BIOS update bricked HP Spectre x360 - 15t-df000

[sadlaptop]

Hello,

Yesterday I updated the BIOS on my Spectre x360 from F.09 Rev.A (released Nov 12, 2018) to F.41 Rev.A (released Apr 23, 2020).  This is a big jump, I know, which may have not been wise, but there was nothing in the release notes warning against it.

The method of update I chose was to use the update utility to write a bootable USB flash drive with the update, and reboot to the USB drive.  The update appears to be successful based on the messages in HpBiosUpdate.log which was created on the USB drive: messages such as "BIOS Update Process Complete" and "BIOS Update Successful".

However, on reboot after the process was complete, the screen never turned on and I was presented with a caps-lock blink code: three long, three short.  According to this document, https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c01732674, three long and three short blinks means "The embedded controller times out waiting for BIOS to return from graphics initialization or if a graphics output device failed to initialize." and the fix requires me to "Contact support for repair due to graphics or video failure.".  I've tried doing a hard reset (shutdown, and then hold power for 8 to 10 seconds), and I've tried letting the laptop sit for a while before trying again.  Nothing has worked.

I'm a couple of months out of warranty, so I'm stuck going to Micro Center or something it appears.

If anyone has any ideas how to kickstart this machine, please let me know.  Otherwise, let my story be a warning that updating to the F.41 Rev.A BIOS may not be a great idea.

[Riddle_Decipher]

@sadlaptop Click here to perform a hard reset on your device

If the issue persists, after the above steps, try the below:

1. Turn off the notebook.

2. Plug the notebook into a power source using the power adapter.

3. With the notebook off, press and hold the Windows logo key  and the B key at the same time.

      NOTE:

   On some notebook models, it might be necessary to press and hold the Windows logo key  and the V key.

4. While pressing those keys, press and hold the Power button on the computer for 2 to 3 seconds, and then release the Power button but continue to hold the Windows logo key  and the B or V key until the HP BIOS update screen displays or you hear a beeping sound (usually 8 beeps).

   The HP BIOS Update screen displays, and the BIOS update begins automatically. This might take several minutes, and you might hear additional beeping sounds.

   • If the HP BIOS Update screen does not display, repeat the previous steps. If the issue persists after repeating the steps, skip to the next step to Download a replacement BIOS file.

   • If the Power light turns off, the notebook has turned off because the Power button was held too long. Repeat the previous steps, making sure to hold the Power button for 2 to 3 seconds only.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE STEPS AND INSTRUCTIONS.

(By the end of this article all the issues should be resolved)

P.S: Welcome to HP Community 😉

Keep me posted, as I (Or a trusted colleague) shall follow-up on this case to ensure the concern has been addressed, 

And your device is up and running again, only in case you don't get back to us, first! 

That said, If the information I've provided was helpful, give us some reinforcement by clicking the solution and kudos buttons, 

That'll help us, and others see that we've got the answers!

Good Luck.

[sadlaptop]

Thank you for this procedure.  I did not find it in my own searching.

However, I've already sent the laptop out to be repaired, so I will not be able to try it.

Hopefully this never happens again, but if it does I will be sure to give this a go.

[Riddle_Decipher]

@sadlaptop I'm glad its out for repair and yes, everything should be fine once its back, i've got my fingers crossed for you,

That said, If you wish to thank me for my efforts, you could click on "Accept as solution" on my post as the solution should help others too.