Rom Flash - HP xw4300 Service And Technical Reference Manual

3.2.4 ROM Flash

The workstation comes with a programmable read-only memory (ROM), also known as flash memory. By establishing
a setup password in the Computer Setup (F10) Utility, you can protect the ROM from being unintentionally updated or
overwritten. This is important to ensure the operating integrity of the workstation. If you need or want to upgrade the
ROM, you can:
• Order an upgraded ROMPaq diskette from HP.
• Download the latest ROMPaq images from HP driver and support page: http://www.hp.com/support/files.
CAUTION: For maximum ROM protection, be sure to establish a setup password. The setup password prevents
unauthorized ROM upgrades. System Software Manager allows the system administrator to set the setup password on
one or more PCs simultaneously. For more information, visit http://www.hp.com/go/ssm.
CAUTION: The boot block jumper MUST NOT be installed during a ROM flash operation unless specified by HP.
Normally, the boot block jumper is completely removed or installed only on pin 2. Installing the boot block jumper
enables changing the boot block and defeats the FailSafe Boot Block ROM protection.
Remote ROM Flash
Remote ROM Flash allows the system administrator to safely upgrade the ROM on remote HP workstations directly from
the centralized network management console. Enabling the system administrator to perform this task remotely on
multiple workstations and personal computers results in a consistent deployment of and greater control over HP PC ROM
images over the network. It also results in greater productivity and lower total cost of ownership.
The workstation must be powered on to take advantage of Remote ROM Flash.
For more information on Remote ROM Flash, see the HP Client Manager Software or System Software Manager at
http://h18000.www1.hp.com/im/prodinfo.html.
HPQFlash
The HPQFlash utility is used to locally update or restore the system ROM on individual PCs through a Windows operating
system.
For more information on HPQFlash, visit
prompted.
FailSafe Boot Block ROM
The FailSafe Boot Block ROM allows for system recovery in the unlikely event of a ROM flash failure; for example, if a
power failure were to occur during a ROM upgrade. The Boot Block is a flash-protected section of the ROM that checks
for a valid system ROM flash when power to the system is turned on.
• If the system ROM is valid, the system starts normally.
If the system ROM fails the validation check, the FailSafe Boot Block ROM provides enough support to start the
•
system from a ROMPaq diskette, which will program the system ROM with a valid image.
NOTE: Some models also support recovery from a ROMPaq CD. ISO ROMPaq images are included with selected
models in the downloadable ROM softpaqs.
When the boot block detects an invalid system ROM, the system beeps and the power LED blinks RED eight times. A
Boot Block recovery mode message is displayed on the screen (some models).
To recover the system after it enters Boot Block recovery mode:
1. If there is a diskette in the diskette drive or a CD in the CD drive, remove the diskette and CD and turn off the
power.
2. Insert a ROMPaq diskette into the diskette drive or, if permitted on this workstation, a ROMPaq CD into the CD
drive.
3. Turn on the workstation.
If no ROMPaq diskette or ROMPaq CD is found, you will be prompted to insert one and restart the workstation.
If a setup password has been established, the Caps Lock light will turn on (on PS/2 keyboard only) and you will
be prompted to enter the password.
4. Enter the setup password.
If the system successfully starts from the diskette and successfully reprograms the ROM, then the three keyboard
lights will turn on. A rising tone series of beeps also signals successful completion.
5. Remove the diskette or CD and turn the power off.
http://www.hp.com/support/files and enter the name of the workstation when
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