Proper sequence to install drivers HP G70 Windows 7 and 32bit or 64bit

[Fuzzy42]

Thanks Paul,

Now I don't feel so bad for not being able to use the @name tag.

Do you have any clue as to why   IT_WinSec in his post said "Do not update BIOS."?

Usually that is wher everybody starts.

Thanks, Fred

[Paul_Tikkanen]

No problem, Fred.

Actually, I didn't know that only designated HP experts could use that feature, until you raised the question.  As I looked into it, I found that old post in what is known as the 'inner circle' part of the forum.

Updating the BIOS...there are two schools of thought on that one...the risk takers, and the conseratives.

Flashing the BIOS--especially when you can only flash the BIOS using a Windows based flash such as in the case of your model, carries risks of the BIOS flash not working.  There are no do-overs if a BIOS flash goes bad.

The risk takers throw caution to the wind, and flash the BIOS to the latest version if and when a BIOS update is released, without any regard to the inherent risks, and without regard to reading the release notes.  They consider it to be equivalent to a driver update.

No doubt that most of the time, they have no issues, but in some cases, a person isn't so lucky.

The conservatives will not update the BIOS under almost any circumstance.

So, here is my take on updating the BIOS in Windows...and some helpful tips on updating the BIOS with the least amount of risk of a bad flash.

1. Determine what BIOS version is installed in your PC.

2. Read the release notes for the current version, and all previous versions of the BIOS on your notebook's support page.  The release notes will tell you what the BIOS update does...fixes and enhancements.  By reading all that info, you will have the knowledge of what fixes and enhancements your BIOS has, and what fixes and enhancements it doesn't have.

3. Decide if you need to update the BIOS based on what the release notes state.

4. If you decide that your notebook would really benefit from the BIOS update, then here are some tips...

a. Make sure the battery is fully charged, and that you update the BIOS with the A/C adapter plugged in.

b. IMO, the best way to flash the BIOS in Windows, is to run it in Windows Safe Mode (WSM).

That is because WSM has the least amount of running processes that could interfere with the BIOS update.

c.  If you can't, or don't want to update the BIOS in WSM, then make sure you disable your antivirus program.  That is because some antivirus programs will interrupt a BIOS update, thinking that malware has infected your PC, and is writing malicious code to the BIOS.  If the antivirus stops the BIOS update, the game is over for your notebook.

I tend to agree with IT_WinSec in that you should not update the BIOS, unless it is absolutely necessary.

So, if you are a BIOS-flashing risk taker, at least you will be an educated one.

[Fuzzy42]

Hi Paul,

This is a pristine G70. I can not find any marks on it, the keys are totally clean, the palm rests are clean.  It looks as if it was never used. All the ad stickers are on the palm rest except the Windows Vista sticker. (I would remove that one myself)

As to risk taking, I am adverse to it.  To risk destroying a $110 computer is not a thing this ole guy will do, unless my wife finds something that doesn't work and desperately needs it.

But as you say you have given me extra information to prove that is the problem.

Anti-virus programs are a funny thing, they can kill you; not just make you sick. 🙂

Thanks again, Fred

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime, Fred.

Glad to have been of assistance.

Sounds like a great PC, and yes, it is best that if it isn't broke, don't fix it.