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- HP Community
- Notebooks
- Notebook Boot and Lockup
- HP ProBook 4540s does not boot after BIOS update. Caps lock ...

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05-15-2020 01:14 PM
Since the computer is now already a paperweight, try / consider...
“Press and Pray”
Forced Restart / Boot
IF a BIOS update is just stuck / stubborn / frozen-in-place half way through the update / boot process,
OR
If there are boot issues that prevent a complete or clean boot of the Operating System,
IF there is not actually anything wrong with the windows installation or the File System,
Then
The following procedure might resolve the issue.
- Unplug everything, including power and all other externally connected components
- Press and hold down the power button for thirty (30) to forty (40) seconds
- Release the power button
- Plug in only basic components needed to start / boot the computer
- Desktop: Connect Power, wired mouse and keyboard, HDMI to monitor (and monitor is powered on). Make sure Power is properly connected and all the way plugged in on both wall and machine.
- Notebook: Connect AC Power. Make sure Power properly connected and is all the way plugged in on both wall and machine.
- Switch on the system with power button - Click power and release (as for normal boot)
Hoped for Results:
- System switches on, monitor active, mouse and keyboard responsive
If the issue was a "stuck" BIOS update:
- Screen shows the BIOS update window with choices: cancel / update
- Wait several seconds; stare at it and contemplate actions. (The process will continue on its own after about 10-20 seconds)
- BIOS update continues, completes, and reboots the system
When the system reboots,
- Log in
- Connect LAN (Ethernet)
- Connect other components (USB, external webcam, speakers...)
- General housekeeping (checks, more staring at it)
Reference and Resources – Places to find help, solve problems, and learn about your Device
Device Homepage
NOTE: Content depends on device type and Operating System
Categories: Alerts, Warranty Check, HP Drivers / Software and BIOS, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, User Guides / Manuals, Service and Maintenance Guide (Replacement Parts and Procedures), Product Information (Specifications), more
When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic
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05-15-2020 02:04 PM - edited 05-15-2020 02:08 PM
The only other reference that I have at hand is something reported (here in the Community) a little while ago and that came from a newer member who suggested removing the AC power, letting the battery die, reconnecting and trying to boot. The thing that bothers me most about that idea is the killing of the battery. Once completely drained, the battery is not likely to come back. Past a certain point, the battery is at "no return". I don't like it. I did not comment on it, but I don't like it. The system in question was not a business class machine and was instead (as I recall, having lost track of the thread) a consumer grade notebook. Maybe not the same animal. Nonetheless, the member claimed it worked for him. ?
Assuming the AC power cable is connected to a wall receptacle and not a power/battery pack or surge protector, and all other things equal, then "Press and Pray" might have done the trick. Not fancy, just a hard boot to force the system to read the OS from the disk and reload all drivers and devices. You do have to force-crash the system by pressing and holding the power button for a long time.
I am sorry it does not work.
It almost sounds dead (Rats).
The only other thing I can think of - it is a long shot - and unless you can get control of the BIOS / fans / setup long enough to get the system's attention, this is likely not going to help...
At this writing, your BIOS update is listed as:
Type: BIOS
Version: F.68 Rev.A
Operating Systems: Windows 10 (64-bit)
Release date: May 14, 2019
File name: sp96086.exe (9.0 MB)
IF your system BIOS was badly out of date when you attempted the Update, normally it might fail but it would not completely collapse.
That said, if your system BIOS was indeed badly out of date, that is, several versions behind the 2019 edition you are trying to install, then you might have better luck creating a rescue USB of a version of the BIOS that is closer to the version you are trying to update.
Reference
HP Notebook System BIOS Update
Open Section "Revision History"
Scroll and select to use a "closer" version to your existing BIOS.
Caveat:
This is not my area of specialty - I have had a modicum of success in this arena on occasion - this does not make me an expert in the subject.
Hopefully, it is not dead. Good Luck.
Perhaps someone who better understands the hardware will jump in...
Thank you for participating in the HP Community Forum.
We are a world community of volunteers dedicated to supporting HP technology