Setup Utility (BIOS)
Maintenance and Service Guide
5–5
Updating the BIOS
Updated versions of the BIOS may be available on the HP Web site.
Most BIOS updates on the HP Web site are packaged in compressed files called
SoftPaqs
.
Some download packages contain a file named Readme.txt, which contains information regarding installing and
troubleshooting the file.
Updating the BIOS
Determining the BIOS version
To determine whether available BIOS updates contain later BIOS versions than those currently installed on the
computer, you need to know the version of the system BIOS currently installed.
BIOS version information (also known as
ROM date
and
System BIOS
) can be displayed by pressing
fn+esc
(if you
are already in Windows) or by opening Setup Utility.
To use Setup Utility for displaying BIOS information:
1. Open Setup Utility by turning on or restarting the computer. While the “Press the ESC key for Startup Menu”
message is displayed in the lower-left corner of the screen, press
f10
.
2. If Setup Utility does not open with the system information displayed, use the arrow keys to select the
Main
menu.
When the Main menu is selected, BIOS and other system information is displayed.
3. To exit Setup Utility, use the arrow keys to select
Exit > Exit Discarding Changes
, and then press
enter
.
Downloading a BIOS update
Ä
CAUTION:
To prevent damage to the computer or an unsuccessful installation, download and install a BIOS update only when
the computer is connected to reliable external power using the AC adapter. Do not download or install a BIOS update while the
computer is running on battery power, docked in an optional docking device, or connected to an optional power source. During
the download and installation, follow these instructions:
■
Do not disconnect power from the computer by unplugging the power cord from the AC outlet.
■
Do not shut down the computer or initiate Sleep or Hibernation.
■
Do not insert, remove, connect, or disconnect any device, cable, or cord.
To download a BIOS update:
1. Access the page on the HP Web site that provides software for your computer:
Select
Start > Help and Support > Maintain
.
2. Follow the instructions on the screen to identify your computer and access the BIOS update you want
to download.
3. At the download area, follow these steps:
a. Identify the BIOS update that is later than the BIOS version currently installed on your computer. Make a
note of the date, name, or other identifier. You may need this information to locate the update later, after it
has been downloaded to your hard drive.
b. Follow the instructions on the screen to download your selection to the hard drive.
Make a note of the path to the location on your hard drive where the BIOS update will be downloaded.
You will need to access this path when you are ready to install the update.
✎
If you connect your computer to a network, consult the network administrator before installing any
software updates, especially system BIOS updates.
