Bios update file for retired laptop

[JollyJohn944]

I have a Presario CQ61 that I would like to upgrade.  It currently has 2GB (2 x 1GB) RAM and will not boot, not even POST, with a 2GB stick in place.  I would like to Flash the BIOS to hopefully resolve this.  I see this laptop is officially retired therefore the drivers etc are no longer available on the HP site, can anyone provide a link to where I might find a BIOS update?  Thanks

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

Below are the links to the info and exe files for the last BIOS update HP released for your notebook.

Info:

F.23

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp51501-52000/sp51527.html

Exe:

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp51501-52000/sp51527.exe

You have to open these files with Internet Explorer.

[JollyJohn944]

Thanks - It worked, I have successfully updated the BIOS.  

Still won't boot with different RAM - Why - because it is the wrong type 2Rx8 not 2R16 - I will hunt down some correct RAM and report back.

Thanks again.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

The service manual for your notebook indicates the 2 GB memory chips have HP part number 517844-001.

Maintenance and Service Guide (hp.com)

I searched by the part number and found these listings on eBay...

517844-001 | eBay

[JollyJohn944]

Thanks again.  I have got more RAM, successfully installed it and my next step is to go to a SSD.

I didn't mark this as solved but I agree it is is solved.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime.

Glad to have been of assistance.

The post was marked as solved because your original question 'Bios update file for retired laptop,' was provided to you.

Moderators do that so other folks that may be looking for the same thing can find it easier in a search by solved posts.

[JollyJohn944]

OK.  Thanks.  I have successfully upgraded to Win 10 on a 500GB SSD.  High CPU useage but otherwise OK.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime.

It appears that you are getting everything you can out of it.

I suppose you could upgrade the processor.

That would be your last option.

According to the service manual, you could upgrade to the Pentium T6600.

That may take a strain off the processor usage.

There are better processors listed, but I am very sure your notebook only has the Intel GL40 chipset, which cannot run a processor any faster than 800 MHz.

You can determine what chipset your PC has by running the free utility that I zipped up and attached below.