Predator 17 G9-793-731R Intel ME (CSME) Update?

Thymreia
Thymreia Member Posts: 3 New User

I have a question regarding the Intel ME (CSME) version on this laptop. The detection tool from intel itself says the version on my laptop is 11.0.1.1001 and that there are vulnerabilities. I'm using secure boot on my laptop and i think that there is a conflict of interest in using secure boot and having vulnerabilities.

Also my BIOS version is 1.14

So is there a chance in getting an up-to-date ME-version?

Answers

  • Emma_
    Emma_ Moderator, Member Posts: 226 Moderator

    Hello!!

    @Thymreia

    Hi,
    Yes, you can update BIOS to 1.14 from 1.04, there are no guarantee that the update will be safe but if you take certain precautions it will be successful, I don't know whether you can update BIOS is Safe Mode because I have never tried it, I couldn't find any links for this particular model.
    These are the precautions you can take:
    1. Fully charge the battery(100%).
    2. Disable/Uninstall any third party AV programs.
    3. Disable all Start-up Programs in Task Manager.
    4. Remove any peripherals connected to the laptop, like USB drives, Printers etc.
    5. Choose a time when others in your household not using the Internet, make sure that there won't be any Power cuts in your area(this is not in your control).
    6. Disable all known background Apps/Programs running.
    7. Download the BIOS file from Acer support site.
    8. Extract the.zip file to the Desktop.
    9. Keep the AC adapter connected during the update process because BIOS update will not function with Battery power alone.
    10. Open the extracted folder in the Desktop, right click  .exe file and select Run as Admin, follow the prompts.
    Once the process starts move away from the laptop, you may see blank screen for extended periods but don't touch any buttons on the keyboard or power off the laptop, you can only hope for the best until the laptop boots.

    Regards,

    LunaNova14

  • Thymreia
    Thymreia Member Posts: 3 New User

    I know that. And i did those BIOS Updates until 1.14

    I stated that my BIOS version IS 1.14.

    But i'm asking if there is an option to get further updates (maybe beta or custom made from acer) because i had the same problem on my pc with an older asrock mainboard. and the guys from thier support went above and beyond and gave me another 3 different bios versions that weren't released on the support side. so maybe beta or custom versions. and it actually brought the ME version to a point where the detection tool said my pc is save.

  • Puraw
    Puraw ACE, Member Posts: 14,523 Trailblazer

    I don't recommend second guessing Acer firmware with Intel's Management Engine, I had many Intel CPUs/boards but always disabled Intel consoles and most Intel management apps as they produce nothing but errors and cause lots of issues in both W10 and 11. Trust Acer firmware for your laptop (W10 BIOS is from 2018) and use Secure Boot as Windows security won't work without it. Acer does not provide Beta software and you should only download and use drivers and Firmware-BIOS from Acer Support for your model laptop.
    If there are vulnerabilities with your system, Windows10 should be able to detect those immediately and warn you if all your Windows10 22H2 security settings are enabled (including the latest Windows Core Isolation feature), you are monthly updating the system and only Windows Defender is used for AV and Malware protection.

    Consider upgrading to a Windows11 laptop (your laptop model is 7 years old) with far better security, Acer provides W11 2023 firmware and also because Windows10 will become obsolete end 2025.

  • Thymreia
    Thymreia Member Posts: 3 New User

    First of all. I do run Win 11 (Edition: Windows 11 Home, Version: 22H2, Betriebssystembuild: 22621.2066) on this laptop because of that loophole that microsoft had for a few hours/days, where everyone could upgrade to win11 regardless what that test said.

    Also i don''t have the money to just buy a newer laptop. I'm fine with this one.

    And i didn't want to get BIOS versions that are not from acer. i was asking if i could get support from acer the same way i got from asrock. and that mainboard (Z170 Extreme 4) is from 2015. and i did get the updated BIOS versions directly from ASRock support.

    also i don't have any problems with the intel software. none. but i don't believe that microsoft can fix vulnerabilities that are related to chipset firmware versions.

    but i think i will contact the acer support itself. doesn't seem like i can get the information i'm looking for on here.