Compaq dc7900 BIOS Flash Q&A White Paper - Page 1

BIOS Flash Q&A Updated June, 2008 Table of Contents Introduction...2 What are the files and directories in a BIOS softpaq 2 In what operating systems can I update the PC BIOS 4 Will I lose my setup configurations when updating the BIOS 4 How do I update my PC BIOS in Vista, Windows XP, or 2000 4 How do I update the BIOS in a DOS environment 4 How do I update the BIOS when not running Vista, Windows XP, 2000, or DOS 5 What are the steps necessary to execute the HPQFlash utility 8 What are the steps necessary to execute the HPQPwsd utility 10 What are the steps necessary to create a bootable floppy for BIOS update 11 What are the steps necessary to create a bootable CD for BIOS update 11 What are the steps necessary to create the BIOS image CD for F10 ROM flash and recovery 12 What are the steps necessary to create a bootable USB flash media (DOK) for BIOS update 12 What are the steps necessary to use SSM for BIOS update 13 What are the steps necessary to use Altiris for BIOS update 13 What if the PC does not complete the BIOS flash process 15 What is a processor microcode update softpaq and how is it used 16 How can a processor microcode update be executed in Windows 16 What does the BIOS binary image naming convention indicate 16 Can the BIOS POST splash screen be modified 16 How do I update the ME firmware in Vista, Windows XP, or Windows 2000 17 How do I update the ME firmware in a DOS environment 18 What are the steps necessary to use Altiris for ME firmware update 18 What if the ME firmware does not complete the update process 20 Can the ME firmware be restored to a previous version after updating 20 Summary ...20 Appendix A - Modifying a DOS boot diskette for Flashbin.exe 20 For More Information ...22 1