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Technical white paper

HP Business Notebook and
Desktop PC F10 setup overview
2012 and 2013 Business PC models

Table of contents
Executive summary ...................................................................................................................................................... 2
Supported models......................................................................................................................................................... 2
Enhancements ............................................................................................................................................................... 2
Updating BIOS over the network ........................................................................................................................................................................ 2
HP Sure Start ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
HP Sure Start Policy Controls.............................................................................................................................................................................. 3
Additional enhancements.................................................................................................................................................................................... 3

F10 Setup for HP Business Notebooks .................................................................................................................... 4
Main menu ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 4
Security menu ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Advanced menu .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Overview of Business Notebook options .......................................................................................................................................................... 5

F10 Setup for HP Business Desktops .....................................................................................................................12
File menu ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 12
Storage menu...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Security menu ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Advanced menu .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 13
Overview for HP Business Desktops ................................................................................................................................................................ 13

Appendix A: BIOS overview for 2012 HP ElitePad 900........................................................................................19
Using BIOSConfigUtility to get/set BIOS settings ........................................................................................................................................... 19

Appendix B: Setting up an in-house repository to support network updates ...............................................22
Disclaimer ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 22

Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................................22
Terminology ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 22

Finding a particular BIOS file .....................................................................................................................................23
Organizing the catalog ...............................................................................................................................................23
Catalog file schema ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 24
Sample file ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 24
Naming conventions .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 25

Setting up a repository ...............................................................................................................................................25
Instructions .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 25

Final caveat ...................................................................................................................................................................26
For more information .................................................................................................................................................27

Executive summary
For decades, HP has provided unique customer value through an internally developed Read Only Memory Basic
Input/Output System (ROM BIOS), a set of routines that enable a PC to load the operating system and communicate with
various devices such as storage drives, keyboard, display, slots, and ports. The BIOS ensures that there is a high degree of
integration between firmware and HP professional innovations such as HP ProtectTools, HP Power Assistant, and HP Client
Management Solutions.
HP F10 Setup, the BIOS configuration user interface provided with HP PCs, provides easy access to an impressive set of
features.

Supported models
The F10 Setup described in this white paper is available on select models introduced in 2012 and 2013.
• HP EliteBook 800 G1 series
• HP ProBook 600 G1 series
• HP ProBook 400 G0 and G1 series
• HP ElitePad 900 G1
• HP EliteDesk 800 G1 series
• HP EliteOne 800 G1 series
• HP ProDesk 600 G1series
• HP ProOne 600 G1 series
• HP ZBook 17 Mobile Workstation
• HP ZBook 15 Mobile Workstation
• HP ZBook 14 Mobile Workstation

Enhancements
HP has added several options to the new version of F10 Setup, including those outlined below.

Updating BIOS over the network
BIOS Update from a Network is a new BIOS option that allows BIOS updates to be downloaded over the network from
hp.com or a customer-created repository.
This feature is available on select 2013 HP notebooks, desktops, and workstations.1 For more information on setting up a
custom repository, refer to Appendix B.

HP Sure Start
Select Intel-based 2013 HP Business Notebook PCs2 offer HP Sure Start, which provides hardware-based assurance of the
following:
• HP-approved firmware is running on the HP Embedded Controller (EC)3 – EC Options in BIOS found under “BIOS Integrity

Checking” and in some systems as “HP Sure Start”.
• An HP-approved BIOS is running on the host processor

HP Sure Start verifies the integrity of HP BIOS code and critical, non-executable platform data residing in the main flash and
provides self-healing mechanisms to restore any code or critical platform data that has been lost or is corrupted within the
flash.

1

Only supported on 2013 600/800 notebooks/desktops
Only supported on 2013 EliteBook and ZBook notebooks
3 The EC is responsible for power control/power cycle, thermal monitor/fan control, many LEDs, and PS2 keyboard and mouse. For more information on using
HP Sure Start, refer to the Embedded Controller option under Embedded Security in Table 1.
2

2

,

HP Sure Start Policy Controls
Although HP Sure Start is enabled out of the box with default settings that are optimized for the typical user, HP
provides policy setting within BIOS setup that may be appropriate for advanced users.
Verify Boot Block On Every Boot
Disabled (Default): When set to the default, HP Sure Start will verify the integrity of the BIOS in System Flash
each time the system is in a Sleep, Hibernate, or Off state such that assurance is provided that it has not been tampered
with before the host CPU executes that code as part of the process of resuming from the low power state
Enabled: When this box is checked, the HP Sure Start will continue to verify the integrity of the BIOS in System Flash
each time the system is in a Sleep, Hibernate, or Off state. Additionally, the HP Sure Start will verify the integrity of the BIOS
in System Flash on each Warm Boot (Windows Restart).
BIOS Data Recovery Policy
Automatic (Default): Any problems that are found by HP Sure Start will be automatically repaired not requiring any
special actions by the local user.
Manual (For Advanced Users only): Any problems found by HP Sure Start will not be repaired automatically and will
require a special key sequence input by the local user to proceed with the repair. This mode is only intended for
scenarios where the machine owner would prefer to perform forensics on the system flash contents before it is
repaired and is not recommended for the typical user. In the case of HP Sure Start finding an issue with
the initial BIOS code, the system will refuse to boot and flash a special LED sequence until the special key sequence
is pressed on the internal keyboard.
Restore Network Controller Configuration to the factory defaults
This manual control will restore the network parameters (used by the Intel integrated network controller) stored in System
Flash to their factory defaults.
Lock BIOS Version
Disabled (Default): When set to default, the BIOS can be updated using any one of the supported processes. The HP Sure
Start Recovery image will also be updated by default when this setting is disabled.
Enabled: When this box is checked, All HP BIOS update tools will refuse to update the BIOS. The HP Sure Start recovery
image is fixed when this setting is Enabled.

Additional enhancements
The following additional enhancements are included on select 2013 HP Business Notebook PCs:
• Thunderbolt Technology
• Megacity NFC support
• Switchable / Hybrid Graphics feature support
• Intel SmartConnect Technology

3

F10 Setup for HP Business Notebooks
HP F10 Setup features for business notebooks include file, security, and system configuration categories.

Main menu
The Main menu provides access to general options such as:
• System Information
• System Diagnostics.
• Update System BIOS
• Restore Defaults
• Reset BIOS security to factory default
• Ignore Changes and Exit
• Save Changes and Exit

Security menu
The Security menu provides access to security-related options such as:
• Create an Administrator password for BIOS F10 Setup
• Password Policy
• Change Password
• Fingerprint Reset on Reboot (if Present)
• HP SpareKey
• HP SpareKey Enrollment
• User Management
• Set Security Level
• Restore Security Level Defaults
• BIOS Interity Checking (Embedded Controller)
• TPM Embedded Security
• System Management Command (SMC)
• Anti-Theft Tools
• Hard Drive Tools
• System IDs

Advanced menu
The Advanced menu allows you to set System Date and Time and Language. Other options include:
• Language
• Set System Date and Time
• Boot options
• BIOS Power-On
• Device Configuration
• Built-In Device OptionsPort Options
• AMT options4 (on select models)

Language support
HP F10 Setup for business notebooks has extensive language support. You can display the GUI in English, French, German,
Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Danish, Japanese, Norwegian, Portuguese, Swedish, Finnish, Chinese Traditional, or Chinese
Simplified.

