This blog describes a script that can modify HP Softpaq recommendations of a reference file to accommodate unique IT needs. In essence, a Reference File editor. HP Image Assistant (HPIA) is an IT tool designed to intelligently analyze and update HP commercial PCs. HPIA uses daily updated reference files that contain current information for the platform being analyzed. If a need arises for the a ..read more

The purpose of the HP Manageability Integration Kit (MIK) is to enable a user experience that simplifies routine enterprise processes and tasks by integrating into existing tools and workflows, like Microsoft Configuration Manager, now part of Intune family of products. Like other HP client management solutions, the MIK is available at https://www.hp.com/go/clientmanagement. Depl ..read more

HP’s System Software Manager (SSM) has helped many IT organizations deliver updates to end user devices for a long time. SSM was deprecated by HP after decades of service and other tools provide different methods for achieving similar results. Here, we are going to review how existing SSM workflows can be replaced with the HP Image Assistant ..read more

In an enterprise, it is useful to have a means to remotely find and update docking station firmware. While each dock update is packaged independently, a way to query for an attached dock, find the installed firmware version, and use the associated update Softpaq can be tricky. The PowerShell script described in this blog can be used to test for and find a supported HP dock or docking ..read more

Starting with Windows 10 and Windows 11, 22H2 Driver Pack releases in December 2022, HP is delivering combined Driver and UWP/HSA driver applications in single Softpaqs. Organizations who inject drivers during imaging will be able to download a single executable that will provide both the device’s hardware enabling drivers along with their corresponding HSA (UWP) control applications ..read more

Security conscious organizations would like to know when certain vulnerabilities have been taken care of and the fixes released. HP packages device supporting components into Softpaqs. When available, CVE vulnerability fixes are listed in each Softpaq’s associated CVA  file It is possible, however, that in some cases, a component vendor may release updates for HP release without ..read more

HP Image Assistant (HPIA) analyzes a system by downloading a daily updated Reference File from HP. However, it can also analyze and take action from a local Reference File (scripting support added in version 5.1.6 - prior releases only allowed this from the GUI). With a properly modified reference file, HPIA would be able to use it to analyze and update a system based on specific ..read more

Configure Sure Admin using PowerShell modules to protect your BIOS from unauthorized access using a Password free modern security technology. Sure Admin uses public-key cryptography to eliminate the risks that are associated with legacy password-based approaches. Although this steps provides a step-by-step method for testing or implementing HP Sure Admin management, note that HP Connect for Microsoft Endpoint Manager can configure it up as well, from the cloud - see admin.hp.com for this feature ..read more

The hybrid working environment, where users are working from home or not at a fixed desk location poses additional challenges for IT resilience. One of those areas is the recovery of a non-functional device that requires a fresh Windows image to get the end-user productive again. HP Sure Recover is built into the hardware & firmware of selected HP business devices and helps to securely install the operating system from a network location ..read more

The ability to use current, up to date, Driver Packs for Windows imaging needs is clear. Official HP Driver Packs are released on a cadence that often require IT departments to update specific drivers immediately after deployment. Why not create your own, as needed? HP Client Management Script Library (CMSL) version 1.6.5 introduces new commands with the ability to create up to date D ..read more