solution Contentsolution Content

HP EliteBook 820 G1 Notebook PC - BIOS Setup

Computer Setup (BIOS), MultiBoot, and HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) in Windows 8

Windows 8
Windows 7
SUSE Linux
Using Computer Setup
To start Computer Setup, follow these steps:
  1. Turn On or restart the computer, and then press esc while the Press the ESC key for Startup Menu message is displayed at the bottom of the screen.
  2. Press f10 to enter Computer Setup.
Navigating and selecting in Computer Setup
To navigate and select in Computer Setup, follow these steps:
  1. Turn On or restart the computer, and then press esc while the Press the ESC key for Startup Menu message is displayed at the bottom of the screen.
    • To select a menu or a menu item, use the tab key and the keyboard arrow keys and then press enter, or use a pointing device to click the item.
    • To scroll up and down, click the up arrow or the down arrow in the upper-right corner of the screen, or use the up arrow key or the down arrow key on the keyboard.
    • To close open dialog boxes and return to the main Computer Setup screen, press esc, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
    note:
    You can use either a pointing device (TouchPad, pointing stick, or USB mouse) or the keyboard to navigate and make selections in Computer Setup.
  2. Press f10 to enter Computer Setup.
    • To select a menu or a menu item, use the tab key and the keyboard arrow keys and then press enter, or use a pointing device to click the item.
    • To scroll up and down, click the up arrow or the down arrow in the upper-right corner of the screen, or use the up arrow key or the down arrow key on the keyboard.
    • To close open dialog boxes and return to the main Computer Setup screen, press esc, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
To exit Computer Setup menus, choose one of the following methods:
To exit Computer Setup menus without saving the changes:
  • Click the Exit icon in the lower-right corner of the screen, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
    Or
    Use the tab key and the arrow keys to select Main > Ignore Changes and Exit, and then press enter.
To save the changes and exit Computer Setup menus:
  • Click the Save icon in the lower-right corner of the screen, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
    Or
    Use the arrow keys to select Main > Save Changes and Exit, and then press enter.
    The changes go into effect when the computer restarts.
Restoring factory settings in Computer Setup
To return all settings in Computer Setup to the values that were set at the factory, follow these steps:
  1. Turn On or restart the computer, and then press esc while the Press the ESC key for Startup Menu message is displayed at the bottom of the screen.
  2. Press f10 to enter Computer Setup.
  3. Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select Main > Restore Defaults.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions.
  5. To save the changes and exit, click the Save icon in the lower-right corner of the screen, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
    Or
    Use the arrow keys to select Main > Save Changes and Exit, and then press enter.
The changes go into effect when the computer restarts.
note:
Your password settings and security settings are not changed when you restore the factory settings.
Updating the BIOS
  • Updated versions of the BIOS may be available on the HP website.
  • Most BIOS updates on the HP website are packaged in compressed files called SoftPaqs.
  • Some download packages contain a file named Readme.txt, which contains information regarding installing and troubleshooting the file.
Determining the BIOS version
To determine whether available BIOS updates contain later BIOS versions than those currently installed on the computer, we need to know the version of the system BIOS currently installed.
BIOS version information (also known as ROM date and System BIOS) can be displayed by pressing fn+esc (if we are already in Windows) or by using Computer Setup.
  1. Start Computer Setup.
  2. Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select Main > System Information.
  3. To exit Computer Setup without saving the changes, click the Exit icon in the lower-right corner of the screen, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
    Or
    Use the arrow keys to select Main > Ignore Changes and Exit, and then press enter.
Downloading a BIOS update for Windows 8
  caution:
To reduce the risk of damage to the computer or an unsuccessful installation, download and install a BIOS update only when the computer is connected to reliable external power using the AC adapter. Do not download or install a BIOS update while the computer is running on battery power, docked in an optional docking device, or connected to an optional power source. During the download and installation, follow these instructions:
  • Do not disconnect power on the computer by unplugging the power cord from the AC outlet.
  • Do not shut down the computer or initiate Sleep.
  • Do not insert, remove, connect, or disconnect any device, cable, or cord.
  1. From the Start screen, type support, and then select the HP Support Assistant app.
  2. Click Updates and tune-ups, and then click Check for HP updates now.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions.
  4. At the download area, follow these steps:
    1. Identify the most recent BIOS update and compare it to the BIOS version currently installed on the computer. Make a note of the date, name, or other identifier. We may need this information to locate the update later, after it has been downloaded to the hard drive.
