BIOS update .exe crashes everytime you try to run it

[viperx6x9x]

I'm trying to fix a friends laptop that won't boot, and they don't know much about computers so I do not know the OS on this thing, other than it is Windows, from the age of the laptop, likely 7 or above.

Laptop will not boot.  won't even display the option to enter BIOS and select boot options or anything.  Just a blank screen, and error code LED/beeps.

2 flashes on caps lock key LED.  research leads me to believe it's bad BIOS.  So I try the keyboard inputs suggested by HP suport pages.  CTRL+B, or CTRL+V.  Still nothing.

HP Support pages then say to download and run the BIOS .exe and make a bootable USB.  since I don't know the OS I downloaded and tried the .exe for 7, 8.1, and 10.  All 3 of them crash.  I have tried to load the .exe's from 3 different computers (all running Win 10.  2 are DELL, and one is a custom build with ASROCK MOBO)  and it still fails to run, and crashes at various points depending which computer I tried to run it on.  This .exe is supposed to let me make a bootable USB but I can't run it, even if you run as administrator.

Any ideas how I am supposed to get a bootable BIOS file to fix the BIOS on this computer when the files you download from HP will not run?  Do I have to run it on another HP or something to make it work?  this doesn't make sense.

[viperx6x9x]

I meant WINDOWS KEY+B or V. 

Also product specs say it should be Win 8.1.  But either way the bios file crashes, usually after you accept the EULA and click next. 

[MKazi]

@viperx6x9x

Thanks for reaching out to us on HP Support Forums. 

I came across your post and would like to help. 

I understand that you have an HP Pavilion Notebook - 15-p213cl notebook and it does not boot up. The caps lock led blinks twice. I have read your post comprehensively and appreciate the steps you have performed and have certainly done a good job.

Did any hardware changes or updates happen on the laptop before this issue started?

While you respond to that, I suggest you to refer to step 2, step 3, and step 4 from this HP document. It can be created on any Windows computer. 

In case the problem persists then you may reach out to our HP phone support team to check the available service options for your laptop.

I sincerely hope this information helps. Feel free to let me know. 

Good luck! 🙂

[viperx6x9x]

went to your link.  Same steps I was following.
https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c02693833

Step 1. None of the keypress combos work.  Still a blank screen and error code beeps on startup.  Can't even get to BIOS or startup selection menus.

Step 2. downloaded the BIOS file from here https://support.hp.com/in-en/drivers/selfservice/hp-pavilion-15-p200-notebook-pc-series/7486459/mode... This page is specific to the model and OS of the computer. Windows 8.1.

Step 3.  When you launch the file (sp79605.exe) it gets through a few menu's and crashes before it gets to the options screen.  I've tried this on 3 different Windows computers and it will not work on any of them.  Depending on the computer, it crashes at various points, but I have never gotten past the EULA screen.  This file DOES NOT work on any Windows computer as you stated, i've tried it on 3 different ones already.  2 were Dell, 1 was custom hardware.  I tried "run as administrator" too, didn't make a difference.

So back to my original question.  How can I get a "Recovery USB flash drive"  if the file from HP is useless?  

I even tried downloading the Windows 10 BIOS file for this computer just to see if that would work either.  Again on 3 different Windows computers.  Same results.  .exe crashes every time.

[MKazi]

@viperx6x9x

Glad to have you back. You've done a remarkable job performing the steps. 

I understand that the issue remains unresolved. Therefore I recommend you to contact our HP phone support team as it may require a one on one conversation to further analyze this case. You may also explore the available service options with the phone support team. 

Let me know if you have any further questions. 

Good luck! 🙂