HP xw4600 Workstation System BIOS 4.00 Rev.a

This package contains the System BIOS image (BIOS Family 786F3) and local and remote BIOS flash utilities for the HP xw4600 Workstation. These utilities can be used to restore or update the System BIOS. System BIOS is operating system independent.

NOTE: To determine the BIOS family and BIOS date, press F10 on the target workstation during Power On to run the Computer Setup Utility, and then select File/System Information. This information can be saved into a text file on a diskette or on a USB flash media device by selecting File/Save to Diskette. In order for a USB flash media device to be recognized by the workstation, the device must be attached before the workstation is Powered On.

ENHANCEMENTS:

The following enhancements have been added to BIOS version 01.17 since version 01.16 (SP42895) was released:
- Ensures that all write-once registers are locked.
- Adds an option called "EUP Compliance" to the Computer Setup Utility (F10). When enabled, this option minimizes power consumption while the workstation is powered off. It does this by disabling the integrated network controller and internal speaker as the workstation is shutting down. They are automatically re-enabled when the workstation is powered on again. When "EUP Compliance" is enabled, the workstation is not able to emit a beep code to indicate a failed or missing CPU, also, Wake-on-LAN is not available.

FIXES:

The following fixes have been made in BIOS version 01.17 since version 01.16 (SP42895) was released:
- Corrects an issue that occurs when attempting to restore the Selectable Security Level from the Replicated Setup menu in the Computer Setup Utility (F10).

PREREQUISITES:
None

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS:

This SoftPaq includes the following methods for changing the BIOS version:
- Use HPQFlash to upgrade the BIOS directly in a Microsoft Windows or Microsoft Windows Vista environment.
- Use the utilities in this package to flash the BIOS in a DOS environment from bootable media.
- Use the ROM images in this package with the Computer Setup Utility (F10) to flash the BIOS from a USB flash drive, diskette, or CD-ROM drive.

This package can be used with System Software Manager (SSM), HP Client Management Solution (HPCMS), or preboot execution environment (PXE) management software for remote updating of the BIOS.

WARNING: DO NOT TURN OFF POWER OR ATTEMPT TO REBOOT THE COMPUTER DURING THE UPGRADE PROCESS!

1. Download the file by clicking the "Download" or "Obtain Software" button and saving the file to a folder on your hard drive (make a note of the folder where the downloaded file is saved).

2. Double-click the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to update the System BIOS.

NOTE:

If remote flashing is required, see the remote utility documentation for instructions about creating a Remote ROM Flash job to flash the System ROM on target workstations on the network.

About OS Independent BIOS:

Although installing a newer BIOS version might add new features, update various components, or improve the device's usability, this process is very risky, so the upgrade is recommended to be performed only when it is really needed.

In addition to that, this task should be performed by someone who has the knowledge to successfully complete the installation; regular users may fulfill it at their own risk.

When it comes to applying a new version without taking into account the computer's operating system, the most commonly used method to flash the BIOS is by creating a bootable USB or CD containing the update file, and running it from DOS.

Still, regardless of the method used or whether the upgrade is performed by a regular or power user, it's recommended that the new BIOS be applied in a steady power environment such as the one ensured by a UPS unit.

The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is a very important software that loads the currently installed OS, and tests all of the system's hardware components – so make sure you flash it correctly.

Bear in mind that failing to perform a successful installation could seriously damage your device, and the faulty BIOS resulted from the process might even render it unusable.

So, if this release includes useful changes, hit the download button, get the package, and update your BIOS version. Otherwise, check with our website as often as possible, so that you don't miss the release that you need.