    2. Follow the on-screen instructions to download the selection to the hard drive.
      If the update is more recent than the BIOS, make a note of the path to the location on the hard drive where the BIOS update is downloaded. We will need to access this path when we are ready to install the update.
    note:
    If you connect your computer to a network, consult the network administrator before installing any software updates, especially system BIOS updates.
BIOS installation procedures vary. Follow any instructions that are displayed on the screen after the download is complete. If no instructions are displayed, follow these steps:
  1. From the Start screen, type file, and then select File Explorer.
  2. Click the hard drive designation. The hard drive designation is typically Local Disk (C:).
  3. Using the hard drive path we recorded earlier, open the folder on the hard drive that contains the update.
  4. Double-click the file that has an .exe extension (for example, filename.exe).
    The BIOS installation begins.
  5. Complete the installation by following the on-screen instructions.
note:
After a message on the screen reports a successful installation, you can delete the downloaded file from your hard drive.
Using MultiBoot
Choosing MultiBoot preferences
You can use MultiBoot in the following ways:
  • To set a new boot order that the computer uses each time it is turned On, by changing the boot order in Computer Setup.
  • To dynamically choose the boot device, by pressing esc while the Press the ESC key for Startup Menu message is displayed at the bottom of the screen, and then pressing f9 to enter the Boot Device Options menu.
  • To use MultiBoot Express to set variable boot orders. This feature prompts us for a boot device each time the computer is turned On or restarted.
Setting a new boot order in Computer Setup
To start Computer Setup and set a boot device order that the computer uses each time it is turned On or restarted, follow these steps:
  1. Turn On or restart the computer, and then press esc while the Press the ESC key for Startup Menu message is displayed at the bottom of the screen.
  2. Press f10 to enter Computer Setup.
  3. Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select Advanced > Boot Options > UEFI Boot Order for UEFI Hybrid or UEFI Native Boot mode, or select Advanced > Boot Options > Legacy Boot Order for Legacy Boot Mode, and then press enter.
  4. To move the device up in the boot order, use a pointing device to click the up arrow, or press the + key.
    Or
    To move the device down in the boot order, use a pointing device to click the down arrow, or press the - key.
  5. To save the changes and exit Computer Setup, click the Save icon in the lower-left corner of the screen, and then follow the on-screen instructions
    Or
    Use the arrow keys to select Main > Save Changes and Exit, and then press enter.
Dynamically choosing a boot device using the f9 prompt
To dynamically choose a boot device for the current startup sequence, follow these steps:
  1. Open the Select Boot Device menu by turning On or restarting the computer, and then pressing esc while the Press the ESC key for Startup Menu message is displayed at the bottom of the screen.
  2. Press f9.
  3. Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select a boot device, then press enter.
Setting a MultiBoot Express prompt
To start Computer Setup and set the computer to display the MultiBoot startup location menu each time the computer is started or restarted, follow these steps:
  1. Turn On or restart the computer, and then press esc while the Press the ESC key for Startup Menu message is displayed at the bottom of the screen.
  2. Press f10 to enter Computer Setup.
  3. Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select Advanced > Boot Options > MultiBoot Express Boot Popup Delay (Sec), and then press enter.
  4. In the MultiBoot Express Popup Delay (Sec) field, enter the length of time in seconds that we want the computer to display the startup location menu before it defaults to the current MultiBoot setting. (When 0 is selected, the Express Boot startup location menu is not displayed.)
  5. To save the changes and exit Computer Setup, click the Save icon in the lower-left corner of the screen, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
    Or
    Use the arrow keys to select Main > Save Changes and Exit, and then press enter.
    The changes go into effect when the computer restarts.
Entering MultiBoot Express preferences
When the Express Boot menu is displayed during startup, we have the following choices:
  • To specify a boot device from the Express Boot menu, select the preference within the allotted time, and then press enter.
  • To prevent the computer from defaulting to the current MultiBoot setting, press any key before the allotted time expires. The computer will not start until you select a boot device and press enter.
  • To allow the computer to start according to the current MultiBoot settings, wait for the allotted time to expire.