4

4

Intel® Active Management Technology (AMT) requires an Intel AMT-enabled chipset, network hardware and software, as well as connection with a power
source and a corporate network connection. Setup requires configuration by the purchaser and may require scripting with the management console or further
integration into existing security frameworks to enable certain functionality. It may also require modifications of implementation of new business processes.

,

Overview of Business Notebook options
Table 1 provides a detailed list of F10 Setup options for HP business notebooks.
Table 1. Key features for F10 Setup on select 2013 HP business notebook PCs. Some features may require a Windows 7 or
Windows 8 operating system.
Feature

Function

Default setting,
if applicable

Reboot
required

MAIN MENU
System Information

Provides key system information, such as serial number, model
number, CPU type, and memory configuration

N/A

System Diagnostics

Provides access to diagnostic features, such as start-up test, run-in
test, memory test, and hard disk test

N/A

Update System BIOS

Updates system firmware from FAT 32 partition on the hard drive, a
USB disk–on-key, or the network

N/A

Note: Updating BIOS over the network is supported on 2013 600/800
notebook models.

 Check the Network for BIOS
Updates

Updates the system BIOS by using an image stored on hp.com or some
other configurable network

Yes

 BIOS Version Update Policy

Enabling will not allow any BIOS update from local media or from the
network.

Disabled

No

 Allow BIOS Update using a

Enables or disabled the feature

Enabled

No

Network

 Network Update Setting

User configurable settings

N/A

– Update BIOS using Local
Media

Updates the system BIOS by using an image stored on local media
such as the hard drive or a usb drive

Yes

– Back-up BIOS to Local Media

Puts an image of System BIOS on the HP_TOOLS partition

Yes

Note: This option does not work if a BIOS administrator has been set
Restore Defaults

Restores F10 settings to factory defaults

Yes

Reset BIOS Security to Factory
Default

Resets BIOS and Protect Tool Users, clears fingerprint tokens and
resets the TPM

Yes

Ignore Changes and Exit

Exits F10 Setup without saving any changes made during current
session

N/A

Save Changes and Exit

Exits F10 Setup and saves all changes made during current session

N/A

5

SECURITY MENU
Feature

Function

Setup BIOS Administrator
Password

Establishes the BIOS Administrator password for admin privileges

No

Password Policy

Allows the administrator to select various rules for BIOS password
qualification5

No

 Password Minimum Length

Allows the administrator to specify the minimum number of characters
required for the F10 power-on password

No

 At least one symbol required

Allows the administrator to require at least one symbol, such as $, %,
^, &, or # for F10 power-on password

Disabled

No

 At least one number required

Allows the administrator to require at least one number, such as 1, 2,
or 3 for F10 power-on password

Disabled

No

 At least one upper-case

Allows the administrator to require at least one upper case character,
such as A, B, C, or D for F10 power-on password

Disabled

No

Allows the administrator to require at least one lowercase character,
such as a, b, c, or d for F10 power-on password

Disabled

No

Allows the administrator to permit spaces, such as “New York,” in F10
power-on password

Disabled

No

character required

 At least one lower-case
character required

 Are spaces allowed in
password?

Default setting,
if applicable

Reboot
required

Change Password

Change BIOS user password

No

Fingerprint Reset on Reboot (if
present)

Clears all registered fingerprints

Disabled

Yes

HP SpareKey

Allows users to establish a set of failsafe questions in the event the
power-on password is lost

Enabled

No

HP SpareKey Enrollment

Allows user configuration of HP SpareKey by answering any three of
ten questions for enrollment

No

 Enrollment questions

 What was the name of the first school you attended?

No

 What is the name of your first pet?
 What is your father’s middle name?
 What is your mother’s middle name?
 Who was your first employer?
 Who was your first teacher?
 What city were you born in?
 In what city was your mother born?

 In what city was your father born?
 Reset HP SpareKey Questions

Deletes current challenge-and-answer questions

No

and Answers
USER MANAGEMENT
User Management

Allows BIOS Administrator to manage BIOS and ProtectTools Users –
for example, for BIOS users, the admin can:

No

• Create additional users
• Specify privilege levels
• Create passwords (which can be changed by the individual user)
Set Security Level

Allows administrator to restrict visibility or configurability of F10 Setup
options for standard users

Yes

Restore Security Defaults

Restores the security level of F10 Setup options to default

Yes

5

6

BIOS Administrator password is required

,

EMBEDDED SECURITY
Feature

Function

Default setting,
if applicable

BIOS Integrity Checking (Note: HP Sure Start is only supported on 2013 EliteBook and ZBook notebooks)

Reboot
required
N/A

 Verify Boot Block on every boot

Verify the integrity of the system’s boot block on boot.

Disabled

Yes

 BIOS Data Recovery Policy

Recover System Data (For manual recovery during boot up press (Up
Arrow + Down Arrow + ESC) to restore System Data

Automatic

Yes

 Restore Network Configuration

Restore the network address and other network parameters to factory
default

Yes

TPM Embedded Security

Manages TPM Module settings

N/A

 TPM Device

Exposes the integrated TPM module

Available

Yes

 Embedded Security Device

Enables the integrated TPM module

Disabled

Yes

 TPM Reset to Factory Default

Sets TPM Embedded Security settings to factory default

No

Yes

 OS Management of TPM

Allows operating system to manage TPM module

Enabled

Yes

 Reset of TPM from OS

Allows reset of TPM module from within the operating system

Disabled

Yes

System Management Command

Allows authorized personnel to reset security settings in case of a
service event NOTE: In the event BIOS password is lost and this option
is disabled authorized personnel will not be able to remove lost
password.

Enabled

Yes

to factory defaults

State

UTILITIES
Anti-Theft Tools

 Intel Anti-Theft

N/A
Server-based security

N/A

– Active

Activates this option

Enabled

Yes

– Suspend

Allows the feature to be disabled temporarily

Disabled

Yes

 Absolute Software Computrace
– Current State

N/A
Read-only setting that reports the current status
[Inactive/Active/Permanent Disabled]

Inactive

Hard Drive Tools

 Save/restore Master Boot
Record (MBR) of the system
hard drive

N/A
N/A

Saves a baseline MBR that can be restored if a change is detected

Disabled

Yes

NOTE: Not applicable for UEFI boot modes

 DriveLock

Allows configuration of DriveLock Master and User passwords

Disabled

N/A

 Automatic DriveLock

Requires the BIOS to authenticate the user before the drive is unlocked.
The user can be a BIOS user (managed by F10 Setup) or a ProtectTools
user (managed by the OS).

Disabled

N/A

Following authentication, the BIOS automatically supplies the
DriveLock password.
A BIOS administrator password is required for this feature and is set as
the DriveLock master password.

