After F.30 BIOS Update, damaged functions and can't rollback.

[MettleSphee]

As I heard about the 'Spectre' and 'Meltdown' attacks, I decided to also update my software (like a good citizen). So the first thing I did was to update my BIOS.

Basic routine, download BIOS Setup from HP, correct model, etc. However, the BIOS was being flashed while in Windows (Fan reaching max speed, all input being disabled), and this never occured to me. The Laptop restarted after the flashing occured, and so I was presented with a BIOS Progress bar "Flashing Boot Block", after which the computer restarted into Windows.

Nothing bad so far, right? Wrong. As I instantly see, the HDMI Port I am working with is no longer recognized (basically can't be used/detected on ANY OS (External Linux installations on Live USB, Linux installations on the Hard Drive, Windows itself).

Speaking of Live USB, the External Devices are no longer bootable, as the computer replies with 'Boot Error; Ctrl+Alt+Del to restart', but as I press Enter, the computer immediately boots to the next option available (Windows).

Last of all problems I saw, the Battery is no longer calibrated (When at 9% it should Hibernate and at 14% should warn me), because at 15% or less, the laptop instantly shuts down, without any warning, just a dead power off.

I told to myself, maybe the BIOS didn't flash correctly, since it flashed right in the OS, so I download the same BIOS setup again and I install it. Now it follows the normal routine: Restart, then boot to HP PC UEFI Diagnostics, where it flashes the BIOS as an 'BIOS Update', where everything goes smoothly.

So, did that fix anything? Well, it only fixed the boot errors from external devices (USBs), battery still not calibrated and HDMI not working at all. So I think as a last resort: Backup my data and Factory Restore my PC.

Easy said, easy done, as everything went smoothly from my Recovery Drive (Installed externally on a 16 GB USB Drive), and in 2 hours, my PC is back at Factory condition, no slowdowns, clean Windows installation and all drivers installed.

Well, the HDMI Port still not recognized and battery not calibrated. That's a bummer, because I decided to rollback the BIOS as a last resort.

Turns out that the new BIOS has 2 new Signature files: s14 and s16. So now if I want to flash my BIOS, I not only need the image and the s12 sig file, but also the other two mentioned above.

I can't install an old BIOS file through setup because 'it's not compatible with your system', as I downloaded the right drivers. The truth is it needs those signature files, which I saw only at the F.30 Rev A update. s14 was seen at the older updates (late 2017-2018), but s16 only at this last one.

Manually adding the BIOS image and its signature images to the USB/Recovery Partition will not work as the BIOS replies 'Unable to open Signature File'.

I heard that there's an Emergency Recovery, so I tried that. Win+B, hold them, hold POWER for 3 seconds, with AC and External USB with BIOS image inserted, nothing. I get no output (beeps or BIOS Update Dialog), but the only thing I see is that the Caps Lock light flashes 2 times slowly, then makes a pause for 2 seconds, and repeats.

So, I am at stalemate. I canuse my Laptop the normal way, but I can't use my external monitor any longer, and all because a BIOS got new sig files so I can't rollback.

I don't know what HP was thinking when making the BIOS files, maybe they wanted to protect users from a malware infection of some sort, but I prefer functionality over security, as I know how to protect myself against threats without an antivirus.

What do I do now?

-MettleSphee

[MettleSphee]

 I'm bumping this thread for anyone to see this and maybe reply with a solution, because I have a presentation in a week, and since I have to use my own laptop with a not working HDMI Port, I'm basically screwed, and I am desperate for help

[The_Fossette]

@MettleSphee,

Welcome to the HP Forums!

Thank you for posting your query on this forum, it's a great place to find answers.

I reviewed your post and I understand that you the HDMI port is not working after the bios update and also the battery is not getting calibrated.

Don’t worry, I assure you I will try my best to get this sorted.

Awesome job on diagnosing the issue correctly and performing smart troubleshooting before posting your question on HP forums. Kudos to you on that score. 

In order that I may provide you with an accurate solution, I will need a few more details.