Using HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI)
To start HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI:
  1. Turn On or restart the computer, quickly press esc, and then press f2.
    The BIOS searches three places for the diagnostic tools, in the following order:
    1. Connected USB drive
    2. Hard drive
    3. BIOS
  2. Click the type of diagnostic test we want to run, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
    note:
    If you need to stop a diagnostic test while it is running, press esc.
Downloading HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) to a USB device:
note:
Instructions for downloading HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) are provided in English only.
  1. Click Support & Drivers, and then click the Drivers & Downloads tab.
  2. Enter the product name in the text box, and then click Search.
  3. Select the computer model, and then select the operating system.
  4. In the Diagnostic section, click HP UEFI Support Environment.
    Or
    Click Download, and then select Run.

Computer Setup (BIOS), MultiBoot, and HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) in Windows 7

Using Computer Setup
Navigating and selecting in Computer Setup:
To navigate and select in Computer Setup, follow these steps:
  1. Turn On or restart the computer, and then press esc while the Press the ESC key for Startup Menu message is displayed at the bottom of the screen.
  2. Press f10 to enter Computer Setup.
    • To select a menu or a menu item, use the tab key and the keyboard arrow keys and then press enter, or use a pointing device to click the item.
    • To scroll up and down, click the up arrow or the down arrow in the upper-right corner of the screen, or use the up arrow key or the down arrow key on the keyboard.
    • To close open dialog boxes and return to the main Computer Setup screen, press esc, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
To exit Computer Setup menus, choose one of the following methods:
  • To exit Computer Setup menus without saving the changes:
    Click the Exit icon in the lower-right corner of the screen, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
    Or
    Use thetabkey and the arrow keys to select File > Ignore Changes and Exit, and then press enter.
  • To save the changes and exit Computer Setup menus:
    • Click the Save icon in the lower-right corner of the screen, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
      Or
      Use the tabkey and thearrowkeys to select File > Ignore Changes and Exit, and then pressenter.
      The changes go into effect when the computer restarts.
Restoring factory settings in Computer Setup
note:
Restoring defaults will not change the hard drive mode.
To return all settings in Computer Setup to the values that were set at the factory, follow these steps:
  1. Turn On or restart the computer, and then press esc while the Press the ESC key for Startup Menu message is displayed at the bottom of the screen.
  2. Press f10 to enter Computer Setup.
  3. Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select Main > Restore Defaults.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions.
  5. To save the changes and exit, click the Save icon in the lower-right corner of the screen, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
    Or
    Use the arrow keys to select Main > Save Changes and Exit, and then press enter.
note:
Your password settings and security settings are not changed when you restore the factory settings.
Updating the BIOS
To determine whether available BIOS updates contain later BIOS versions than those currently installed on the computer, we need to know the version of the system BIOS currently installed.
BIOS version information (also known as ROM date and System BIOS) can be displayed by pressing fn+esc (if you are already in Windows) or by using Computer Setup.
  1. Start Computer Setup.
  2. Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select Main > System Information.
  3. To exit Computer Setup without saving the changes, click the Exit icon in the lower-right corner of the screen, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
    Or
    Use thetabkey and the arrow keys to select File > Ignore Changes and Exit, and then press enter.
Downloading a BIOS update
  caution:
To reduce the risk of damage to the computer or an unsuccessful installation, download and install a BIOS update only when the computer is connected to reliable external power using the AC adapter. Do not download or install a BIOS update while the computer is running on battery power, docked in an optional docking device, or connected to an optional power source. During the download and installation, follow these instructions:
  • Do not disconnect power on the computer by unplugging the power cord from the AC outlet.
  • Do not shut down the computer or initiate Sleep.
  • Do not insert, remove, connect, or disconnect any device, cable, or cord.
  1. Access Help and Support by selecting Start > Help and Support.
  2. Select Updates and tune-ups, and then select Check for HP updates now.
  3. At the download area, follow these steps:
    1. Identify the most recent BIOS update and compare it to the BIOS version currently installed on your computer. Make a note of the date, name, or other identifier. We may need this information to locate the update later, after it has been downloaded to your hard drive.
    2. Follow the on-screen instructions to download your selection to the hard drive.
      If the update is more recent than your BIOS, make a note of the path to the location on your hard drive where the BIOS update is downloaded. You will need to access this path when you are ready to install the update.
      note:
      If you connect your computer to a network, consult the network administrator before installing any software updates, especially system BIOS updates.
