System Details:
- Laptop Model: HP Pavilion Plus 14-ey0789AU
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 7840U
- BIOS Version: Insyde F.09
- Motherboard: HP 8C21
- Chipset: AMD Promontory/Bixby FCH
- Backup: Original BIOS image created using HP BIOS Utility.
Objective:
I am attempting to unlock hidden BIOS menus, specifically IHV Advanced and AMD Overclocking, which are visible as options in the BIOS setup when viewed using Insyde H2OEZE. These menus seem to include advanced settings such as Precision Boost Overdrive, SoC Voltage Control, and other overclocking features.
Tools and Methods Used:
- BIOS Editing Tools:
- H2OEZE: Used to view and modify BIOS menus (e.g., changing suppress/grayout settings).
- UEFITool: Used to locate strings related to “IHV Advanced” and “AMD Overclocking” within the firmware image.
- Flashing Tools:
- HP BIOS Update Utility: Used for flashing the modified BIOS.
Steps Taken So Far:
-
BIOS Editing:
- Loaded the
.fdBIOS file (from HP’s official update package) into H2OEZE. - Found the IHV Advanced and AMD Overclocking menus.
- Changed the suppress/grayout values from “Auto” to “None” to unlock these menus.
- Saved the changes and exported the modified BIOS as both
.binand.fdfiles.
- Loaded the
-
String Search in UEFITool:
- Located “IHV Advanced” in two sections:
A01ODMDxeDriver/PE32SetupUtility/PE32
- Located “IHV Advanced” in two sections:
-
Flashing Attempts:
- Replaced the modified
.binfile in the HP BIOS recovery USB created by the BIOS utility. - Flashing succeeded, but none of the changes (unlocked menus) were reflected in the BIOS setup.
- Replaced the modified
-
Verification Mechanism:
- HP BIOS flash utility appears to verify the integrity of the BIOS file during flashing, potentially rejecting the modified file.
Issues Encountered:
-
Changes Reverting:
- Whenever I reopen the
.fdfile in H2OEZE after saving, the suppress/grayout values reset to “Auto,” indicating that the modifications are not being properly saved.
- Whenever I reopen the
-
Flashing Without Changes:
- Despite successfully flashing the modified BIOS, the changes (unlocked menus) do not appear in the BIOS setup.
-
BIOS Verification:
- The HP BIOS flashing tool verifies the integrity of the BIOS file, which might prevent custom changes from being applied.
-
CPU Lock:
- While the AMD Ryzen 7 7840U is locked, the BIOS lists IHV Advanced and AMD Overclocking menus, which suggests they might be accessible with proper modifications.
Questions and Clarifications Needed:
- Saving Changes in H2OEZE:
- Why are the suppress/grayout changes not being saved properly? Is there an additional step required to make them persistent?
- Bypassing BIOS Verification:
- How can I bypass or disable the HP BIOS tool’s verification mechanism to flash a modified BIOS?
- Testing Modified BIOS:
- Is there a way to test the modified BIOS virtually (e.g., using QEMU) before flashing it on the physical system?
- Flashing Methods:
- What is the correct method to flash a custom-modified Insyde BIOS on HP laptops? Are there alternative tools I should use?
Additional Context:
- Secure Boot Disabled: Secure Boot was disabled during all flashing attempts.
- Menus Confirmed in BIOS File: Both IHV Advanced and AMD Overclocking menus exist in the firmware, as verified through H2OEZE and UEFITool.
- Processor Limitation: While the CPU is locked, these menus may still offer advanced customization options if unlocked.
Attachments
Screenshot 2025-01-08 162549|690x406
- Screenshot of the string search in UEFITool showing “IHV Advanced” locations.
- Screenshots of H2OEZE showing suppress/grayout settings before and after saving (reverting to “Auto”).
I hope this clearly outlines my situation. Any guidance or suggestions to successfully unlock these menus would be greatly appreciated!
Edit by Fernando: Thread title shortened (no need to mention all details)