 Disk Sanitizer

Erases all data on selected hard drive; typically used prior to
repurposing or donation (Not supported under RAID mode or on SSDs)

N/A

 Secure Erase

Uses a built-in command drive to erase data on an SSD

N/A

System IDs

N/A

 Asset Tracking Number

Allows custom configuration of an asset tag (up to 18 characters)

Serial Number

No

 Ownership Tag

Allows custom configuration of an ownership tag (up to 40 characters)

Blank

No

 Ownership Tag 2

Allows custom configuration of an ownership tag (up to 40 characters)

Blank

No

7

ADVANCED MENU
Feature

Function

Default setting,
if applicable

Reboot
required

Language

Selects between 14 languages

English

Yes

Note: Affects the BIOS, not the OS
Set System Data and Time

Allows entry of the current data and time

Yes

Boot Options

N/A

 Startup Menu Delay (seconds)

Allows user configuration of the length of time the Startup Menu is
displayed during POST

0

No

 Multiboot Express Boot Popup

Allows user configuration of the length of time the Express Boot option
(F9) is displayed

0

No

Enables audible error beeps during POST

Disabled

Yes

Delay (seconds)

 Audio Alerts During Boot
 Custom Logo

Enables use of custom logo screen during POST

Disabled

No

 Display Diagnostics URL

Displays the HP support web address for diagnostics

Enabled

No

 Custom Help and URL Message

Allows display of customized message and URL during POST

Disabled

No

 Require Acknowledgement of
Battery Errors

Displays battery error screen until user presses the enter key

Disabled

No

Fast Boot

Reduces POST time by bypassing boot to USB, optical drive, PXE, and
DOS

Enabled

No

 CD-ROM Boot

Allows boot from optical media

Enabled

No

 SD Card Boot

Allows boot from SD card

Enabled

No

 Floppy Boot

Allows boot from USB floppy

Enabled

No

 PXE Internal NIC Boot

Allows boot from LAN in legacy or hybrid boot mode

Enabled

No

 PXE Internal IPV4 NIC Boot

Allows PXE boot to IPv4 in native UEFI boot mode (enable on Win8
orders)

Disabled

No

 PXE Internal IPV6 NIC Boot

Allows PXE boot to IPv6 in native UEFI boot mode (enable on Win8
orders)

Disabled

No

 USB Device Boot

Allows boot from USB storage device

Disabled

No

 Upgrade Bay Hard Drive Boot

Allows boot from hard disk drive mounted in upgrade bay

Enabled

No

 eSATA Boot

Allows boot from eSATA storage device

Enabled

No

 Customized Boot

Allows boot from a custom boot path; loads the boot loader from the
path defined in Define Customized Boot Option (see below)

Enabled

No

Secure Boot Configuration

Allows Secure Boot feature (which verifies signature of boot loader
before loading OS) to be enabled or disabled; clears Secure Boot keys

Disabled

N/A

 Secure Boot

Enables Secure Boot (enable on Win8 orders)

Disabled

Yes

 Clear Secure Boot Keys

Clears the Secure Boot keys

Disabled

Yes

 User Mode

Selects which keys the BIOS uses

HP Factory Keys,
Customer Keys

Yes

 Boot Mode

Controls how OS is booted. Depending on the OS, options are:

Legacy

No

6

• Legacy or UEFI Hybrid (with CSM) Selected on NON Win8 orders
• UEFI Native (without CSM) Selected on Win8 orders

6

8

For more information, refer to the HP Business Notebook EFI Guidelines white paper.

,

Feature

Function

Default setting,
if applicable

Reboot
required

 UEFI Boot Order

Specifies UEFI boot order; requires boot mode set to UEFI Hybrid or
UEFI Native (applicable on Win8 orders)

NB Upgrade Bay
(UEFI),
OS Boot
Manager,
NB Ethernet
(UEFI),
USB hard drive,
eSATA hard
drive,
SD card,
HP HV Secure
Boot,
Generic USB
device,
Customized
Boot

No

 Legacy Boot Order

Specifies the legacy boot order; requires boot mode set to Legacy or
UEFI Hybrid (applicable on NON Win8 orders)

NB Upgrade Bay,
NB Hard Drive,
NB Hard Drive 2
(on select
models),
USB Floppy,
USB CD-ROM,
USB Hard Drive,
NB Ethernet,
SD Card,
Dock Upgrade
Bay,
eSATA

No

 Define Customized Boot Option

Specifies path for the customized boot option

No

Note: Only boots from this path if Customized Boot is enabled.
 BIOS Power-On Time (hh:mm)

Automatically powers system on based on preset schedule

No

Shuts down Windows gracefully and ensures feature is on in F10 Setup
• In Windows 7 and Vista, set Allow wake timers to Enable in the
desired power plan (Control PanelPower Options)
Note: This option is only supported on AC power.
– Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
 BIOS Power-On Time (hh:mm)

Day of week selection

Yes

Time of day entry

Yes

Device Configurations

N/A

 Fn Key switch

Accessibility feature to provide support for a function key press and
release followed by the function feature key, instead of both keys
having to be simultaneously pressed

Disabled

Yes

 USB Legacy Support

Enables mouse/keyboard support

Enabled

Yes

 Parallel Port Mode

Specifies parallel port mode

ECP

Yes

 Fan Always on while on AC

Leaves the fan on while running on AC power

Enabled

Yes

 Data Execution Prevention

Enables DEP on Intel-based systems, which strengthens security by
preventing applications/services from executing code from nonexecutable memory regions

Enabled

Yes

 SATA Device Mode

Enables and selects SATA Mode for internal drives

AHCI; For Smart
Response
Technology
models, RAID, IDE

Yes

 Wake on USB

Allows the system to resume from sleep when a USB input device is
triggered (such as mouse movement or keyboard key-press)

Enabled

Yes

9

Feature

Function

Default setting,
if applicable

Reboot
required

 USB Charging Port

Allows an external device to charge until a specified battery charge
level is reached

Enabled, 10%

Yes

 Secondary Battery Fast Charge

Stops charging the primary battery at 90% and begins charging a
secondary battery to optimize the charge cycle

Enabled

Yes

 Virtualization Technology

Enables VT on Intel-based systems – a feature that is often used to run
virtual machines

Disabled

Yes

 Virtualization Technology for
Directed I/O

Grants virtual machines direct access to peripheral devices on select
Intel platforms

Disabled

Yes

 TXT Technology

Enables Trusted Execution Technology on select Intel platforms, a
feature that defends against software-based attacks on sensitive
information stored on the system

Disabled

Yes

 Multi Core CPU

Enables dual/quad processor cores

Enabled

Yes

 Intel HT Technology

Enables Hyper-Threading on select Intel-based systems

Enabled

Yes

 NumLock on at boot

Enables Number Lock at boot

Disabled

Yes

 Hybrid Graphics

Enable / Disable or allow BIOS to automatically enable / disable Hybrid
Graphics based on OS (when set to Auto).

Enabled

Yes

When set to Auto, Hybrid Graphics is disabled for certain Linux OS.

(Auto on
Workstation)

When set to Disable, only the integrated graphics adapter is used on
selected platform. On Workstation, only the discrete graphics adapter
is used.
When set to Enable, both the integrated and discrete graphics adapters
are used.
 Hybrid Graphics Enhanced
Display Feature

Enable additional display capability to allow pre-OS applications to be
visible on any one of the available display at boot.

