Assistance with Creating Bootable USB Drive for BIOS and Firmware Update

[Clemany111]

Hello, I'm reaching out for assistance with a BIOS update and firmware update for my old HP desktop computer. I've downloaded the update files from HP's website, but I'm having trouble creating a bootable USB drive.

"I've tried using Rufus and Balena Etcher, but both tools are giving me an error message saying that the software update has no bootable image and that the image does not appear to contain a partition table.

"I'd greatly appreciate any guidance on how to properly create a bootable USB drive for these updates or if there's an alternative method I can use.

[zoey7886]

@Clemany111, Welcome to the HP Support Community!  

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding Booting USB Drive for BIOS! 

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.  

Here’s how you can resolve this issue and successfully update the BIOS and firmware on your HP desktop:

Check the Update File Format

HP BIOS updates usually come in .exe format, which is designed to run within Windows rather than from a bootable USB. You should verify the file type:

• If it’s an .exe file, it may not be a bootable ISO. Instead, try running it directly from Windows.
• If it’s an .bin or .fd file, then you might need to manually create a bootable USB.

Use HP's Built-in BIOS Update Utility

• If Windows is still functional, try running the .exe file you downloaded.
• It may provide an option to update BIOS from Windows or create a BIOS recovery USB drive.
• If this option is available, follow the on-screen instructions.

Create a Bootable USB Using HP BIOS Utility

HP provides its own tool for creating a bootable USB for BIOS updates:

• Open the downloaded BIOS update .exe file.
• Look for an option that says "Create a bootable USB drive" or "Copy BIOS image to USB".
• If available, insert a USB drive and follow the prompts.

Use HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI

If your HP desktop supports it:

• Restart your PC and press F2 to enter HP PC Hardware Diagnostics.
• Look for the Firmware Management or BIOS Management section.
• Select "BIOS Update" and follow the steps to update from USB.

Alternative USB Creation (If HP Tool is Unavailable)

If your update file is an ISO, use Rufus with the following settings:

• Partition Scheme: MBR
• File System: FAT32
• Boot Mode: BIOS (not UEFI)
• Load the ISO and create the bootable USB.

If None of These Work

• Let me know your exact HP desktop model so I can provide more precise instructions.
• If Windows is functional, updating BIOS from Windows is the safest method.
• Some HP desktops support BIOS update via F10 Setup, which you can check by restarting and pressing F10 to enter the BIOS menu.  

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

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Regards,