Another reason to update those laptop BIOS's

[NYJimbo]

Just finished working on a 'HP DV5z-1000 CTO' and as usual I looked at the laptops current BIOS and then checked the latest on the manufacturers website. Sure enough this machine was about 10 (TEN!) revisions behind. The machine is stable but the customer was reporting some occasional weird after-hibernation issues and the later revs of this BIOS address that. However this is not the reason for my post. I noticed the latest rev of the BIOS (F.38) does this:

Fix/Enhancement: Activates the hard drive security freeze lock feature during the Power-On Self Test (POST), which helps to prevent malware or third-party software from locking the hard drive without authorization after POST.​

So it appears that this is/was a big enough issue to release a whole BIOS upgrade. I flashed them with the latest rev and its working fine.

Just wanted to note that there are more and more reasons to check your clients laptops BIOS revs, even if the machine is stable. You don't always have to flash them if the changes are just enhancements for addons or things like faster CPU's, but this one seems like a good idea.

 

[commodore64]

I totally agree here, especially since bios updates can mostly be done with a download now....hated the days of floppy bios updates. I've really noticed this with dell too, they seem to do more bios updates than others, or I'm just working on alot of dells lately...lol. The other good reason is that since bios updates have gone to an easier download format, I haven't had one issue that I can remember with doing a bios update.

 

[inspektabrain]

I have to admit that I don't always check for BIOS updates, but this sounds like a good reason to get back in the habit. Going to add it to my Tune-up list right now!! +1 NYJimbo.

 

[richr]

I always check the bios specially if its a HP/Compaq laptop with GPU problems.


Only problem was one of my refurbished laptops I sell after the bios update from Toshiba the bios update had a password attached to it (Search on net found was a common problem) lucky all I had to do was remove cmos battery bridge two traces to reset the password.

So now before I do a bios update i do a quick google on the latest update to see if anyone had any problems.

 

[xxsilk109xx]

Great suggestion, thanks for the tip!

 

[Laimbo]

I tend to leave be if it's working.. Don't fix it if it aint broke sorta thing, the risk of something going wrong seems like more than its worth. But you raise a very valid point here and I will be checking from now on. Another example is the BIOS problem with the Acer aspire one netbooks which prevents it from starting and stops the battery charging (all fixed with a bios update). I am also getting in the habit of making sure SMART is turned on in the bios when I finish a PC.

 

[KompuKare]

I am also getting in the habit of making sure SMART is turned on in the bios when I finish a PC.

Yes, I am amazed that most BIOSes default to SMART off. I know SMART isn't that clever (had to avoid the obvious pun there) but it's better than nothing.

Having had flashing failures in the past, I'm a bit reluctant to just update BIOSes without good reason. (Although these days with Windows flashers at least if flashing reports an error you have a chance to re-flash.)

But yes, I must get into the habit of at least reading any release notes for new BIOS revisions.

 

[DCGPX]

Yes, I am amazed that most BIOSes default to SMART off. I know SMART isn't that clever (had to avoid the obvious pun there) but it's better than nothing.

Having had flashing failures in the past, I'm a bit reluctant to just update BIOSes without good reason. (Although these days with Windows flashers at least if flashing reports an error you have a chance to re-flash.)

But yes, I must get into the habit of at least reading any release notes for new BIOS revisions.

I'm wary as well of updating due to failed flashes, very rare I'll admit.

I now ask for very explicit permission to go ahead, explaining risks.

That said most flashes have a 'backup option' but until I have very valid reason to update then I leave alone simply pointing out an update is available.

 

[NYJimbo]

That said most flashes have a 'backup option' but until I have very valid reason to update then I leave alone simply pointing out an update is available.

I really like the new trend in computers where there is some failsafe on BIOS flashing. Many recent computers have some combination of keystrokes which will make the machine read a USB stick and force a flash, even on a TOTALLY dead machine. Some also have a DVD or CD which will autoboot and flash the BIOS even if its dead.

 

[vdub12]

depending on the job I am doing I don't update the BIOS. Some systems I will it all depends.

However, If something goes wrong while flashing the BIOS and the customer did not specifically ask me to I could be liable. Thats one main reason that I will only do it if I have to.

 

[DCGPX]

So it appears that this is/was a big enough issue to release a whole BIOS upgrade. I flashed them with the latest rev and its working fine.

Just wanted to note that there are more and more reasons to check your clients laptops BIOS revs, even if the machine is stable. You don't always have to flash them if the changes are just enhancements for addons or things like faster CPU's, but this one seems like a good idea.

NYJ - Have to ask, do you flash on your own initiative or at customers request?

What happens if MB fried? I flash my own stuff to keep up to date but customer?

 

[NYJimbo]

NYJ - Have to ask, do you flash on your own initiative or at customers request?

What happens if MB fried? I flash my own stuff to keep up to date but customer?

My own initiative, if I fry the machine its my problem.