Enabled

Yes

When disabled, pre-OS applications can only be visible on certain
displays (Internal Panel, VGA, System Display Port on selected
platforms) at boot. Digital displays attached to dock will not support
pre-OS applications.
 Max SATA Speed

Selects the maximum SATA port speed between SATA II (3.0 Gbps) or
SATA III (6.0 Gbps)

3.0 Gbps / 6.0
Gbps

Yes

 Ctrl I Prompt

Enables the Ctrl +I Prompt, which allows the user to enter the RAID
Configuration Utility

Disabled

Yes

 HP HV Secure Boot

Enables the HP Hypervisor, which allows multiple operating systems to
run concurrently and share the system hardware

Disabled

Yes

 HP HV Secure Version Control

Enables BIOS to check the specific version of the HP
Hypervisor package against the allowed version stored in
BIOS

Disabled

Yes

Note: The platform only boots to the default boot loader configuration
file that is distributed with the target HP Hypervisor package.
 HP HV Secure Boot
Configuration Lockdown

Enables the hypervisor to verify its current configuration against a
saved setting

Disabled

Yes

 Intel Rapid Start Technology

Enables Intel Rapid Start Technology, which improves
battery life and system resume time above current Standby
and Hibernate levels.

Disabled

Yes

Note: This feature only works when an SSD is detected. Currently, it is
only supported in mSATA SSD-based solutions.

10

 Entry on S3 RTC wake

Enables RTC wake to trigger the transition from S3 to Intel Rapid Start
Technology

Disabled

Yes

 S3 Wake Timer

Specifies the length of time the system remains in S3 before an RTC
wake event is triggered

5 minutes

Yes

 Entry on S3 Critical Battery
wake event

Enables critical battery event support on Intel Rapid Start Technology;
wakes the system to provide an alert that the battery-level is low

Disabled

Yes

 Express Card Link Speed

Sets speed for Express Card Link. Generation 1 will set the Link Speed
to max 2.5 Gbit/s and Generation 2 will set the Link Speed to a
maximum of 5.0 Gbit/s

Generation 2

Yes

,

 Feature

Function

Default setting,
if applicable

Reboot
required

 Dynamic Platform and Thermal
Framework (DPTF) 6.0

Allows users to set maximum power consumption on select Intel
platforms

Enabled

Yes

 Configurable TDP Lock

Thermal Design Power (TDP) Lock feature locks power consumption to
a nominal value on select Intel platforms

Disabled

Yes

 LPM

Uses Low Power Mode (LPM) setting requested by OS

OS-specific

N/A

 Configurable TDP Boot Mode

Allows the user to specify the default power consumption on select
Intel platforms

TDP Down

Yes

 Smart Card Reader Power
Setting

Disables the power-saving feature of the Smart Card reader, thus
maintaining a session when the card is removed

Powered on if
card is present

Yes

Power Control

Allows the scheduling of a peak shift period and a battery-charging
period

Enabled

Yes

 Power on unit when AC is
detected

Turns on the unit when AC power is applied

Disabled

Yes

 Deep Sleep

Turns off power to the chipset during Sleep in order to
enhance battery life

Auto

Yes

• Off: Disables the feature
• On: Power to the chipset is always turned off during Sleep.
• Auto: System decides whether or not to turn power off depending on
battery state
Built-in Device Options7
 Wireless Button State

N/A
Enables wireless button

Enabled

Yes

Note: If this feature is disabled, the WLAN device cannot be toggled on
and off using the wireless button
 Embedded WLAN Device

Enables integrated 802.11 device

Enabled

Yes

 Embedded WWAN Device

Enables integrated WWAN device

Enabled

Yes

 WWAN Quick Connect

Maintains power to the WWAN device to provide faster network
connection

Enabled

Yes

Note: Also maintains power during S3
 Embedded GPS Device

Enables integrated GPS device

Enabled

Yes

 Embedded Bluetooth®

Enables integrated Bluetooth device

Enabled

Yes

 Embedded LAN Controller

Enables integrated network interface controller (NIC) device

Enabled

Yes

 LAN/WLAN Switching

Enables automatic switching between embedded WLAN device and
embedded LAN controller; disables WLAN when LAN connection is
detected

Disabled

Yes

 Wake on LAN

Enables system to wake when a magic packet is received via LAN

Boot to Network

Yes

 Wake on LAN in Battery/DC
Mode

When powered by battery, enables system to wake via LAN

Disabled

Yes

NB Upgrade Bay

Enables integrated upgrade bay

Enabled

Yes

 Fingerprint

Enables fingerprint reader

Enabled

Yes

 Integrated Camera

Enables integrated camera

Enabled

Yes

 Audio Device

Enables integrated audio device

Enabled

Yes

 Modem Device

Enables integrated modem

Enabled

Yes

 Microphone

Enables integrated microphone

Enabled

Yes

 Speakers and Headphones

Enables internal speakers and headphone jack

Enabled

Yes

 Wake Unit from Sleep When Lid
is Opened

Opening the lid wakes the computer from Sleep mode

Disabled

Yes

 Power on Unit When Lid is
Opened

Opening the lid powers on the computer

Disabled

Yes

7

All devices not supported on all systems.

11

Feature

Function

Default setting,
if applicable

Reboot
required

 mSATA

Enables mSATA support

Enabled

Yes

 Boost Converter

Draws power from the battery when the system is on AC in order to
give the CPU a momentary performance gain by increasing the overall
power available to the CPU

Enabled

Yes

 Backlit Keyboard Timeout

Specifies the timeout period for the keyboard’s backlit LEDs

15 seconds

Yes

Port Options

N/A

 Serial Port

Enables integrated serial port

Enabled

Yes

 Parallel Port

Enables integrated parallel port

Enabled

Yes

 Flash Media Reader

Enables integrated media card reader

Enabled

Yes

 USB Port

Enables integrated USB port

Enabled

Yes

 1394 Port

Enables integrated 1394 port

Enabled

Yes

 Express Card Slot

Enables integrated Express Card slot

Enabled

Yes

 Smart Card

Enables integrated Smart Card slot

Enabled

Yes

 eSATA Port

Enables integrated eSATA port

Enabled

Yes

Enables integrated Thunderbolt port

PCIe and
DisplayPort

Yes

8

 Thunderbolt Port
AMT Options

N/A

 USB Key Provisioning

Enables AMT provisioning using USB disk–on- key

Disabled

Yes

 Unconfigure AMT on Next Boot

Resets AMT configuration options on next boot,

Disabled

Yes

 SOL Terminal Execution Mode

Specifies terminal emulation mode

ANSI

Yes

 Firmware Progress Event
Support

Enables AMT progress events, allowing the status of clients to be
monitored remotely

Disabled

Yes

 Initiate Intel CIRA

Enables Intel CIRA feature

Disabled

Yes

F10 Setup for HP Business Desktops
File menu
The File menu provides access to general options such as:
• View system information
• Set date and time
• Exit F10 Setup with or without saving changes to settings
• Update system ROM

Storage menu
The Storage menu provides access to mass storage device configuration, general options, and boot order.

