Can't update Firmware

[jdpond]

Buildyourpc, thanks for your help.

Re: USB - That's what I'd been doing - it does "Update Firmware", but with version 01.02.02 even though I am using the current version download to create the USB, confirmed by actually going in and doing it from C:\SWSETUP\sp85180.  Obviously this release of the firmware (at least for this device) really needs some polishing by HP.

On another note, two MUST haves (eliminates need for CPU-Z), in:

Software and Drivers-->Software Solutions:

HP Hotkey Support (includes fn+esc which is "HP System Information" [HPSysInfo.exe]

HP SoftPaq Download Manager (does this ever make your life easier instead of having to look at all available downloads)[SoftPaqDownloadManager.exe]

[Buildyourpc]

I appreciate the information on HP System Information --> I do use it.  However, on non-HP systems, CPUID comes in handy.  I just thought some people would find it helpful.

Jdpond - Have you contacted HP Support regarding this issue since you can't get the BIOS/Firmware update installed?  (Mine did install using the USB flash drive).  I'm sure there are other users/HP Customers that also need this important update.  If you have contacted HP Support, please be sure to share the outcome.  This certainly needs to be addressed ASAP.  Thanks!

[jdpond]

Buildyourpc, I have contacted HP (See thread 2 above) and did something I NEVER do - which is allow their second-tier support person to actually "drive" my device.

It was during this process we discovered the "missing" partition (which I believe never existed on that device, or on my HP470G3 either for that matter, since there would be absolutely no value for me ever deleting it).  He tried all sorts of crazy stuff while I was watching him and I'm beginning to wonder if somehow this laptop is not confused as to what is the "next" BIOS and what is the "current" BIOS, because it keeps re-flashing the current (01.02.02) when the setup clearly says it should be the next 01.02.02-->01.02.04.  He experienced the same, bumped it up to his "supervisor" who basically said that the current firmware is FUBAR.  Wait till the next.  Possibly the reflashing believes that 01.02.04 is not a compatible version and is reflashing 01.02.02(Current)?  Who knows.

My next step will be to pull the hard drive, then try and reflash without a hard drive, but that's a pretty radical step and I haven't steeled myself for it yet.  If the UEFI is keeping both copies in rom and has them confused, it's not going to do anything anyway.

Note: On both devices I am using Windows 10 Pro (not home) - wondering if there's something about that too.

[Buildyourpc]

Jpond -

Glad to hear that you contaced HP Support.  Thanks!  Hopefully, they will come up with a workable solution for everyone that is easy to implement and corrects the problem.

I'll definitely continue to monitor this thread.

[jdpond]

OK, to wrap up the thread, I got a call from HP Support saying since they fixed the problem, could they close the ticket?

Answer:  Close the ticket but problem not solved.

After another 20 minute discussion, apparently HP and Windows have an issue about drivers related to the 1709 release (Windows Creator Edition) and the post 1703 firmware upgrades from HP.  HP recommended I file an issue with MicroSoft, . . .

So here's the bottom line:

RIght now, my 470G5 which  upgraded to 1709 can no longer take firmware upgrades - when it tries, the Firmware recognizes the conflict and reverts to 01.02.02.

My 470G3 which is on 1703 (Windows Anniversary), and did successfully upgrade to current firmware, now bricks every time it tries to do a windows upgrade (btw, to unbrick, pull the battery out, press power for 30 seconds, restart with restore UEFI USB, load the "current"[you did remember to make a firmware USB backup, right?} , most recent firmware and, voila - after wasting 30 minutes, you're back up and running).

Happy computing all 🙂