How to Update a BIOS for a Compaq Deskpro EN

Unlike many laptops and desktops that include the BIOS update feature in the BIOS itself, the Compaq Deskpro EN series requires a separate application that must be downloaded and installed in order to update the computer’s BIOS. BIOS updates include any fixes to hardware that may have been made available by the manufacturer since the release of the original BIOS. HP makes the BIOS updater application, as well as BIOS updates, available free of charge on its website.

Things You'll Need

• Formatted blank floppy disk
• Internet access

Instructions

Download and Install the BIOS Updater

1. Open a web browser and navigate to the HP.com Compaq Deskpro EN BIOS update site (See Resources).

2. Locate and click the link to select the model of the machine to be updated.

3. Select the language to use for the update from the Language dropdown box.

4. Scroll down the page and click the link for the operating system used on the machine to be updated.

5. Click the “BIOS” link.

6. Click the “Download” button next to the link labeled “Business Desktops BIOS Utilities”. Click the link to view details about the BIOS download. The BIOS download will consist of the new BIOS, as well as the BIOS updater application.

7. Click the “Save File” button on the Download dialog box to save the file to the hard drive.

8. Double-click the downloaded EXE file to install the BIOS utility and set up the BIOS update.

Update/Flash the BIOS

1. Click the radio button to accept the Terms of Service for the BIOS update application, then click the “Next” button.

2. Insert the floppy disk, when prompted, then click “Next” to create the new BIOS flash (upgrade).

3. Click the “OK” button to finish replication of the BIOS settings, along with the upgrade, onto the floppy disk.

4. Reboot the computer, leaving the floppy disk in the drive. Do not power off the computer or interrupt the BIOS upgrade process.

5. Click “OK” when the notification dialog box appears that the BIOS flash is complete. The BIOS is now updated, or “flashed.”

Tips & Warnings

• HP strongly recommends that a backup image of the computer is made prior to updating, or flashing, the BIOS.

References

• Compaq: Whitepaper – Compaq BIOS for Deskpro, Workstation, iPAQ Desktop, and EVO Desktop/Workstation Products, Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
• HP: Business Desktops BIOS Utilities

Resources

• HP: Compaq Deskpro EN Desktop PC Series Drivers and Updates