Security menu
The Security menu provides access to security-related options such as:
• Power-on and DriveLock passwords
• Integrated security device configuration
• Secure boot configuration
• Asset tag configuration

8

12

Thunderbolt is new technology. Install all the latest drivers for your Thunderbolt device before connecting the device to the Thunderbolt port. Thunderbolt
cable and Thunderbolt device (sold separately) must be compatible with Windows. To determine whether your device is Thunderbolt Certified for Windows,
see https://thunderbolttechnology.net/products.

,

Power menu
The power menu provides access to OS and hardware power management configuration and system thermal controls.

Advanced menu
The advanced menu provides access to:
• Power-on options
• Integrated device configuration
• Port options
• Update via Network options
• AMT options (on select models)

Overview for HP Business Desktops
Table 2 provides a detailed list of F10 Setup options for HP business desktops.

Note
Use the F8 hotkey to change the selected language.

Table 2. Key features for F10 Setup on select 2013 HP Business Desktop PCs
Feature

Function

Default setting,
if applicable

Reboot
required

FILE MENU
System Information

Provides key system information, such as chassis serial number,
product name, CPU type, and memory configuration

Yes

Set Time and Date

Configures system time (hh:mm) and date (mm:dd:yyyy)

No

Flash System ROM

Updates system firmware from a FAT 32 partition on a USB disk-onkey or hard drive

Yes

Replicated Setup

Saves setup to or restores setup from a USB storage device

Yes

Default Setup

Saves current settings as default or restores factory settings as default

Yes

Apply Defaults and Exit

Exits F10 Setup and restores settings to user defaults, if created (see
Default Setup above )

Yes

Ignore Changes and Exit

Exits F10 Setup without saving any changes made during current
session

Yes

Save Changes and Exit

Exits F10 Setup and saves all changes made during current session

Yes

STORAGE MENU
Device Configuration

Displays storage device information and enables the configuration of
SATA translation mode

Automatic

Storage Options

Yes
Yes

SATA Emulation

Sets SATA emulation mode

Removable Media Boot

Boots from removable media

Yes
Enabled

Boot Order

Yes
Yes

 UEFI Boot Sources

Specifies UEFI boot order

USB Floppy/CD,
USB Hard Drive,
ATAPI CD/DVD
Drive

Yes

 Legacy Boot Sources

Specifies the legacy boot order

ATAPI CD/DVD
Drive,
USB Floppy/CD,
Hard Drive
USB Hard Drive,

Yes

SATA0
Network
Controller

13

Feature

Function

Default setting,
if applicable

Reboot
required

SECURITY MENU
Setup Password

Establishes a setup password with administrator privileges

No

Power-on Password

Establishes a power-on password with user privileges

No
Yes

Password Options

Available when you are configuring a setup or power-on password

 Lock Legacy Resources

Limits ACPI control of legacy COM and LPT ports

Disabled

Yes

 Setup Browse Mode

Gives non-admin limited access to BIOS setup

Enabled

Yes

 Password Prompt on F9, F11 &

Requires admin password for BIOS hotkeys

Enabled

Yes

 Network Server Mode

Enables network server mode, allowing the system to bypass the
power-on password

Disabled

Yes

 Stringent Password

Prevents the passwords from being cleared

Disabled

Yes

Smart Cover

If options are present, allows chassis cover features to be set

Cover Lock

Engages cover lock solenoid

Unlock

Yes

Cover Removal Sensor

Sets system policy in response to cover removal (Notify User, Setup
Password)

Disabled

Yes

F12

Yes

Device Security

Yes

 Embedded Security Device

Sets embedded device security availability to the OS.

Device available

Yes

 System Audio

Sets system audio availability

Device available

Yes

 Network Controller

Sets network controller availability

Device available

Yes

 SATA0

Sets SATA0 availability

Device available

Yes

 SATA1

Sets SATA1 availability

Device available

Yes

 SATA2

Sets SATA2 availability (on some tower systems

Device available

Yes

 SATA3

Sets SATA3 availability

Device available

Yes

 SATA5

Sets SATA5 availability

Device available

Yes

USB Security

Note: Dependent upon chassis type:

Yes

 Front USB Ports

Yes

– USB3 Port 1

Sets USB port status

Enabled

Yes

– USB3 Port 2

Sets USB port status

Enabled

Yes

– USB Port 1

Sets USB port status

Enabled

Yes

– USB Port 2

Sets USB port status

Enabled

Yes

– USB3 Port 1

Sets USB port status

Enabled

Yes

– USB3 Port 2

Sets USB port status

Enabled

Yes

– USB Port 1

Sets USB port status

Enabled

Yes

– USB Port 2

Sets USB port status

Enabled

Yes

– USB Port 3

Sets USB port status

Enabled

Yes

– USB Port 4

Sets USB port status

Enabled

Yes

 Rear USB Ports

14

Yes

,

Feature

Function

Default setting,
if applicable

 Accessory USB Ports

Reboot
required
Yes

– USB Port 1

Sets USB port status

Enabled

Yes

– USB Port 2

Sets USB port status

Enabled

Yes

– USB Port 3

Sets USB port status

Enabled

Yes

– USB Port 4

Sets USB port status

Enabled

Yes

– USB Port 5

Sets USB port status

Enabled

Yes

– USB3 Port 1

Sets USB port status

Enabled

Yes

Slot Security

Note: Information displayed may vary with form factor

Yes

 PCI Express x16 Slot 1

Sets PCI Express x16 slot availability

Enabled

Yes

 PCI Express x4 Slot 1

Sets PCI Express x4 slot availability

Enabled

Yes

 PCI Express x1 Slot 1

Sets PCI Express x1 slot availability

Enabled

Yes

 PCI Express x1 Slot 2

Sets PCI Express x1 slot availability

Enabled

Yes

 PCI Express x1 Slot 3

Sets PCI Express x1 slot availability

Enabled

Yes

Network Boot

Sets network boot status

Enabled

Yes

System IDs

Sets Asset Tag, Ownership Tag, Keyboard Layout, and UUID

Master Boot Record Security

Protects MBR from corruption

No
Disabled

System Security

Yes
Yes

 Data Execution Prevention

Enables DEP to protect against certain OS security breaches on Intelbased systems

Enabled

 Virtualization Technology (VTx)

Enables VT on Intel-based systems

Disabled

Yes

 Virtualization Technology
Directed I/O (VTd)

Grants virtual machines direct access to peripheral devices on select
Intel-based systems

Disabled

Yes

 Trusted Execution Technology

Enables Trusted Execution Technology on select Intel-based systems

Disabled

Yes

Enabled

Yes

Disables TPM and resets credentials

Do not reset

Yes

 Measure boot variables/devices
to PCR1

Prevents changes in boot device configuration (e.g. adding to or
changing boot order) from causing Bitlocker recovery mode

Disabled

Yes

 OS Management of Embedded
Security Device

Allows OS to manage TPM

Enabled

Yes

– Reset of Embedded Security
Device through OS

Allows reset of TPM to be initiated from the OS

Disabled

Yes

– No PPI Provisioning

Allows the OS to take immediate control of the Embedded Security
Device without requiring user interaction.

