You have to make a bootable device. (cd or usb key)

i used the "USB key" to install the BIOS.

step by step:

- You download the file

- Double click the file. It will ask you where you want to put it. Select the USB key. It will reformat the memory on the key and install the files. Don't worry - when it's done there is nothing telling you that the files are on the memory key. But they ARE there.

- Close the window. Leave the USB key in the HP and turn off the laptop by quitting windows.

CAREFUL: the HP.com instructions tell you that you just have to put the HP back on and it will boot from the USB Key but it doesn't. AH HA. That was tricky. To make it boot from the USB Key you have to do it manually. Put the HP on and when you first see the text on the lower left screen press the F10 key to go to the BIOS setting. When you are there, select System Configuration (Tab). Then select Boot Options. Press "Enter". In the Boot Orders: Select the USB Key for the 1st Boot Device. Save and Exit. The HP will start automatically and upgrade the BIOS from the USB Key!

When the upgrade is done the HP will turn off automatically. Before you turn on the HP again,
REMEMBER you have to go back to change the Boot Order... SO: Turn on the HP press F10 key and select System Configuration/Boot Options and PUT BACK 1st Boot Device to NOTEBOOK HARD DRIVE.

NOW you can install the SONY SxS driver as you would normally.

anyway -- that's what I did. Let me know how you do. Good Luck.

bios wont update...dont know why. i/o error

When did you exactly get the " I/O error" message? And did you use a USB Key or a CD?

after I format the usb key with the update. I worry that it hasnt copied the files. i reboot press f10 select usb then get the i/o error

thanks so much for your help

Don't you just love PC's! Try from a CD instead of the USB key.

Yeah, I had the same problem. My USB stick would not work, I kept getting an error when I tried to boot. So I made a bootable CD and that worked like a charm.

Maybe you can try with a SD Memory card by using the SD Memory slot (which is just below the Express Card slot) instead of the USB key. I also just discovered that there is a special key for selecting which "Boot Device" to start. Its the F9 key.... much easy. Make sure to leave the SD memory in the slot before rebooting.

Otherwise there is the CD option. I don't have an external CD drive that why I used the USB key.

dont have an external cd though...

I'm sorry to hear all these problems with this machine.

Just as an option, if you live in the US you can get a refurbished MacBook at the on-line Apple Store for less than $900.

You can pick up a USB DVD-RW drive for less than $100. That is what I did. You need it anyway to facilitate the loading of software.

got macs coming out of my ears. I want an ultra portable computer with EXPRESS Card slot. Just don't want to throw good money after bad...done everything and no success....

Phil have you tried testing the expresscard slot with something other than an SxS card? I have been using my 2133 with the older bios F.02 and I haven't had any problems.
I was just thinking there may be a hardware problem. My computer is running Vista Business, 1600MHz, 2GB, KBC Ver. 7.11, Bios F.02 .

It also might be a Vista Basic problem:

When you connect a PCI ExpressCard device to a portable Windows Vista-based computer, the device may not work correctly

Mine is Vista home PREMIUM although i can't see basic being any different.

Paul.

Phil, have you installed vista SP1 ?
It speeds up the pc a bit anyway so even that is a good enough reason.

Paul.