Not really a vmware issue but the following instructions may help
To use HP Smart Update Manager on the Firmware Maintenance CD
version 7.50 and later:
Place the [Firmware
Maintenance CD|http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SoftwareIndex.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&prodNameId=1844068&prodTypeId=18964&prodSeriesId=1844067&swLang=13&taskId=135&swEnvOID=1005] on a USB key using the [HP USB Key Creator Utility.|http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SoftwareDescription.jsp?swItem=MTX-9239be09de8445df862ef01788&lang=en&cc=us&mode=3&] Place the desired firmware to be updated in the directory,
/compaq/swpackages on the USB key. Boot from the newly created Firmware Maintenance USB key
Follow HP Smart Update Manager steps to complete firmware
update.
Regards,
Scott
I hope this helps