Rom Flash; Boot Block Emergency Recovery Mode - HP dx2308 - Microtower PC Service & Reference Manual

ROM Flash

The computer's BIOS is stored in a programmable flash ROM (read only 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 computer. Should you need or
want to upgrade the BIOS, you may download the latest BIOS images from the HP driver and support
page, http:///www.hp.com/support/files.
CAUTION:
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.

Boot Block Emergency Recovery Mode

Boot Block Emergency Recovery Mode permits system recovery in the unlikely event of a ROM flash failure.
For example, if a power failure were to occur during a BIOS upgrade, the ROM flash would be incomplete.
This would render the system BIOS unusable. The Boot Block is a flash-protected section of the ROM that
contains code that checks for a valid system BIOS image when the system is turned on.
If the system BIOS image is valid, the system starts normally.
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If the system BIOS image is not valid, a failsafe Boot Block BIOS provides enough support to
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search removable media for BIOS image files. If an appropriate BIOS image file is found, it is
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automatically flashed into the ROM.
start the system from bootable removable media that automatically invokes system BIOS
●
upgrade utilities.
When an invalid system BIOS image is detected, the system power LED will blink red 8 times, one blink
every second. Simultaneously, the speaker will beep 8 times. If the portion of the system ROM containing
the video option ROM image is not corrupt, Boot Block Emergency Recovery Mode will be
displayed on the screen.
To recover the system after it enters Boot Block Emergency Recovery Mode, complete the following steps:
Turn off the power.
1.
Insert a diskette, CD, or USB flash device containing the desired BIOS image file in the root directory.
2.
Turn on the computer.
3.
If no appropriate BIOS image file is found, the failsafe Boot Block BIOS will attempt to start the system
from a bootable device. If no bootable device is found, you will be prompted to insert media
containing a BIOS image file or BIOS upgrade utility.
If the system successfully reprograms the ROM, the system will automatically power off.
Remove the removable media used to upgrade the BIOS.
4.
Turn the power on to restart the computer.
5.
ENWW
For maximum ROM protection, be sure to establish a setup password. The setup
NOTE: The media must be formatted using the FAT12, FAT16, or FAT32 file system.
ROM Flash 21