SYSTEM BIOS

8.2 ROM Flashing

The system BIOS firmware is contained in a flash ROM device that can be re-written with new BIOS code using a flash utility locally (with F10 setup), with the HPQFlash program in a Windows environment, or with the FLASHBIN.EXE utility in a DOS or DOS-like environment.

8.2.1 Upgrading

Upgrading the BIOS is not normally required but may be necessary if changes are made to the unit's operating system, hard drive, or processor. All System BIOS upgrades are available directly from HP. Flashing is done either locally through F10 setup, the HPQFlash program in a Windows environment, or with the FLASHBIN.EXE utility in a DOS or DOS-like environment. Flashing may also be done by deploying either HPQFlash or FLASHBIN.EXE through the network boot function.

This system includes 64 KB of write-protected boot block ROM that provides a way to recover from a failed flashing of the system BIOS ROM. If the system BIOS ROM fails the flash check, the boot block code provides the minimum amount of support necessary to allow booting the system and re-flashing the system BIOS ROM with a CD or USB disk/thumb drive.

8.2.2Changeable Splash Screen

A corrupted splash screen may be restored by reflashing the BIOS image through F10 setup, running HPQFlash, or running FLASHBIN.EXE. Depending on the system, changing (customizing) the splash screen may only be available with asistance from HP.

The splash screen (image displayed during POST) is stored in the system BIOS ROM and may be replaced with another image of choice by using the Image Flash utility (Flashi.exe). The Image Flash utility allows the user to browse directories for image searching and pre-viewing. Background and foreground colors can be chosen from the selected image's palette.

The splash screen image requirements are as follows:

Format = Windows bitmap with 4-bit RLE encoding

Size = 424 (width) x 320 (height) pixels

Colors = 16 (4 bits per pixel)

File Size = < 64 KB

The Image Flash utility can be invoked at a command line for quickly flashing a known image as follows:

>\Flashi.exe [Image_Filename] [Background_Color] [Foreground_Color]

The utility checks to insure that the specified image meets the splash screen requirements listed above or it will not be loaded into the ROM.

 

8-2

www.hp.com

Technical Reference Guide

Page 86
Image 86
HP dc5850 manual ROM Flashing, Upgrading, Changeable Splash Screen

dc5850 specifications

The HP dc5850 is a desktop computer that was designed for business environments, offering a blend of performance, reliability, and efficiency. Released during the height of the mid-2000s, this system is powered by AMD processors, particularly the Athlon or Phenom series, which ensures that it can handle various computational tasks with ease.

The dc5850 features a compact chassis that adheres to the Microtower form factor. This design not only saves space but also allows for easier upgrades and maintenance. The unit typically supports a range of RAM configurations, with options for up to 8GB of DDR2 memory. This flexibility enables the user to tailor the system's performance according to their needs, whether for basic office tasks or more demanding applications.

Storage options on the HP dc5850 include a 3.5-inch HDD that can accommodate substantial data, with capacities typically ranging from 160GB to 1TB. The inclusion of a SATA interface ensures fast data transfer rates, which is essential for improving overall system performance. Moreover, the dc5850 boasts multiple USB ports, including USB 2.0 and sometimes even USB 3.0, facilitating easy connectivity with peripherals such as printers, scanners, and external drives.

Graphics capabilities on the dc5850 are generally provided by integrated solutions, although users have the option to add discrete graphics cards for enhanced performance in visual tasks. The system often comes with integrated audio, which supports basic multimedia needs without requiring additional sound cards.

In terms of connectivity, the HP dc5850 features built-in Ethernet for wired networking and may also offer options for Wi-Fi capabilities via PCI expansion slots. This makes it suitable for networked business environments, enabling seamless integration into office infrastructures.

The system is designed with energy efficiency in mind, complying with various environmental standards, thereby reducing its carbon footprint. This aspect may also lead to lower operational costs for businesses focused on sustainability.

Overall, the HP dc5850 stands out as a versatile desktop solution, catering to the essential needs of small to medium-sized businesses. With its combination of performance, expandability, and energy efficiency, it remains a noteworthy choice for users seeking reliable computing power in a compact and manageable form.