BIOS confusion after update and Intel Management Engine failure

[jtitor]

Hi everyone!

I recently tried to update my BIOS firmware through Windows Update. The update process didn't get through and got stuck on a blank screen for a few hours, after which I forcibly shut down my EliteBook. Since then, I unfortunately stumbled on MANY issues: 

• I receive messages every few days about my laptop having to reset the Intel Management Engine Firmware after some sorta failure
• In device manager, the BIOS version is displayed as being the version 1.21.0.0 but in the BIOS, its still on 1.19.0.0
• I cannot re-attempt any updates, either by USB or through the regular Windows Update nor manual .exe channels

How should I proceed? Should I simply try to reinstall the version 1.19.0.0? or the version 1.18.0.0?

Here's a few pictures I got from everything, in the hope it might help yall. 

[zoey7886]

@jtitor, Welcome to the HP Support Community!  

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding BIOS and Intel Management Engine Issues After Update! 

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

It sounds like you're experiencing several issues after attempting to update your BIOS firmware on your EliteBook. Here's how you can troubleshoot and potentially resolve these problems:

Steps to Resolve BIOS Update Issues:

Understand the Issue:

• Begin by pinpointing the phase in which the failure occurs, for example, the boot-up sequence, POST, or performance issues.

Perform Visual Inspection:

• Check your device for any visible signs of wear or damage, such as a cracked screen, faulty connections, or liquid spills.

Update BIOS and Intel Management Engine Drivers:

• If possible, manually update the BIOS and drivers through HP's Setup Utility. Make sure all power adapters are connected and rely on HP’s proprietary tools like HP SoftPaq Download Manager for reliability in updates.

HP PC Hardware Diagnostics:

• Utilize the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) which helps in diagnosing hardware issues and can isolate hardware failures from software problems.

Start with a Hard Reset:

• Conduct a hard reset (force reset) to clear the computer's memory and reestablish connections between the BIOS and hardware. This can fix issues like unresponsive screens or devices.
• Instructions: Turn off your computer, remove external peripherals, unplug the AC adapter, disconnect the battery, hold the power button down for 15 seconds and then reconnect power.

Soft Reset BIOS Settings:

• If necessary, revert the BIOS to its default settings. This can be done by rebooting the system and accessing the Restore Defaults option in the BIOS menu.

Reseat Cables and Connections:

• Check for loose connections that may be causing issues. Resemble connections such as the battery, memory modules, and any other essential components.  

Hope this helps! 

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, Please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!  

Regards, 

[zoey7886]

@jtitor, let me know how it goes!

[jtitor]

Okay, 

so far, I've tried :

• The hard reset thing; as far as I can tell, the error I described happened again after.
• the HP Bios updating tools aka HP Setup Utility, to no avail. My screen remains dark for way too long, which forces me to hard reset it, and that's where BIOS resets itself again.
• I've ran a few diagnostics tests with the PC Hardware Diagnostics, even ran a RAM test, and so far no issue has been identified.
• I even tried removing the RAM sticks and putting back on, and it changed nothing, and because it also required me to disconnect the battery, I assume battery-wise its also okay.
• Also my laptop hasn't been damaged, as far as I can tell at least.
• I generally have only my USB-C Charging port connected to the power outlet, so I doubt USB devices are responsible for this. 

What I have yet to try:

• Resetting all BIOS settings back to factory defaults

To give a bit more details, this issue arises as soon as I start the computer; first some lights turn on the keyboard, then generally I receive this alert regarding the Intel Management Engine failure. Sometimes it just goes towards the BIOS recovery screen just at boot time. It happened twice this week so far. 

Thanks again for the help Zoey 🙂

[jtitor]

Okay, I've also reset my BIOS settings. My day went fine until I had to reboot for updates. Then the usual schmilblick happens.

[zoey7886]

@jtitor, thanks a ton for keeping us updated — I can imagine how frustrating it must feel when the laptop keeps pulling you back into that Intel ME error loop after every reboot.

Since the BIOS update got interrupted midway, it sounds like the firmware is stuck in a “half-way” state — Windows is seeing one version, while the BIOS itself still reports the older one. That mismatch is likely what’s tripping the Intel Management Engine resets.

Here’s what I’d suggest next:

BIOS Recovery via USB: Grab a clean USB stick, download the exact BIOS version for your EliteBook from HP’s support page, and use the HP BIOS Update and Recovery tool to create a recovery drive. Boot straight into the BIOS recovery environment (usually by pressing Win + B or Win + V at startup while holding the power button) and let the system flash the BIOS from there.

Stick with the stable version: Don’t try jumping versions just yet — start with the version your BIOS still recognizes (1.19.0.0). Once that installs cleanly, you can later retry moving forward if needed.

Clear CMOS if needed: If the problem persists, clearing the CMOS battery can sometimes help wipe out any “ghost” settings left over from the failed update.

Hope this helps! 

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, Please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!  

Regards, 

[jtitor]

Hello again, 

unfortunately, I can only download the latest version 1.21.00. Do you guys have archives of older BIOSes?

[jtitor]

Hello again Zoe, can you give me a link to some archive where I could download then older BIOS?