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Updating the BIOS (HP and Compaq Desktop PCs & Workstations)

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This document includes the steps for finding, downloading, and updating the BIOS or ROM (Rompaq) for your HP or Compaq PC.
NOTE: The term "Rompaq" refers to BIOS updates for Compaq Presario PCs prior to 2002.
Before you begin
The following tools and information are needed to perform the steps in this document:
  • Model number (located on the nameplate and/or on a sticker attached to the PC)
  • Pencil and paper
  • One blank floppy disk (required by some BIOS updates)
  • A printout of this document
  • An Internet connection
    NOTE: If your PC does not have an Internet connection, use another PC with an Internet connection to download the update and save it to removable media (like a floppy or CD).
Step 1: Find the current BIOS version number
To find the current BIOS version, follow the steps below:
  1. Restart the PC and enter the BIOS screen by pressing the F1 or F10 key at the first screen.
  2. Write down the BIOS revision number from the Main page. You will use this number to see if HP has a later version available.
    Figure 1: BIOS revision number
    BIOS Revision number
  3. To exit the BIOS setup screen, press F10 , select Yes , and then press the Enter key.
Step 2: Check the Drivers and Downloads page for BIOS or ROM updates
  1. Go to Drivers and Downloads , enter the model of the PC (for example, Presario 5002US or Pavilion a518d), and click the download graphic .
  2. Click the link for the PC Operating System (like Windows XP).
  3. Try to find the BIOS update listed under the heading, BIOS , BIOS- System , or RomPaq .
    Figure 2: Example of a BIOS download on HP.com
    • If a BIOS update is not listed, HP does not have a BIOS update posted for your PC at this time.
    • If there are several BIOS updates available for different motherboard names, you need to find out what motherboard is installed in your PC. This can be done by turning off the power to the PC, removing the side panel, and reading the name that is printed on the motherboard. The name of your motherboard should match or be similar to the name of the download link.
    • If a BIOS update is listed, proceed to the next step to download and install the BIOS update.
Step 3: Download and install the BIOS update
Click the download link. The instructions for downloading and installing BIOS updates vary. For most PCs with Windows XP, download the file, open it and follow the on-screen instructions. For many PCs before Windows XP, save the downloaded file to the hard drive, insert a formatted disk, open the downloaded file to copy the BIOS files to the disk, and then restart the computer with the disk still in the drive. The instructions on the download page may be different so carefully read and follow the instructions on the download page and in the installation setup screens.
If a 251 or CMOS Checksum error occurs after installing the BIOS update, perform the following steps:
  1. Restart the PC and enter the BIOS screen by pressing the F1 or F10 key at the first screen.
  2. Press the F5 key to load the default BIOS configuration.
  3. Select YES by using the arrow keys, and then press Enter .
  4. Press the F10 key to save the settings and exit.
  5. Select YES by using the arrow keys, and then press Enter .
When the BIOS update is complete, the new BIOS revision number is updated on the Main BIOS screen.


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