BIOS installation procedures vary. Follow any instructions that are displayed on the screen after the download is complete. If no instructions are displayed, follow these steps:
  1. Select Start > Computer.
  2. Click the hard drive designation. The hard drive designation is typically Local Disk (C:).
  3. Using the hard drive path you recorded earlier, open the folder on the hard drive that contains the update.
  4. Double-click the file that has an .exe extension (for example, filename.exe).
    The BIOS installation begins.
  5. Complete the installation by following the on-screen instructions.
    note:
    After a message on the screen reports a successful installation, you can delete the downloaded file from your hard drive.
Using MultiBoot
Setting a new boot order in Computer Setup
To start Computer Setup and set a boot device order that the computer uses each time it is turned on or restarted, follow these steps:
  1. Turn on or restart the computer, and then press esc while the Press the ESC key for Startup Menu message is displayed at the bottom of the screen.
  2. Press f10 to enter Computer Setup.
  3. Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select the Advanced > Boot Options > UEFI Boot Order for UEFI Hybrid or UEFI Native Boot mode, or select Advanced > Boot Options > Legacy Boot Order for Legacy Boot Mode, and then press enter.
  4. To move the device up in the boot order, use a pointing device to click the up arrow, or press the + key.
    Or
    To move the device down in the boot order, use a pointing device to click the down arrow, or press the - key.
  5. To save the changes and exit Computer Setup, click the Save icon in the lower-left corner of the screen, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
    Or
    Use the arrow keys to select Main > Save Changes and Exit, and then press enter.
Dynamically choosing a boot device using the f9 prompt
To dynamically choose a boot device for the current startup sequence, follow these steps:
  1. Open the Select Boot Device menu by turning On or restarting the computer, and then pressing esc while the Press the ESC key for Startup Menu message is displayed at the bottom of the screen.
  2. Press f9.
  3. Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select a boot device, then press enter.
Setting a MultiBoot Express prompt
To start Computer Setup and set the computer to display the MultiBoot startup location menu each time the computer is started or restarted, follow these steps:
  1. Turn On or restart the computer, and then press esc while the Press the ESC key for Startup Menu message is displayed at the bottom of the screen.
  2. Press f10 to enter Computer Setup.
  3. Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select Advanced > Boot Options > MultiBoot Express Boot Popup Delay (Sec), and then press enter.
  4. In the MultiBoot Express Popup Delay (Sec) field, enter the length of time in seconds that you want the computer to display the startup location menu before it defaults to the current MultiBoot setting. (When 0 is selected, the Express Boot startup location menu is not displayed.)
  5. To save the changes and exit Computer Setup, click the Save icon in the lower-left corner of the screen, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
    Or
    Use the arrow keys to select Main > Save Changes and Exit, and then press enter.
    The changes go into effect when the computer restarts.
Using HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) (select models only)
To start HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI:
  1. Turn On or restart the computer, quickly press esc, and then press f2.
    After pressing f2, the BIOS searches three places for the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) tools in the following order:
    1. Connected USB drive
    2. Hard drive
    3. BIOS
  2. Click the type of diagnostic test you want to run, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
    note:
    If you need to stop a diagnostic test while it is running, press esc.
Downloading HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) to a USB device
  1. Click Support & Drivers, and then click the Drivers & Software tab.
  2. Enter the product name in the text box, and then click Search.
  3. Select the computer model, and then select the operating system.
  4. In the Diagnostic section, click HP UEFI Support Environment.
    Or
    Click Download, and then select Run.

Computer Setup (BIOS) and Advanced System Diagnostics in SUSE Linux

Starting Computer Setup
To start Computer Setup, follow these steps:
  1. Turn On or restart the computer, and then press esc while the Press the ESC key for Startup Menu message is displayed at the bottom of the screen.
  2. Press f10 to enter Computer Setup.
Using Computer Setup
Navigating and selecting in Computer Setup
  1. Turn On or restart the computer, and then press esc while the Press the ESC key for Startup Menu message is displayed at the bottom of the screen.
    • To select a menu or a menu item, use the tab key and the keyboard arrow keys and then press enter, or use a pointing device to click the item.
    • To scroll up and down, click the up arrow or the down arrow in the upper-right corner of the screen, or use the up arrow key or the down arrow key.
    • To close open dialog boxes and return to the main Computer Setup screen, press esc, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
      note:
      You can use either a pointing device (TouchPad, pointing stick, or USB mouse) or the keyboard to navigate and make selections in Computer Setup.
