UPDATES sent by HPSA

[TacoBoy]

Hello to you all,

HP send out updates for my PC and other devices, but how do you identify what is applicable to your PC and peripherals? In the past I have received updates that were obviously not applicable to my PC and HP consistently send updates for my printer that are not required.

Advice from a HP technical support person on the phone advised me to use the printer maintenance screen to seek any software/firmware update, as the printer is connected to the internet. As a result of this advice, when the HPSA sends suggested updates for my printer I interrogate the matter using the printer screen and on all occasions the printer screen always states that its software is up-to-date.

The whole issue of what updates for the PC and peripherals are required becomes a big guessing game unless you want to spend a lot of time on the phone.

My first question to the community, from Pondering Pedro.

[Dragon-Fur]

@TacoBoy 

Your SFF system is a business / commercial class computer.

You need not use HPSA - there are tools available to help you maintain and update your business class computer.

Both SDM (can be used for systems built before end of July 2019) and HPIA are able to manage and maintain your computer's software and drivers.  Both can also handle the fussy, prone to risk, BIOS Update, even when that update is mixed in with other updates.

Consider switching.

SDM is perhaps simpler to use - HPIA is a bit newer and provides a slightly updated GUI (looks pretty).

Business Class Software Update Managers

Client Management Solutions - Overview

HP Client Management Solutions support most HP commercial desktops, notebooks, and workstations.

Client Management Solutions – Manageability Tools

Available Tools and what they can do for you

Examples

Single System Management Software – HP Image Assistant

Many newer business (commercial) computers are supported in the HP Image Assistant management grade software. 

At this writing: If your computer was manufactured before the EOL date for the Software Download Manager, you can choose to use (or continue using) SDM.

HPIA Information and Download

Business Systems - Client Management Solutions (software management)

Scroll to the bottom of the Website for additional information and links.

HP Image Assistant is a free tool that aids IT Administrators improve the quality and security of their PC Windows image by diagnosing the image, identifying problems, recommending solutions, and analyzing their PC’s readiness for migration between Windows 7 and Windows 10.

HP Image Assistant can be downloaded at the HP Manageability website.

HP Image Assistant (HPIA)

From the Image Assistant Web page:

• HPIA User Guide
• HPIA Supported Platforms

Single System Management Software – Softpaq Download Manager

SDM (at this writing) still supports many business class systems manufactured prior to the software's EOL (End of Life) announcement. 

The SDM software is no longer listed in Client Management Solutions.

NOTICE:  The Download Library marks SDM as "EOL July 2019"

White Paper on the subject (document may or may not load - access appears to be temperamental).  If the file does not open, try copy/paste of the address into your browser address bar (URL).

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/caps-softpaq/cmit/whitepapers/SDM_EOL.pdf

Partial Excerpt of the SDM "End of Life" PDF file content:

Confidentiality
This document can be shared internally & externally.

Introduction
HP is retiring HP SoftPaq Download Manager (HP SDM) on July 31st, 2019, it will be replaced by HP Image Assistant.

break...

Except continues:

Will I be able to continue to use SDM?
Yes, SDM, will continue to work and have access to updates (SoftPaqs) for older
products launched before July 31st, 2019. SoftPaq Download Manager will not be tested
with new product launched after July 31st, 2019. HP recommends using HP Image
Assistant to access updates to new products.

SDM Download and Help

4.4.0

sp87158

04/20/2018

Windows (Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10)

sp87158.exe

sp87158.html

SDM How-to and Instructions:

HP Notebook PCs - Using HP SoftPaq Download Manager

Once the SDM software is installed, the Help document can be accessed within the software or on disk:

• Open SDM software, Click the Blue Question mark “?”in the upper left of the main SDM window.
• Open File Explorer > Navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\HP\HP SoftPaq Download Manager > Select language appropriate .chm file

If you can do so, it is time to migrate to the  HP Image Assistant

Multi-System Deployment - HP System Software Manager (HP SSM)

“The HP System Software Manager (SSM) is a utility that automatically detects and updates BIOS, device drivers, and management agent versions on your networked PCs.”

SSM – Download, Release Notes, User Guide link

=====================================================================

If you really want to stay with HPSA, consider

Start over with a fresh copy of the software...

• Completely uninstall the HP Support Assistant (including personal data in the HPSA) from Programs and Features
• Uninstall HP Support Solutions Framework from Programs and Features
• Restart the computer and log in
• Download / Save / Install new copy of the software from HP Support Assistant
• (HPSA reload will install the HP Support Solutions software)
• Restart the computer and log in

Will that work?  Perhaps.

Help and Troubleshooting for HPSA

READ:  Get help and Learn about the HPSA software

HP PCs - Using HP Support Assistant (Windows 10, 8, 7)

HP PCs - Troubleshooting HP Support Assistant - Windows 8.x and Windows 10

Reference and Resources – Places to find help, solve problems, and learn about your Device

Device Homepage

NOTE:  Content depends on device type and Operating System

Categories:  Alerts, Warranty Check, HP Drivers / Software and BIOS, How-to Videos, Bulletins/Notices, How-to Documents, Troubleshooting, User Guides / Manuals, Service and Maintenance Guide (Replacement Parts and Procedures), Product Information (Specifications), more

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

HP ProDesk 400 G5 Small Form Factor PC

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