Bios update

[kzapar]

Hi,
Is this BIOS F46 also compatible with the dv7 3000 series ?
(I still own a 3080ef and a 3125ef equipped with Core i7 processors.)
Thanks in advance.

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

BIOS version F.46 is not supported for the dv7-3xxx notebooks with Intel processors.

Below are the info and exe file links to the last BIOS update HP released for the dv7-3xxx notebooks with Intel processors (F.1D):

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp50501-51000/sp50586.html 

https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp50501-51000/sp50586.exe 

[kzapar]

Hi,

Thanks again for the quick reply!
My ancient DV7s are getting a new lease on life 🙂

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

If you are running Windows 10 on your dv7-3xxx's make sure that you have them enrolled in Microsoft's extended security support which will cover them through October of 2027.

Windows 10 Extended Security Updates | Microsoft Windows

Your dv7-3xxx since they have Intel 1st gen core processors can also run Windows 11, even though they don't meet Microsoft's minimum W11 hardware requirements.

If you are interested in doing an in-place upgrade from W10>W11, watch this video for an easy way to to that.

How to Install Windows 11 25H2 on Unsupported PCs (New Easiest Method)

Your older dv7-2000 can't run W11 because the Pentium processors do not support SSE 4.2.

[kzapar]

Hi :

Thanks for the info on workarounds for the installation issues 🙂
My two 3000-series machines are already dual-booting Windows 11 and Fedora 44 (thanks, GitHub!  🙂  )  
My 2000-series unit will be set up to boot Fedora only; since it's a machine for leisure use, it’s still got plenty of life left in it !
Right now, it’s running a Core Duo, but I want to update the BIOS so I can install a Core Quad.
To flash the BIOS, I’m thinking of using a Windows seven USB drive to run the InsydeFlash utilities instead of a FreeDOS drive—what do you think ?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome. 

Yes, you would have to flash the BIOS in Windows because that is the only way that I know of to do the update with. 

You can't make a BIOS USB recovery drive with those BIOS files.

[kzapar]

Hi:

I found a Post-it note, folded in quarters, that I had hidden under the hard drive of my DV7 when I bought it back in 2009:

"InsydeBIOS Emergency Recovery Mode (Crisis Recovery)"

These HP Pavilion dv7 models feature a hardware-based emergency recovery procedure built into the BIOS that requires no operating system:
Format a small USB flash drive to FAT32.
Copy the extracted .fd file to the root of the drive (in some cases, you need to create a copy of the file and name it HPBIOS.FD or 3621.FD).
Shut down the PC completely and plug in the power cable.
Hold down the Windows + B (or Esc + B) keys, then press the Power button for 3 seconds while keeping those keys held down.
The PC will start up with a black screen, the indicator lights will flash, and the fan will run at full speed; the motherboard will flash the BIOS directly from the USB drive in about 2 minutes before beeping and restarting.
Safety reminder: Always perform the BIOS update with the computer plugged into mains power and with a fully charged battery inserted (at least 30% charge).

Thanks again for all the great advice!