The latest BIOS firmware enhancement for the HP ProBook 455 G7, released in May 2024, is instigating chaos among its users, with numerous individuals voicing their difficulties on the HP Support forum after performing the update.
While we await a formal pronouncement from HP, the preliminary data infers that owners of devices no longer covered by a warranty may face the financial onus of hardware replacement. The ProBook, launched in 2020 and widely utilized in the corporate domain as well as by private consumers, has seen many of its units surpass their warranty coverage period.
Quick Fact: There are multiple ways to perform a BIOS update, including through Windows Update, proprietary support software, or manually, which could lead to improved functionality, new capabilities, and bug resolutions.
An individual using the handle ProBookUser61 initially disclosed their problem on May 26th, 2024, when their laptop exhibited a lack of response, a dark screen, and an abnormally loud fan sound post-update.
Tries at accessing the BIOS configuration were met with failure. ProBookUser61 theorized that the issue arose because the BIOS update was too large for the BIOS chip and didn’t meet UEFI BIOS standards, indicating a corrupted update file.
Following this, a slew of other users chimed in with grievances, some related to BIOS versions downloaded right from HP’s website and others via automatic Windows Update. In either scenario, the result was a ProBook that ceased to function.
In the absence of an update from HP on the discussion board, patrons are left without explicit guidance. Those who have contacted HP support for assistance have been given estimates of up to €400 for motherboard replacements for devices not protected by a warranty.
Concluding Thoughts
The ongoing issue casts doubt on HP’s verification processes before release, illustrating a possible oversight in confirming that the BIOS update was adequately vetted on ProBook models. With elementary oversights such as incorrect update size and format, it’s evident that there was a lapse in the verification phase.
The protracted silence from HP has plunged their customer base into perplexity and dissatisfaction. Mistrust may swiftly drive patrons to seek alternatives.
Pro Tip: Addressing the mishaps you’re responsible for is crucial for preserving trust.
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