Shared SPI flash was recovered, BIOS 01.01.17

[mrlancelot]

I'm often getting the 'Shared SPI flash was recovered' message.

Updated BIOS to 01.01.17. Still happens.

Did a CMOS reset to default configuration, didn't change a single BIOS option afterwards. Still happens from time to time.

Looks like the SPI error is a common thing for HP based on how many search results it gives here.

Would like some explanation why this happens, and what are the consequences. Does it hint at hardware issues (bad CMOS) or software issues (bad BIOS)?

Also, any other ideas to fix this apart from updating BIOS or resetting CMOS?

Cheers

[Qsaifoddin]

Hi @mrlancelot

That message usually means the system detected an issue with the SPI flash memory — the chip that stores firmware/BIOS. It doesn’t always mean something is failing, but it indicates the system had to recover from a small error when reading/writing the flash.

Why it happens:

• Minor corruption or glitch in the SPI flash (can be caused by sudden power loss, interrupted updates, or even just a firmware hiccup).

• Hardware communication issue between the board and SPI flash chip (less common, but possible).

What you can try:

• Confirm BIOS is the latest (you already updated, but double-check for newer builds later).

• Power cycle reset: Shut down, disconnect power, hold the power button ~15 seconds, then reconnect and start again.

• Run HP hardware diagnostics (press F2 at startup on most models) to check for underlying issues.

• If recently serviced, make sure components and connectors are seated properly.

• Monitor behavior: If the message is rare and the laptop works fine otherwise, it may just be harmless recovery.

When to act:
If the message becomes frequent, or you notice crashes/instability, it could hint at a hardware-level fault in the SPI flash chip or the mainboard. In that case, getting it checked by a technician would be the safe next step.

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👉 In short: occasional messages aren’t usually critical, but frequent ones suggest the system is struggling with the SPI flash and might need service.

[aollod]

Exact same issue here. Every boot is preceded by 1-2 minutes of black screen before the HP logos shows up, Shame, since its a nice device apart from that. Will return it since there still doesn't seem to be any fix. I was hoping to use this for a few years, but in this condition, its safer to return it...