Introduction; What Are The Files And Directories In A Bios Softpaq - HP dc7700 - Convertible Minitower PC White Paper

Introduction

This white paper outlines Hewlett-Packard business PC dc class BIOS flashing options beginning with the
2005 products (e.g. dc7600). The BIOS (Basic Input Output System) is the set of routines typically stored
in read-only memory that enable a computer to load the operating system and communicate with the var-
ious devices in the computer, such as storage drives, keyboard, monitor, printer, and communications
ports. As new processors, devices, and operating system features are made available, the BIOS must be
updated or flashed, in some situations, to take advantage. The BIOS can be updated or stored in several
methods. Users or administrators can choose the best method depending on the operating environment of
the computer(s). BIOS updates are available in a softpaq downloadable containing the BIOS image and
upgrade instructions for the various methods. Regardless of the BIOS flash method, business PC products
provide a high degree of upgrade reliability and offer failure safe recovery.
Starting with some 2006 products (e.g. dc7700), the biggest change is the integration of an embedded
Intel Management Engine (ME) which is used to provide Active Management Technology (AMT) or Alert
Standard Format (ASF) management modes. Some HP Business PC products will only offer ASF as config-
ured from the factory. AMT capable PC products will allow the user or administrator configuration of the
management mode. AMT provides remote access to a system regardless of the state of the operating sys-
tem or power state as long as the system is connected to a network. This ability to management a system
when it is not powered on and or fully operational is called Out-of-Band (OOB) management. ASF is a
subset of the monitoring features of AMT and does not offer the rich range of OOB management options.
ME is a hardware and firmware platform resident solution. BIOS update softpaq images for systems incor-
porating ME will contain a separate utility and binary for updating the ME firmware.
Another new feature for this product offering is the ability to update processor microcode patches through
HPQFlash in a Windows environment.
The remaining sections of this document attempts to ask about the typical BIOS flash scenarios and pro-
vide the BIOS softpaq answers to these questions.

What are the files and directories in a BIOS softpaq?

BIOS updates are delivered to customers through downloadable softpaqs. Softpaqs are self-executable
programs which contain the BIOS image files and utilities to allow the BIOS to be updated in various
manners. Regardless of the upgrade manner chosen by the user or administrator, HP business PC BIOS
provides flash recovery in the event of a BIOS flash failure. The softpaq is executed by selecting the file
SPXXXXX.exe, where XXXXX is a unique identification number assigned to each softpaq. The softpaq will
present the user with information about the softpaq contents, how to use the softpaq, and a brief explana-
tion as to the PC enhancements offered.
2