latest BIOS update has 3 *.bin files, none of which match the System Board ID

[Yohane3-16]

I want to update the BIOS, and downloaded the latest (F.56 Rev.A 18.9 MB Dec 18, 2020) file available for the 15au123cl Pavilion (2017).  The bin files installed on the target USB were: 0820D.bin, 08209.bin, and 08217.bin.  The System Board ID is 8215.  I'm tempted to flash on the 08217.bin, but is it safe to do so?  

[tk_srq]

@Yohane3-16,

Are you trying to update BIOS from a BIOS update usb drive using Firmware Management on HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI? If so, there's a way to find your BIOS .bin file ID.

If not, tell me how you are trying to update BIOS?

[Yohane3-16]

Thank you!  Yes, I hope to be able to use the embedded software (power on, esc key tapping, f2 key) to update the BIOS.  You say there is a way to find the correct bin file.  Please guide me how to find the .bin file ID. TIA (BTW, I am running an unsupported OS, NetBSD, on the HP laptop.)

[tk_srq]

Click the link below and follow the step-by-step instructions in the accepted solution to find a correct .bin file ID.

Solved: Re: BIOS update problems - HP Support Community - 8653891

BIOS update takes place in the EFI environment outside of the OS, and you should be able to update BIOS once you find a correct .bin file.

[Yohane3-16]

Thank you.  Getting closer, but still not there yet.  I went into F2 Hardware Diagnostics UEFI, but there is no choice "Firmware Management."  The only choices are: Memory test, Hard drive check, Language and Exit.  The version is 1.17.0.0 - BIOS.  Do I have to update the diagnostics UEFI first?  If so, how is that done?

[tk_srq]

Your only option is to create a BIOS recovery usb drive and boot the system using the key press combination method (press Win+B keys then power button) to update BIOS from the recovery usb drive.

Click the link below and go to "3. Manually Recover the BIOS" then expand "Recover the BIOS Using a USB Recovery Drive" for step-by-step instructions for how to update BIOS.

HP Notebook PCs - Recovering the BIOS (Basic Input Output System) | HP® Support

BIOS update takes place in the efi environment outside of the OS. This method doesn't guarantee success. Since your OS is NetBSD, this is an only option you have.

[Yohane3-16]

I tried the key combination method.  I get to a message that says to insert the recovery usb, but whether thr usb is already inserted or I put it in after the message, the machine boots NetBSD on the hard disk.

Just to confirm: this means there is no way for me to update the BIOS short of replacing the hard disk to one with Windows installed.  If so, please mark this thread as closed.

THANK YOU very much to continue with this thread until the end.  Really, thank you!

[tk_srq]

Hey, sorry it didn't work.

If you have Windows, you can update BIOS from within Windows, but If you have the other OS such as Linux or your OS, you can still update BIOS using the method I described.

If you used a latest BIOS version, try a few older versions.