Disabled

Yes

– Allow PPI policy to be
changed by OS

Allows the OS to change how the user is prompted for changes to the
Embedded Security Device

Disabled

Prevents All-in-One bezel buttons from being retasked without
administrator privileges

Disabled

Yes

Note: Enabling this feature disables OS management of Embedded
Security Device, prevents a reset of the Embedded Security Device, and
prevents the configuration of VTx, VTd, and Embedded Security Device.
 Embedded Security Device

Enables Trusted Platform Module (TPM)
Note: Configuring the Embedded Security Device requires a setup
password.

– Reset to Factory Settings

 Button Retask Password
Protection

Yes
Yes

15

Feature

Function

Default setting,
if applicable

 DriveLock Security

Allows configuration of master and user DriveLock passwords

Reboot
required
Yes

Note: Hard drive security states cannot be changed after a warm
reboot. Power off the system then boot directly to F10 Setup.
– Enable/Disable DriveLock

Enables DriveLock feature. Prompts for setting a user password when
set to Enable.

Yes

– Configure Master Password

Allows Master DriveLock password to be set

Yes

Secure Boot Configuration
 Legacy Support

Yes
Provides support for older (non-EFI) operating systems

Disabled for
Windows 8

Yes

Enabled for
others
 Secure Boot

BIOS will verify that the software image it boots to is properly
authenticated

Enabled for
Windows 8

Note: Enabling Secure Boot impacts Legacy Support, Legacy Boot
Sources, and Option ROM Launch Policies.

Disabled for
others

Yes

Note: “Secure Boot Policy” warning appears if user tries to enable
Legacy Support with Secure Boot on.
Key Management

Yes

 Clear Secure Boot Keys

By default HP keys are installed. They can be extended by valid
updates from HP. Clearing the keys resets the keys to the initial BIOS
defaults. If Custom keys have been selected, clearing the keys
removes all the keys.

Don’t Clear

No

 Key Ownership

If Secure Boot is enabled, keys are used to ensure that only properly
signed software can boot. The Key Ownership option allows you to
specify HP or custom keys.

HP Keys

Yes

Enabled for
Windows 8

Yes

It is beyond the scope of this paper to discuss methods for installing
keys.
Fast Boot

Enables the Fast Boot option (with support for Fast Boot and Seamless
Boot) for Windows 8 users

Disabled for
others
POWER MENU
OS Power Management

Yes

 Runtime Power Management

Enables Runtime Power Management

Enabled

Yes

 Idle Power Savings

Increase OS Idle Power Savings

Extended

Yes

 Unique Sleep State Blink Rates

Assigns a unique LED blink pattern to S3 and S4

Disabled

No

Hardware Power Management

Yes

 SATA Power Management

Enables SATA bus to enter low power states when idle

Enabled

Yes

 S5 Maximum Power Savings

Minimizes power consumption of system while in S5 (off) state.

Disabled

Yes

0

Yes

Note: Windows 8 with Fast Startup enabled powers off to the S4
(suspend to disk) state.
 Thermal

Adjusts minimum fan speed in Idle Mode
ADVANCED MENU

Power-on Options

16

Yes

 POST mode

Selects between default startup or self-testing during power-on

QuickBoot

Yes

 POST Messages

Displays messages instead of logo during POST

Disabled

Yes

 Press the ESC key for Startup
Menu

Displays the Press Esc for startup menu prompt

Enabled

Yes

,

Feature

Function

Default setting,
if applicable

Reboot
required

 Option ROM Prompt

Displays the Option ROM prompt on POST screen

Enabled

Yes

 After Power Loss

Specifies system state after power loss

Off

Yes

 POST Delay (in seconds)

Specifies amount of delay to add during POST for certain peripherals

None

Yes

 Remote Wakeup Boot Source

Specifies boot device after a remote wakeup event

Local Hard Drive

No

 Factory Recovery Boot Support

Enables BIOS support for HP Backup and Recovery tools

Disabled

Yes

 Bypass F1 Prompt on
Configuration Changes

Allows system to boot without user input after configuration change
(for example, memory size)

Disabled

No

BIOS Power-on

Specifies time and day(s) when system automatically wakes from the
S5 (off) state

Disabled

Onboard Devices

Specifies a Legacy Device’s IRQ, DMA, and I/O Range settings

Serial Port A:
IO=3F8h, IRQ=4

Yes
Yes

Parallel Port:
IO=378h, IRQ=7,
DMA=1
Printer Mode:
EPP+ECP
Bus Options

Yes

 PCI SERR# Generation

Enables PCI device to generate SERR# (System Error), as defined by
the PCI specification

Enabled

Yes

 PCI VGA Palette Snooping

Enables VGA palette registers snooping

Disabled

Yes

Device Options – All-in-One (AIO) systems

Yes

 Turbo Mode

Enables processor feature that optimizes core frequencies can be
optimized for performance based on the load on each core

Enabled

 Num Lock State at Power-on

Enables Number Lock at boot

Off

Yes

 LVDS Panel Select

Enables panel type/vendor selection override

Automatic

Yes

 Internal Speaker

Enables or disables the internal speaker

Enabled

Yes

 USB EHCI Port Debug

Forces all USB ports to use USB 2 for debugging utilities and other
applications that do not support USB 3

Disabled

Yes

 Multi-processor

Enables BIOS to report multiple processor cores to the OS

Enabled

Yes

 Hyperthreading9

Enables hyperthreading capability on Intel processors; some programs
may run better with this feature disabled.

Enabled

Yes

 USB Charging Port

The top left-side USB port on AIO systems can be used to charge USB
devices when the system is powered off.

Enabled

Yes

Device Options – Other systems

Yes

Yes

 Turbo Mode

Enables processor feature that optimizes core frequencies can be
optimized for performance based on the load on each core

Enabled

Yes

 Num Lock State at Power-on

Enables Num Lock at boot

Off

Yes

 Integrated Video

Enables integrated video controller

Enabled

Yes

 Internal Speaker

Enables or disables the internal speaker

Enabled

Yes

 USB EHCI Port Debug

Forces all USB ports to use USB 2 for debugging utilities and other
applications that do not support USB 3

Disabled

Yes

 Multi-processor

Enables BIOS to report multiple processor cores to the OS

Enabled

Yes

9

Intel HT Technology (HT) is designed to improve performance of multi-threaded software products and requires a computer system with a processor
supporting HT and an HT-enabled chipset, BIOS and OS. Please contact your software provider to determine compatibility. Not all customers or software
applications will benefit from the use of HT. See http://www.intel.com/info/hyperthreading for more information.

17

Feature

Function

Default setting,
if applicable

Reboot
required

 VGA Configuration

Selects whether the graphics card or the integrated graphics is chosen
to display as Primary VGA device during boot-up (available when a
graphics card is installed)

(Add-in graphics
is set as primary)

Yes

Management Operations
10

Yes

 AMT

Allows all AMT (Intel® Active Management Technology) functions to be
enabled or disabled

Enabled

Yes

 Unconfigure AMT/ME

Clears all AMT settings on the next boot

Disabled

Yes

 Hide Unconfigure ME
Confirmation Prompt

If Unconfigure AMT/ME is selected, this suppresses the confirmation
prompt after the required reboot.

