Reset CMOS in HP Stream Model 14 cb 172WM

[ShrewdOne]

The System recovery failed.  Unable to open Signature BIOS File,

[Max3Aj]

@ShrewdOne, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 
To reset the CMOS on your HP Stream 14-cb172wm, especially when you're facing issues like "System recovery failed. Unable to open Signature BIOS File," follow these steps carefully. This issue often occurs due to a corrupt BIOS or failed update.

🔧 Method 1: BIOS Hard Reset (CMOS Reset Without Battery Removal)

This model does not have a removable CMOS battery, so the reset has to be done using a keyboard shortcut:

1. Turn off the laptop completely.
2. Unplug the AC adapter.
3. Press and hold the Windows + B keys.
4. While holding those keys, press and hold the Power button for 3 to 5 seconds.
5. Release all keys and the power button.

➡️ If successful, the screen may stay black for about 30 seconds, then the BIOS recovery screen should appear. The system will attempt to load a working BIOS from a backup stored on the internal eMMC storage.

🛠️ If BIOS Recovery Screen Does Not Appear

If the system still says "Unable to open Signature BIOS File", the BIOS may be corrupted beyond what the built-in recovery can fix.

💡 Method 2: Create a BIOS Recovery USB (from another PC)

You’ll need access to another working Windows PC and a USB drive (at least 8GB).

✅ Step-by-step:

1. Go to the HP Drivers & Software page for 14-cb172wm.
2. Search for the latest BIOS version for your model (it may be listed under "BIOS" category).
3. Download the BIOS Update Utility (usually a .exe file).
4. Run the .exe on the working PC. Choose “Create Recovery USB Drive” when prompted.
5. Insert the USB into the faulty HP Stream.
6. Perform the BIOS recovery process again:

• Plug in AC power.
• Insert the BIOS recovery USB.
• Press and hold Windows + B then press and hold Power for 3-5 seconds.
• Release all.

➡️ The system should now attempt to recover using the USB.

🧠 Additional Tips

• Make sure the USB drive is formatted in FAT32.
• Try other key combos if Win + B doesn't work, like Win + V.
• Keep the AC adapter plugged in during the whole process.
• Don't interrupt power during BIOS recovery!

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support