Using HP Assistant for remote maintenance

[Mison2017]

Hello, what services need to be kept running for HP Support Assistant to report correctly. Clearly I am not going to keep HPSA logged in on all the user machines, just the one I use.

Any best practices for using HPSA in a corporate network will be gratefully received.

Cheers.

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@Mison2017 

Personal opinion...

This won't likely work as you expect (hope).

Discussion

Remote management is not an HP Support Assistant strongpoint. 

HPSA is not written for deploying software to remote machines.

HPSA is a consumer grade software intended to be used on the local device for the purpose of monitoring and updating locally installed HP software and drivers on the local machine (where you are logged in).

HP computers out on the same network can be added to "My Devices".  These "extra" devices can be monitored but not updated. 

The monitoring data for the added machines might be accurate - or it might the case that you see a list of updates for the remote machine, log into that machine, run HPSA locally on that machine - and get back a different or empty list (for example, no updates needed).

HPSA can be used on both consumer grade and commercial grade computers.

However...

Commercial grade update and software deployment software (mentioned later this message) cannot be used on consumer grade computers.

For a corporate network, you need software written for the purpose of remote monitoring and deployment.

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

Personal Observation

Reminder – Manually Update the BIOS

NOTES

1. The suggestion to always manually install BIOS updates is based on my experience. 
2. If you do not agree with this assessment, simply ignore the suggestion.

HP Documents – How to Update the BIOS

   HP Notebook PCs - Updating the BIOS (Basic Input Output System)

   HP Desktop PCs - Updating the BIOS (Basic Input Output System)

How to install BIOS Updates:

Always connect the computer to AC Power and leave the power connected during the entire BIOS update procedure.

Select the option to manually install the BIOS update.

Open HPSA Software

Settings > Set to “Notify” as opposed to “Auto-Update”

Save Changes > Restart the computer and log in

Open HPSA

Check for Updates > Use the list to determine candidates for update

• Click on each update in the list to see a short description of that package
• If BIOS is offered, simply set to “ignore” or otherwise remove this update from list of potential updates
• If desired:  Install other HP software and updates using HPSA or manually install those updates

Check Current BIOS version

Control Panel > icon view > Administrative Tools > System Information

System Summary - Check the information next to BIOS Version / Date 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Corporate / Business Class machines and environment

If your computers are business grade / business class computers,

Consider SSM.

Local management of business / commercial grade machines can be handled using HPIA.

Older business / commercial grade machines can be handled using SDM.

Definitions, how-to, and information follows...

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

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

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

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

Open Support Home

Enter the name of your device

Thank you for participating in the HP Community Forum.

We are a world community of volunteers dedicated to supporting HP technology

[TryToDoMybest]

Hello

in a corporate environment , HP provided several solutions:

1. HP Image Assistant. you can keep drivers updated in several ways
2. if you use SCCM , then you can add HP MIK Server and HP MIK Client
3. HP created for Windows Powershell the HP Client management Script library

You can find more information, software and user's guide here:

https://www8.hp.com/us/en/ads/clientmanagement/overview.html#overview

bye