Need Last BIOS for a CQ60-420SA notebook

[DreamyLiamC]

I wanted to install a fresh OS on this, but I'm getting errors.  Research indicates a BIOS update could sort these issues (it's hopelessly out of date), but I can't find the BIOS on the HP website as it's so old.  Anyone have the last copy?

[ub6424]

Hello @DreamyLiamC 

you notebook is old...

(1) latest BIOS

HP Notebook System BIOS Update (AMD Processors)

F.48 Rev.A

5.4 MB

Dec 13, 2013

Download

HP Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) Support Environment

5.1.0.0

3.2 MB

Dec 12, 2012

Download

(2) The Software/Driver page for your notebook

https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/selfservice/compaq-presario-cq57-400-notebook-pc-series/5186820...

(3) Check your 3V (Voltage) CMOS battery (CR2032) inside of your notebook

(4) Test again ...

Please report your results.

best regards

---

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Thank you very much 

[DreamyLiamC]

Yes, this machine is really old.  But could make a competent media player if I gen get it to behave...

The BIOS specifies it's supported for a CQ57, not specifically the CQ60, but I believe they are pretty similar.  I'm getting an error "BIOS did not support Insyde flash" when attempting to upgrade.  Is this possibly connected to the battery perhaps? 

[ub6424]

Hello @DreamyLiamC 

>"BIOS did not support Insyde flash" when attempting to upgrade.  Is this possibly connected to the battery perhaps? 

No, it's not the battery

Tell me what is your plan for media player ?

- Software ?

- Operating system ?

best regards

---

Dear Community Member, please click the YES button on "Was this reply helpful?" to say Thanks and

make it easier for other people to find this type of solution by marking the reply 'Accept as Solution'.

Do this on the post I wrote that helped solve it.

Thank you very much 

[DreamyLiamC]

Machine had been reset to W7 32 bit.  I've maxed the RAM to a whopping 4GB, and wanted to install a 64-bit OS, but it just won't behave using USB media (which I suspect is connected to the really old BIOS, F3.C I believe).  I had intended:
1. Manjaro 64-bit (really nice light OS)

2. Kodi as a media server

3. Also install VLC as it's just awesome.

Connect it to a 1080p projector, plug in a wireless keyboard/mouse combo, should run pretty smoothly.

My current less preferred option is:
1. Upgrade w7-32 bit to w7 64bit

2. Upgrade w7 64 bit to x10 64 bit using the installer (not from USB on boot).

But Windows is a bit heavy for this setup, I feel.

[DreamyLiamC]

Forgot to mention, I might also throw in a small (100GB) boot SSD, and use a caddy to replace the DVD from with the original HDD.  SSD will give it a nice performance bump, overall storage around the 400GB mark for only a few Euro.

If I can get it to behave...

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi, @DreamyLiamC 

You can only use a BIOS update that is specific to your notebook's model series.

BIOS v F.54 was the last BIOS update HP released for your notebook...

Info:

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp45001-45500/sp45070.html 

Exe:

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp45001-45500/sp45070.exe 

The only problem is...the BIOS updates were written to be run in Windows Vista and I have no idea what will happen if you run it in Windows 7.

It may work fine, or it may brick your notebook.

[DreamyLiamC]

@Paul_Tikkanen, thanks so much that is awesome.

FYI, BIOS updated without issue while running Windows 10 64 bit.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Fortune favors the bold. 😊

Regarding the SSD...those old notebooks used a nVidia chipset that does not support AHCI.

The drive controller speed may also be only SATA I (1.5 GB/S).

Run the free utility that I zipped up and attached below and it will tell you what speed your SATA controller is.

Why you need to know this...many SSD's are only backward compatible to SATA II (3.0 GB/S). so if the controller is only SATA I. you will need to find a SSD that is backward compatible to SATA 1.

I had an old HP nc6400 Intel notebook that had a SATA I controller, but it was AHCI and I installed an Intel 535 120 GB SSD and it worked fine.

That model drive would only be available on the secondary market such as on eBay.

Intel quit selling them years ago.

BTW, here is the service manual for your notebook's model series...

488764-003.book (hp.com)