Disabled

Yes

 WatchDog Timer

Enables AMT/ME watchdog timer

Enabled

Yes

– OS WatchDog Timer

Sets OS WatchDog Timer (minutes)

5

Yes

– BIOS WatchDog Timer

Sets BIOS WatchDog Timer (minutes)

5

Yes

Option ROM Launch Policy
 PXE Option ROMs

Yes
Specifies whether the legacy option ROM or the UEFI driver in the BIOS
is used to provide PXE services

UEFI Only for
Windows 8

Yes

Legacy Only for
other
 Storage Option ROMs

Specifies whether the legacy option ROM or the UEFI driver in the BIOS
is used to provide RAID setup and support

UEFI Only for
Windows 8
Legacy Only for
other

Yes

 Video Option ROMs

Specifies whether the legacy VBIOS or the UEFI driver in the BIOS is
used to provide graphics setup and support

Legacy Only

Yes

 NetClone Option ROMs

Enables or disables Netclone support

Do Not Launch

Yes

 Connected BIOS

Enables or disables BIOS network support

Enabled

Yes

 Use Proxy

When enabled, displays Proxy Address field to configure the URL of the
proxy server.

Disabled

No

 Update BIOS via Network

Enables or disables the BIOS update via network feature

Enabled
Yes

Note: Updating BIOS over the network is supported on 2013 600/800
desktop models.
 Update Source
– Update Address

Selects hp.com or a locally managed custom address to serve BIOS
updates

HP

For custom source, URL of the locally managed server, if custom
source is selected

No
No

Enables or disables the network BIOS update scheduler

Disabled

No

– Automatic Update Frequency

Sets the frequency of checks to the BIOS update server. If a newer
version of BIOS has been made available on the network server, the
system will prompt to update the BIOS.

Monthly

No

– Force Check on Next Reboot

Independent of the scheduled frequency, check if an updated BIOS has
been made available during the next boot.

Disabled

Yes

 Automatic BIOS Update Setting

10 Intel®

Active Management Technology requires an Intel® AMT-enabled chipset, network hardware and software, as well as connection with a power source
and a corporate network connection. Setup requires configuration by the purchaser and may require scripting with the management console or further
integration into existing security frameworks to enable certain functionality. It may also require modifications of implementation of new business processes.

18

,

Appendix A: BIOS overview for 2012 HP ElitePad 90011
Table A-1 outlines BIOS options for a 2012 HP ElitePad 900.
You can invoke the HP BIOS settings application via the Windows Control Panel (Control PanelHP BIOS Settings) or directly
as an application.

Note
The options shown in Table A-1 constitute a subset of BIOS settings for the 2012 HP ElitePad 900.

Table A-1. BIOS settings
Feature

Function

Default setting,
if applicable

Reboot
required

Information

Provides key system information, such as serial number,
model number, CPU type, and memory configuration

N/A

No

Boot Settings

No

 Boot options

No

– Ethernet boot

Allows Ethernet boot

On

No

– USB device boot

Allows boot from USB storage device

On

No
No

 Device configurations
– Shutdown on Battery

Initiate orderly shutdown when AC is removed

Off

No

– Secure Boot

Enables the SecureBoot function, which verifies the boot
loader signature before loading the OS

On

No

Specifies the UEFI boot order.

OS Boot Manager,

No

 Boot Order

USB Hard Drive,
USB ODD,
Ethernet IP V4,
Ethernet IP V6,
Micro SD Card
BIOS Password

No

 Create Password

Establishes the BIOS Administrator password for admin
privilege to access BIOS settings

No

Using BIOSConfigUtility to get/set BIOS settings
1.
2.
3.
4.

Download BIOSConfigUtility (BCU) tool, which is available at ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp5850159000/sp58888.exe.
Run the BCU tool on the reference unit, creating an output text file (as shown in Figure A-1).
Note: You can run BCU in the local OS environment or in the service OS (for example, PXE boot.)
Update the text file based on the settings you wish to enforce.
Re-run the BCU tool using the updated text file as the input source.

11 The

integrated display resolution of this system is below the threshold for snapping apps, a new feature that allows two Windows apps to be viewed
simultaneously side by side. This feature may be enabled by attaching an external display which supports a screen resolution of 1366 x 768 or higher.

19

Figure A-1. Sample text file output from the BCU tool

Language
*English
Deutsch
Spanish
Italian
French
Japanese
Portuguese
Dansk
Suomi
Nederlands
Norsk
Svenska
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Multiboot Express Popup Delay(Sec)
*0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
Initiate orderly Shutdown when AC is removed
Enable
*Disable
Ethernet boot
*Enable
Disable
Data Execution Prevention
*Enable
Disable
Multi Core CPU
*Enable
Disable
USB device boot
*Enable
Disable
Intel (R) HT Technology
*Enable
Disable
UEFI Boot Order
OS Boot Manager
USB Hard Drive
USB ODD
Ethernet IPV4
Ethernet IPV6
Micro SD Card

20

,

WWAN Device
*Enable
Disable
WLAN Device
*Enable
Disable
Near Field Communication
*Enable
Disable
SD Card Device
*Enable
Disable
OTG USB
*Enable
Disable
PTT
*Unhide
Hide
Device Configuration ID
00000000
Password Minimum Length
8
At least one symbol required
Yes
*No
At least one number required
Yes
*No
At least one upper case character required
Yes
*No
At least one lower case character required
Yes
*No
Are spaces allowed in password
Yes
*No
Secure Boot
*Enable
Disable
Clear Secure Boot Keys
Enable
*Disable
User Mode
*HP Factory Keys
Customer Keys

21

Appendix B: Setting up an in-house repository to support network updates
Disclaimer
The information contained within this appendix, including URL, other web site references, and other specification documents
are subject to change without notice and are provided for informational purposes only. No licenses with respect to any
intellectual property are being granted, expressly or impliedly, by the disclosure of the information contained in this
document. Furthermore, neither Hewlett Packard nor any of its subsidiaries makes any warranties of any nature regarding
the use of the information contained within this document, and thus the entire risk, if any, resulting from the use of
information within this document is the sole responsibility of the user. In addition, the names of the technologies, actual
companies, and products mentioned within this document may be trademarks of their respective owners. Complying with
all applicable copyright and trademark laws is the sole responsibility of the user of this document. Without limiting any
rights under copyright, no part of this document may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted in any form or by any means
without the express written consent of Hewlett Packard.
Hewlett Packard or its subsidiaries may have patents, patent applications, trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual
property rights covering the subject matter in this document. Except where expressly provided in any written license from
Hewlett Packard or its subsidiaries, the furnishing of this document, or any ideas contained within, does not grant any
license to these ideas, patents, trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual property.

