BIOS update fails silently

[dforemsky]

I tried to update my HP ZBook 15 G5 BIOS to version 1.09 from version 1.08. The install completed in Windows, then I was prompted to reboot to finish the install. After rebooting, the BIOS install continued, but actually ended up downgrading me to version 1.04.05 from last year.

All subsequent attempts at trying to install version 1.08 or 1.09 seem to complete on the windows side, but after reboot, the same version 1.04.05 remains on the computer.

During the flash of the BIOS (after reboot), the BIOS installation seems to complete on a screen that says "Updating BIOS 01.04.05. The next screen then says "Updating Intel Management Engine Firmware from 12.0.39.1431 to version 12.0.7.1122". This process only gets to 50% before going to a black screen and rebooting the PC.

Any thoughts on how to get back to at least version 1.08?

[IT_WinSec]

BIOS update or BIOS change is similar to performing cardio or brain surgery - it is dangerous.

Since it has failed once, I would recommend you leave it like that. You will be thankful eventually, I think.

• Personally, I do not recommend you try to update it unless you experience some serious PC issues with your existing BIOS and you are sure that the new BIOS will fix it.

General recommendation I provide to users/customers is NOT to upgrade BIOS/UEFI unless they experience any kind of specific BIOS/UEFI issue. Updating just for updating and just for using the latest version is not solution. Any kind of update (no matter for what and who released it) can fix 2 issues but may introduce 10 more issues. Additionally, upgrading the BIOS (for any vendor) poses more risks because BIOS recovery is not that easy as compared to typical software updates IF something goes wrong.

Same applies for Windows Updates, OS update, drivers updates, etc - upgrade/update IF you have issues which you know are fixed in the newer version or for some severe security issues. Otherwise, keep the existing version as long as possible.

And an extra option on this >> https://www.howtogeek.com/136881/htg-explains-do-you-need-to-update-your-computers-bios/

[Retiredmseop]

I agree with IT_WinSec, playing around with the BIOS can be catastrophic if you are not knowledgeable. When I received my new Pavilion and booted it up and completed the first time use, it then started doing updates. Part of the update was a new BIOS Version. As this was being done by HP Updates I felt that it should be ok. Well unfortunately it was not. Half way through the update it suddenly rebooted and that was it, it would not power back on. Always had an error. Spent about an hour on the phone with HP doing this and that but nothing worked. As it was brand new, under warranty etc, they had me ship it back to them for repair. That was, in all my years of dealing and owning HP Products, the worst experience ever. They kept sending return packaging to some weird address, now I had just bought it and it was delivered to the correct address but anyway that was my sad story.

Bottom line, BIOS updates usually do not do you any good unless you are having problems. Stick with the version that is working.

[dforemsky · Accepted solution]

For future reference, the workaround was to shut the laptop down, disconnect it from the dock, and plug the network cable directly into the laptop. Reboot into the BIOS by tapping F10, and go to the BIOS update menu. From the BIOS update menu, choose the option to download the update directly from HP and let it do its stuff (three or four different things ultimately got updated. Be patient.). This got me up to version 1.09.

The disadvantage of this is that there no way to specify a different (earlier) version of the BIOS, just whatever is current on HP's servers. The upside is that I have never seen this kind of option in the BIOS before.

No thanks to those of you whose solution was "don't do that". I know it might be helpful to somebody searching, but it is NOT helpful when the BIOS update is already borked, and we're just trying to find an answer.

[Retiredmseop]

Oh wow, thanks for the no thanks. I suppose I will refrain from offering any further notes, suggestions or advise from this point on at this forum, thanks for your support and understanding anyway...