  2. Press f10 to enter Computer Setup.
To exit Computer Setup menus, choose one of the following methods:
  • To exit Computer Setup menus without saving your changes, click the Exit icon in the lower-left corner of the screen, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
    Or
    Use the tab key and the arrow keys to select File > Ignore Changes and Exit, and then press enter.
    Or
  • To save the changes and exit Computer Setup menus, click the Save icon in the lower-left corner of the screen, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
    Or
    Use the tab key and the arrow keys to select File > Save Changes and Exit, and then press enter.
    The changes go into effect when the computer restarts.
Restoring factory settings in Computer Setup
To return all settings in Computer Setup to the values that were set at the factory, follow these steps:
  1. Turn On or restart the computer, and then press esc while the Press the ESC key for Startup Menu message is displayed at the bottom of the screen.
  2. Press f10 to enter Computer Setup.
  3. Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select File > Restore Defaults.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions.
  5. To save the changes and exit, click the Save icon in the lower-left corner of the screen, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
    Or
    Use the arrow keys to select File > Save Changes and Exit, and then press enter.
    note:
    The password settings and security settings will not change when we restore the factory settings.
Updating the BIOS
  • Updated versions of the BIOS may be available on the HP Web site.
  • Most BIOS updates on the HP Web site are packaged in compressed files called SoftPaqs.
  • Some download packages contain a file named Readme.txt, which contains information regarding installing and troubleshooting the file.
Determining the BIOS version
  1. Start Computer Setup.
  2. Use a pointing device or the arrow keys to select File > System Information.
  3. To exit Computer Setup without saving the changes, click the Exit icon in the lower-left corner of the screen, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
    Or
    Use the tab key and the arrow keys to select File > Ignore Changes and Exit, and then press enter.
Downloading a BIOS update
  caution:
To reduce the risk of damage to the computer or an unsuccessful installation, download and install a BIOS update only when the computer is connected to reliable external power using the AC adapter. Do not download or install a BIOS update while the computer is running on battery power, docked in an optional docking device, or connected to an optional power source. During the download and installation, follow these instructions:
  • Do not disconnect power from the computer by unplugging the power cord from the AC outlet.
  • Do not shut down the computer or initiate Suspend or Hibernation.
  • Do not insert, remove, connect, or disconnect any device, cable, or cord.
  1. Follow the on-screen instructions to identify your computer and access the BIOS update you want to download.
  2. Click the option for software and driver downloads, type the computer model number in the product box, and then press enter. Follow the on-screen instructions to identify the computer and access the BIOS update you want to download.
  3. Click the specific product from the models listed.
  4. Click the appropriate operating system.
  5. Go to the BIOS section and download the BIOS software package.
  6. Follow the installation instructions as provided with the downloaded BIOS software package.
note:
After a message on the screen reports a successful installation, you can delete the downloaded file from your hard drive.
Using Advanced System Diagnostics
Advanced System Diagnostics allows you to run diagnostic tests to determine if the computer hardware is functioning properly. The following diagnostic tests are available in Advanced System Diagnostics:
  • Start-up test = This test analyzes the main computer components that are required to start the computer.
  • Run-in test = This test repeats the start-up test and checks for intermittent problems that the start-up test does not detect.
  • Hard disk test = This test analyzes the physical condition of the hard drive, and then checks all data in every sector of the hard drive. If the test detects a damaged sector, it attempts to move the data to a good sector.
  • Memory test = This test analyzes the physical condition of the memory modules. If it reports an error, replace the memory modules immediately.
  • Battery test = This test analyzes the condition of the battery and calibrates the battery if necessary. If the battery fails the test, contact support to report the issue and purchase a replacement battery.
  • System Tune-Up = This group of additional tests checks your computer to make sure that the main components are functioning correctly. System Tune-Up runs longer and more comprehensive tests on memory modules, hard drive SMART attributes, the hard drive surface, the battery (and battery calibration), video memory, and the WLAN module status.
    We can view system information and error logs in the Advanced System Diagnostics window.
To start Advanced System Diagnostics:
  1. Turn on or restart the computer. While the Press the ESC key for Startup Menu message is displayed in the lower-left corner of the screen, press esc. When the Startup Menu is displayed, press f2.
  2. Click the diagnostic test you want to run, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
    note:
    If you need to stop a diagnostics test while it is running, press esc.