SSD firmware does not install

[george_x]

Hello,

I download the firmware for the SSD Intel/Solidigm ssddpeknu512gzh from this url https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/swdetails/hp-pavilion-aero-13-laptop-pc-13-be2000/model/2101525...

Running the downloaded sp155903.exe file, the contents are extracted on c:\swsetup\sp155903\ and then nothing happens.

I tried running all runnable files inside the directory, but nothing happens, no message no anything. HPUP.exe, "sofu_1.9 Build 1_EH-HPS4.exe", setup.cmd do nothing, no prompts, no messages.

I have some lock ups and crashes with the laptop, and since this update mentions "Improves include SSD stability" I would like to install it. All other hp updates, firmware and windows updates are installed.

[Garp_senchau]

@george_x, Welcome to HP Support Community,

Thank you for posting your query; I’m here to help by guiding you through steps to resolve this issue

Confirm the SSD model in BIOS

Restart the laptop and press F10 to enter BIOS.
Check under Storage / System Information to confirm the installed SSD is exactly Intel/Solidigm SSDPEKNU512GZH.
If the drive is a different model, the firmware tool will exit silently with no message.

Run the firmware update as Administrator

Right-click SP155903.exe → Run as administrator.
Allow the extraction to finish.
Once extracted, right-click HPUP.exe inside the folder → Run as administrator.
If the SSD does not match the supported hardware ID, HPUP will close with no prompt.

Disable BitLocker before firmware updates

Search Windows for Manage BitLocker.
Turn BitLocker Off for the system drive.
Reboot the system and run HPUP.exe again.
BitLocker can block firmware flashing without showing an error.

Perform a cold boot before running the update

Shut down the laptop completely.
Disconnect AC power.
Hold the power button for 15 seconds.
Power on again and retry the update.
This clears the NVMe controller state and allows HP’s firmware updater to detect the drive correctly.

Update the BIOS first

Install the latest BIOS for your Pavilion Aero 13-be2000.
Restart the laptop after installation.
Retry running HPUP.exe.
Some firmware update packages require the storage controller version from the newest BIOS.

Run the command-line installer manually

Open Command Prompt (Admin).
Navigate to the extracted folder using:

cd C:\SWSetup\SP155903

Then run:

setup.cmd

If the SSD is supported, this will begin the firmware flash.
If unsupported, the script exits quietly — which confirms the updater does not detect a compatible Intel/Solidigm device.

I hope this helps.

Please feel free to reply here if you have any questions or if you need further clarification on any of the steps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!

Regards,

[jamesjack1]

Your SSD firmware (Intel/Solidigm ssddpeknu512gzh) extracts to C:\SWSetup\sp155903 but files like HPUP.exe and setup.cmd run silently with no output—normal for HP tools, but it skips if conditions aren't met (e.g., wrong SSD detected or locked). This fixes crashes/lockups by forcing install. Laptop plugged in, battery >50%, close all apps. Takes 10-20 mins.

1. Run as Admin (Basic Fix) Right-click HPUP.exe (in the extracted folder) → "Run as administrator". Wait 1-2 mins (no window = good). Restart laptop. Check if updated: Open Task Manager → Performance → Disk (or search "msinfo32" → Components → Storage → your SSD model shows new firmware like "PFS0" or later).
2. Command Prompt Method (If Admin Fails) Search "cmd" → right-click → Run as administrator. Navigate: cd C:\SWSetup\sp155903 → Enter. Run: setup.cmd → Enter (or HPUP.exe -s for silent mode). Wait quietly, then restart. No errors? It's done.   https://siteauditx.com/
3. Safe Mode Install (If Still Silent/No Change) Restart → hold Shift → Troubleshoot → Advanced → Startup Settings → Restart → pick "4" for Safe Mode. In Safe Mode, repeat Step 2. Exit Safe Mode (restart normally). This bypasses Windows locks causing skips.
4. Verify & Retry (100% Check) After restart: Download CrystalDiskInfo (free tool) → run it → select your SSD → look at "Firmware" field (should update from old to new). If unchanged, repeat Step 2 in BIOS mode: Restart → F10 for BIOS → Exit → immediately run cmd as admin from boot (or **bleep** 1-800-474-6836 with model/serial—they remote-fix free under warranty).

[george_x]

Reply to Garp_senchau Thank you for your suggestions. None of the above worked.

Please check my answer further below.

[george_x]

Reply to jamesjack1 Thank you for your suggestions. I have done #1 & #2. I haven't tried safe mode yet, because I noticed the following when I tried to run sofu_1.9 Build 1_EH_HPS4.exe:

```

PS C:\Users\georg> cd C:\SWSetup\sp155903\
PS C:\SWSetup\sp155903> & '.\sofu_1.9 Build 1_EH_HPS4.exe'

- BTKA32110Q3L512A -

ModelNumber : INTEL SSDPEKNU512GZH
DevicePath : \\\\.\\PHYSICALDRIVE0
ProductFamily : Intel SSD 670P Series
Firmware : HPS1
SerialNumber : BTKA32110Q3L512A
Index : 0
DeviceStatus : Healthy

The selected drive contains current firmware as of this tool release.
PS C:\SWSetup\sp155903>

```

So, the software for the update to version HPS4, says that my version HPS1 is current!

[george_x]

Garp_senchau Could you provide a fix for this? Or a workaround?

Best Regards

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @george_x,

Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

We're here to help you tackle that malfunction! Don't worry, we've got your back! 

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We're looking forward to helping you resolve this issue! 

Stay tuned, and thanks for your patience! 

Best regards,

[george_x]

So, after contacting HP support, they had a look at my laptop (remote access) and did not manage to solve the problem with the firmware update. The only thing they tried actually, was running the setup program.

They said they have no other instances like the problem I have, so I am the only case. They would replace the ssd on my laptop if I was not out of warranty, because somεthing might be wrong with the disk (very unlikely, considering the nature of the problem). It's been 2 years and a few months since I bought the laptop and I have been trying to install the update since it came out, one year ago.

What I believe is that the setup program has a bug, and everyone else who has run it had they same result. But the program  does not display any warnings about it's failure, only if you run the sofu executable from a command prompt. You won't even notice that the ssd firmware was not updated, if you do not check afterwards. And HP Support Assistant program does not tell you that there are pending updates which you do not have (not even on drivers, let alone a firmware update).

The firmware update says it's about stability improvements, and I have a complete lockup of the laptop about once every month.  And between these lockups and a few BSOD's related to driver exceptions, who else is going to bother? That's why they have no other case (My work is IT / Systems Manager in the IT company I work for)

The best thing to do now is to buy another ssd and transfer the system to that. And see if the problem with the lockups is solved.

And I am very disappointed with HP support.