Can't update Firmware

[jdpond]

HP System Firmware 01.02.02 --> 01.02.03

HpFirmwareUpdRec64

An error occurred when copying the current firmware to the folder.

Windows 10 Pro

Version 1709

OS Build: 16299.214

[mattoc]

Same problem from 1.01.07

SAME problem doing the IME firmware update

[jdpond]

After contacting HP support (who were excellent - and very patient), we determined that:

1) the firmware releases on currently available on the website were not working (01.01.03 A1, 01.01.04)

2) There was no HP_TOOLS partition on the boot hard drive

Adding a 2GB HP_TOOLS partition onto the boot drive solved the "An error occurred when copying the current firmware to the folder".  Can't confirm it, but believe this partition may have disappeared sometime in the Windows 10 1709 upgrade.

NOTE:  The HP_TOOLS needs to be mapped as drive E:.  When looking at the HpFirmwareUpdRec64.log file, noticed that E: was hardcoded and was not writing because HP Support had mapped to F:

Without that partition, the SoftPak couldn't find a place to put the temporary files when upgrading.

Further Note:  This didn't work for upgrades past 01.01.02.  >01.01.02 versions all show that update was successful, but when reboots, actually reflashes 01.01.02.  Assuming there's an error somewhere.

At least for 470 G5 you may to wait for the release subsequent to 01.01.04 to fix the core issue addressed in the Firmware release (the Intel security issue).

[mattoc]

thanks. will try that.

also the update via nrtework/internet failed for that model as well.

thanks for reply

[Buildyourpc]

I carved out a small Fat32 partition for HP_TOOLS and the Firmware updated updated successfully.  It's interesting to note that my Probook 450 G5 came from the HP factory with the HP_TOOLS partition missing.  I don't think this is Microsoft's error -- this is HP's error.  They need to send out a "corrective" Softpaq to remedy this situation.

[jdpond]

Did it actually update the firmware?  On my machines it no longer crashes out - but it still doesn't install the desired firmware.  (all versions > 01.01.02).

[Buildyourpc]

My Brother also has a ProBook 450 G5 and could NOT update the BIOS.  I helped him add the HP_TOOLS partition and tried to perform the update and evien though it appeared to complete, no update took place.  Ultimately, we had to load the BIOS/Firmware update on to a flash drive, reboot and update from the ESC menu.

HP Support needs to take a closer look at this problem and come up with a working, good solution.  

[jdpond]

Thanks, that's what I've finding.  Could you give detailed instructions for:

"reboot and update from the ESC menu"?   I'm still getting the old firmware even though it now goes through the "update"

[Buildyourpc]

Here are instructions for flashing BIOS using a USB flash drive.

1.  SP84863 has been superceded by SP85180.  So be sure to download this new softpaq.

2.  Insert an empty flash drive into an available USB port.

3.  Execute SP85180.exe - double click it and provide the necessary approvals to run.

4.  A small window "HP Firmware Update and Recovery" will appear.  Select the second option "Create Recovery USB Flash Drive".

5.  Once the the USB Flash drive is created, restart your system.  Leave the USB Flash drive containing the BIOS plugged in.

6.  During the system restart, press and hold the ESC key unitl you see a highlighted message "Entering Startup Menu".

7.  Select "Update System and Supported Device Firmware".  On my system, this item was the last/bottom item.

8.  The system will proceed to update the BIOS/firmware as necessary.  Be sure the computer is running on AC power and do NOT interrupt/stop the process.  Also, do NOT turn off the computer.  The update should complete in a few minutes and then the system should automatically restart.   You can then remove the USB flash drive.

That should get your BIOS/firmware up to date.  I hope this is helpful.

[Buildyourpc]

One more thing.  I suggest downloading and installing freeware program CPU-Z from www.cpuid.com.  This program will identify your CPU, Bios level, memory, graphics, etc.  It's a very handy utility!

I hope this helpful as well!