Introduction
HP notebooks, desktops, or workstations can receive BIOS updates over the network from a repository on a pre-defined HP
HTTP /FTP site. Alternatively, the BIOS Update from a Network option also supports updates from an in-house server.
This appendix describes how to configure a repository on an in-house HTTP/ FTP server12 in order to store approved BIOS
files for HP platforms.

Terminology
HTTP server – Uses HTTP protocol to interact with clients such as web browsers; common implementations include
Microsoft Internet Information Server (IIS) and Apache
FTP Server – Uses FTP protocol to interact with FTP client such as web browsers, as well as applications such as WS-FTP
and FileZilla; common implementations include Microsoft IIS and Apache
Sysid – System ID, four hexadecimal characters that uniquely identify a particular HP platform; reported through the
SMBIOS.
BIOS Update from a Network – HP feature designed to provide BIOS updates over the network

12 Setting

22

up the server is beyond the scope of this appendix

,

Finding a particular BIOS file
The HP repository (an HTTP/FTP file store) has a different folder for each sysid, each containing the following:
• Catalog (.xml file) that lists supported BIOS files for the particular platfom
• Individual BIOS updates (.bin files)

Note
A custom implementation of an HTTP or FTP server requires a catalog and one or more BIOS files. Even if you are only
providing a single BIOS update, a catalog file is required.

When using the BIOS Update via Network feature, the BIOS computes the address of the custom repository using a base
address (update_url).The format of the repository address becomes:
update_url/sysid/sysid.xml
For example, if the repository address is http://example.com/files/pcbios and the sysid is 1909, the BIOS would attempt to
download the catalog from http://example.com/files/pcbios/1909/1909.xml.
The domain portion of the URL is not case-sensitive; thus http://example.com and HTTP://EXAMPLE.COM are treated as
being the same.
The path portion of the URL is generally case-sensitive on UNIX or Linux platforms, regardless of the web server deployed,
and is generaly not case-sensitive on Windows platforms, again regardless of the web server deployed. Thus, if running
Apache on Linux, for example, http://example.com/bios and http://example.com/BIOS are generally not treated as being
the same; however, if running IIS on Windows, http://example.com/bios and http://example.com/BIOS are generally treated
as being the same. Any case-sensitivity is determined by the HTTP or FTP server, not by the HP system running the BIOS
Update via Network feature.

Organizing the catalog
The BIOS builds download URLs for the catalog and the update file using the same mechanism, ensuring that the update is
downloaded from the appropriate repository folder.

Note
In order to prevent buffer overflow attacks during the download process, the BIOS sets a hard-coded limit of 100 KB before
downloading the catalog. Thus, custom catalog files should never be allowed to grow larger than 100 KB in size.

23

Catalog file schema
The schema shown in Figure B-1 is common to HP and customer repositories.

Note
Only UCS Transformational Format – 8-bit (UTF-8) is supported (where UCS refers to the Unicode character set).

Figure B-1. Repository schema























Rel – BIOS releases
Ver – Version. E.g. 01.09
Bin – BIOS binary file name. e.g. L77_0109.bin
RB – Rollback Allowed flag, 1 – Rollback allowed, 0 – Rollback not allowed
L – Release Importance Level: 1- Important, 0 - Normal
DP – Dependent file version. The BIOS first has to be upgraded to the Dependent version before it
can be updated to the this version. (optional, if not set, no dependence)
TXT – Allow IT administrator to communicate important notes with the user when scheduled update
screen is displayed

Sample file
Figure B-2 shows a sample catalog file.
Figure B-2. Sample catalog file


180F





24

,

Naming conventions
Figure B-3 outlines the naming conventions used by HP for BIOS files.

Note
You are advised to follow these conventions if you are setting up your own BIOS update repository.

Figure B-3. General naming conventions for a BIOS file

Setting up a repository
After setting up an FTP or HTTP server, you should create a subdirectory that will be used to store the catalog and BIOS files.
This subdirectory can be a virtual or physical directory that is located anywhere in the directory hierarchy that is accessible
via HTTP or FTP. The specific name used for the directory is at your discretion; for example, if the server’s host name is
www.server.com, then a simple approach would be to create a virtual directory at www.server.com/bios.
The directory name must be published so that it can be set in the BIOS13 as part of the repository’s custom URL. This URL
must also include the protocol to be used to access the repository (for example, ftp://www.server.com/bios or
http://www.server.com/bios).

Instructions
These setup instructions assume you have created subdirectory bios for an HTTP server.

Note
The organization of directories subordinate to bios is the same whether an FTP or HTTP server is being used.

Under bios, you must create one or more folders whose name(s) exactly match the sysid(s) of the systems you wish to
update. For example, for a system with a sysid of 1909, you would create folder 1909.
Each folder requires a catalog whose name also matches the sysid of the particular platform. In this example, you would
place catalog file 1909.xml in folder 1909 .
The contents of each .xml file must match the schema defined in Figure B-1.

13 Via

F10 settings or WMI

25

Sample catalog file
Figure B-4 shows file 1909.xml , which has been placed in folder 1909 within a repository at www.server.com/bios.
Figure B-4. Sample catalog



1909




This catalog lists the following BIOS versions:
• 98.61
• 98.63
• 98.64

The respective file names and release dates of these versions are:
• L70_9861.bin – released January 4, 2013
• L70_9863.bin – released February 4, 2013
• L70_9864.bin – released March 4, 2013

All three versions support rollback to previous versions (RB=”1”).14
98.61 and 98.64 are considered important updates (L=”1”), while 98.63 is a normal update (L=”0”).

Note
There must be no more than one entry in the catalog for a particular BIOS version.
If the HTTP/FTP server is running on Linux, the filename is typically case-sensitive; if the server is running on Windows, the
filename is not typically case-sensitive.

Final caveat
The catalog should accurately reflect the version, date, and other metadata associated with a particular BIOS version, thus
allowing a BIOS to locate, download, and enforce the intended update. If the catalog were to provide an incorrect filename,
for example, the BIOS would attempt to download and enforce an incorrect update.
Consider the following:
• If the BIOS referenced by the catalog entry for version 98.61 is actually version 99.53, then version 99.53 is installed and

enforced.
• If the catalog indicates that a particular .bin file contains BIOS version 98.61 but the file actually contains version 98.60,

the update process would report an error indicating a mismatch.
• If the catalog indicates that a particular BIOS version allows rollbacks, while the BIOS itself does not, then the rollback

requirement from the catalog is ignored.
To summarize, the logic contained in a newly-updated BIOS is enforced, which may lead to unintended consequences if
information contained in the catalog is incorrect.

14

26

Quotation marks are required.

,

For more information
Contact HP
hp.com/country/us/en/contact_us.html
HP Business Notebook Innovations
http://www.hp.com/go/professionalinnovations
HP Professional Innovations Quick Reference Guide
http://www.hp.com/sbso/solutions/pc_expertise/professional_innovations/hp-professional-innovations-quick-referenceguide.pdf

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© Copyright 2013 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for
HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as
constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.
Microsoft and Windows are U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. . Intel, Active Management Technology (Intel AMT), and Hyper Threading (HT)
are registered trademarks or trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other product names mentioned herein may be
trademarks of their respective companies.
742410-003, August 2013, Updated September 2013



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