• What is the version of bios you installed on the computer?
• Have you made any software or hardware changes on the computer?

While you respond to that, I recommend you download and install the bios from the below link and check if it resolves the issue.

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp86501-87000/sp86809.exe

If you continue to face the issue, I am sending you a private message with instructions for further course of action.

Let me know how it goes and you have a great day!

If you wish to show appreciation for my efforts, mark my post as Accept as Solution. Your feedback counts!

Cheers!

[MettleSphee]

The only things I am sure about are these:
BIOS InsydeH20 Version F.30 Rev. A
System Board ID 2209
The OS was reinstalled as a clean driverless version of Win8.1 Home since I lost once the Recovery Drive for a while...
Lots of GPT to MBR and backwards conversions, lots of Linux OS installs and repartitions, and now all manually reverted to factory conditions fully (well except the uncalibrated battery and undetected HDMI Port). I will attempt your suggestion and reply with its outcome.

Regards,
MettleSphee.

[MettleSphee]

If I did not mention, before the BIOS update the HDMI port was working completely, on any screen, cable or adapter.

After this update, it is not even recognized, so I assume it is the update's fault.
The Hardware *NEVER* had any issues before the update, I assume the BIOS settings were modified to protect me from the malware, But since it had to fit that 8MB space, it removed some functionality, and that is my problem.

The only reason I made this thread is to ask how can I *FORCE* a rollback without the signature files.

[The_Fossette]

@MettleSphee,

It is great to have you back and your patience is greatly appreciated.

I recommend you download and install the BIOS from the link I have provided in my previous post and check whether the issue is resolved.

Let me know how it goes and you have a great day!

If you wish to show appreciation for my efforts, mark my post as Accept as Solution. Your feedback counts!

Cheers!

[MettleSphee]

I am afraid that the BIOS file you gave me is the exact identical one I installed and made my system go downhill. I have not recieved ANY modification to the system by reinstalling that BIOS file.

However, I tried to use a certain monitor with a cable to the laptop. The Monitor recognizes the cable, as it gives 'check signal' dialog; The Monitor recognizes an end to the cable, the laptop, as it gives the 'Stand-By Power Saving Mode' dialog, but the laptop doesn't recognize or even detect the input at all.

Trying on an external OS and the internal factory Windows 8.1 Home using the Project Screen button did not do anything. It DOES change the way the screen looks because it is trying to do the projection, but it doesn't have a screen to project to (because the HDMI port does not work).

In a nutshell, all I am asking is whether I can force a BIOS update without the signature files, or if there is a workaround to create signature files (s14 and s16) for older BIOS versions.

Regards,

MettleSphee.

[The_Fossette]

@MettleSphee,

Thank you for keeping me posted.

Follow the steps in the below artilce to perform a BIOS rollback.

https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c02693833

Let me know how it goes and you have a great day!

If you wish to show appreciation for my efforts, mark my post as Accept as Solution. Your feedback counts!

Cheers!

[MettleSphee]

Here is what I said in my first post, as reattempting the steps there will do exactly as I said in my first post:
Manually adding the BIOS image and its signature images to the USB/Recovery Partition will not work as the BIOS replies 'Unable to open Signature File'.

I heard that there's an Emergency Recovery, so I tried that. Win+B, hold them, hold POWER for 3 seconds, with AC and External USB with BIOS image inserted, nothing. I get no output (beeps or BIOS Update Dialog), but the only thing I see is that the Caps Lock light flashes 2 times slowly, then makes a pause for 2 seconds, and repeats.

Absolutely no BEEPs or video output. Worst thing is that there is no documentation about this, not even in the user manuals given to me when I bought the product.

-MettleSphee

[The_Fossette]

@MettleSphee,

Thank you for keeping me posted.

I have sent you a private message, please follow the steps for further course of action.

Please check your private message icon in the upper right corner of your HP Forums profile.

Next, to your profile name, you should see a little blue envelope, please click on it.

If you wish to show appreciation for my efforts, mark my post as Accept as Solution. Your feedback counts!

Cheers!