I have tried all these steps with my SSD removed, my mouse or any other USB drive connected to the laptop, even with my battery removed. Is there a way to recover this laptop?

Thank you!

I'll be waiting for your response

BD

[BogdanD1234]

The log created in the USB drive in X:\HP\BIOSUpdate\HpBiosUpdate.log contains these information:

2025-11-01 23:11:25 EFI HP BIOS Update 3.9.4.0 Started
2025-11-01 23:11:25 [L]> System ID: Type
2025-11-01 23:11:25 Failed Loading EFI_HP_BIOS_IMAGE_INTERFACE_PROTOCOL2_GUID(Not Found)
2025-11-01 23:11:25 HP BIOS Image Interface Protocol Version 2.0
2025-11-01 23:11:25 [L]> EFI_HP_BATTERY_CONTROL_PROTOCOL is present.
2025-11-01 23:11:25 [L]> Found 1 Absolute Pointer Protocol(s)
2025-11-01 23:11:26 [L]> 0 UART device path node found.
2025-11-01 23:11:26 All Required Protocols Located
2025-11-01 23:11:26 HpBiosUpdate.Mode = 4
2025-11-01 23:11:26 WRITE_BB = 0
2025-11-01 23:11:26 Current Directory = HP\BIOSUpdate\
2025-11-01 23:11:26 [L]> System ID: Type
2025-11-01 23:11:26 SMBIOS Init Success
2025-11-01 23:11:26 SystemFamily = 2
2025-11-01 23:11:26 [L]> PlatformLang reported as en-US.
2025-11-01 23:11:26 [L]> Language Selected is currently (eng).
2025-11-01 23:11:26 Starting BIOS Update Process
2025-11-01 23:11:26 Setting BIOS Update Token
2025-11-01 23:11:26 Getting BIOS Detail Information
2025-11-01 23:11:26 IsBiosSixDigits = 0

Since I suspected a faulty RAM - one diagnostic test resulted in FAILED - bought a new 8GB RAM and installed it, but with the same results - screen freezing and not continuing with the "Prepararing for repair" nor fresh Windows 11 install from a bootable USB drive operations. So we can eliminate a RAM problem.

I connected the SSD to another HP laptop using an adapter and can read an navigate through it without a problem. So we can eliminate a SSD problem.

What comes to mind is EC problem and the need to flash it - but without proper tools and experience I wouldn't want to risk damaging the motherboard and putting my hand deeper in the pocket ....

Does anyone know how to work around this and check / repair the EC?

BD

Thanks!

[BogdanD1234]

I managed to identify what I believe to be the BIOS chip. It's a XMC QH128AHIG chip - 128 should stand for 128Mbits, the size of the chip. I ordered the CH314A programmer with SOIC8 and I will attempt to reflash the chip and keep you posted. 

[BogdanD1234]

... and the troubles continue ...

I connected the CH341A programmer to the BIOS chip using AsProgrammer software and SOIC8 clip, Contrary to what you can find on YouTube it's not enough to connect to the chip (pay ATTENTION to the voltage 5V vs 3.3 V, use adapter fix necessary) - after 30 minutes of trying and trying to put the clip on the chip and waiting to auto discover the chip, I saw that I can manually set the maker and model of the BIOS chip. So I choose XMC maker and as the model I chose XMC25QH128C (even though the markings on my chip say QH128AHIG). This way I was able to read the IC and save a back-up copy for future use and then erase the chip and load the .bin file from HP - 086C1.bin.

My surprise was very big when I realized I didn't go much further because immediately I saw the message on the screen - Manufacture Programming Mode is in Unlock (or something). I was able to get into BIOS settings F10, after a few tries, and read the information about serial numbers and things like that and I noticed that the numbers and data was the same  as before - when I first started this mission, after rebooting the laptop and waiting to start repairing Windows. The markings are strange as they seem generic, not specific to my system.

Serial number of the system shows ABCDEF0123

System Board CT Number 12222334455666

Product number 1234567#ABC

Maybe this was the problem from the beginning and the reason why I couldn't reflash the BIOS. 

I am one step away from getting out the hammer on this system, it's really getting on my last nerves this HP system. Any idea on how I could fix this, without HP NbDmiFit to fix the DIM?

Thanks!

BD

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @BogdanD1234 

Welcome to the HP Support Community!  Thanks for posting your query! We're here to help you get back up and running.

My sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused to you. We'd hate for you to be stuck in a situation like this. Because you matter to us.

I afraid this kind if BIOS level troubleshooting is limited here, these requests are best addressed over the phone with our dedicated support team for your region. 

I'm sending you a private message to guide you on the next steps.

To access it, click the private message icon in the upper-right corner of your HP Support Community profile, next to your name.

If this resolves your issue, kindly mark this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" if it was helpful.

Take care and have a great day!

Regards,

Hawks_Eye

[BogdanD1234]

Hi Hawks_Eye

I had this idea also, as any sane/minimal intelligent person would, to take the laptop to a service shop, but I tried to solve as much as I could - without stepping my place of course. - and reached out to HP support technicians/community and received no help. The other solution you could have given me could have been "Go buy another laptop."
So, thanks for the "effort" but I got this. I won't be rating your answer as a correct solution.

As it was OBVIOUS to do, after all the trouble I went through - alone,  I took the laptop to a service shop and the answer was that the processor had issues: when they heated it, the laptop ran smoothly, but when it was cold it didn't work and the laptop froze - if I understood correctly (at this point - after hearing NO - I really stopped listening).

Finally, I ended up with buying a new laptop - of course from different vendor.

All the best!
BD