Bios downgrading for dv2910us

[shiber]

Hello all,

I have recently purchased a dv2910us laptop.

After a short period of time, I noticed that the built-in hp update software has some updates for me.

One of the recommended updates was a newer Bios version- F.2b .

After flashing the Bios to the new version, I noticed the fan's behaviour has changed in a weird way;

The fan started a really annoying cooling method, it is working full speed for about a second, and then goes off, and then on and off again and again, nonstop.

The computer works fine from all aspects but this one, but this isuue really disturbs everyday use of the computer.

At first I thought there was something wrong with my fan, but after researching a bit I saw that I am not the only one with this problem, and that a few others relate this change to their Bios version.

Meanwhile, I contacted the hp technical support, and the first thing they suggested was that I flashed my Bios again to the newest version- F.2d .

So I did as they said, and it didn't help.

So now to my question-

Should I try and flash my Bios back to factory settings version and see if it helps?

Is there a problem with "downgrading" Bios versions?

And- What Bios version does the dv2910us come with originally?

About my computer-

I am using Vista 32bit SP1

On board video card

Intel based pc

3 GB of RAM

Didn't do any alterations to the computer since I got it, just installed everyday type software.

Hope you guys have some tips for me...

Regards,

Shai B.

[RonKe · Accepted solution]

All of your BIOS versions (5 total) are Here on the HP Software & Drivers downloads page.

The original BIOS version for your dv2910us displays as F.21

Reversing a previous BIOS flash can only be your decision, although other forum users may have had good experiences about which they can comment.

Warranty concerns?  If you "downgrade" or 'backflash' to where your fans runs less and your computer fails from demonstrable overheating, is your warranty going to become voided?   

I think many of the HP computers have design flaw that exacerbates the known, accepted, and understood issue of hotter operating temperatures for all brands of notebooks; it is a fact relating to their size.  

Cooling pad:  Why not purchase a cooling pad, HP offers one for less that $25.00, that the notebook sits on.  That pad may keep your computer cool  enough so that your fan does not engage as often.  Twenty-five dollars seems like an acceptable cost to first try as a solution.  I have not purchased a cooling pad yet, although I plan to do so if it will fit within my HP xb3000 Expansion Base (has anyone tried that?)

I have discussed elsewhere on this HP forum regarding the potential hazards of BIOS flashes of any kind so keep those in mind before making a decision to "downgrade." 

Confirm that you are using the correct software/drivers page by re-entering your Model number and/or Product number to ensure you get the correct BIOS download.

Good luck

[shiber]

Thanks for the detailed answer.

I am wondering if anyone else here has any experience with the different Bios versions for this model, and if there are any suggestion regarding the downgrade.

Thanks!

[RonKe]

How about an answer from experienced BIOS Flashers!

What say you Fletcher or Cummins et al.?

Also, please discuss how to use DOS to flash the BIOS.  A separate post would reach more people who might be interested in the safer DOS method of BIOS Flashing.

[CherylG]

I currently have a DV2810US which I have not upgraded BIOS on till I am satisfied others aren't having problems..and hopefully posting here if they are.I would however downgrade if I did the upgrade and it broke something.But that is just my opinion.

On my previous laptop,I upgraded BIOS once and it 'broke' a feature so I downgraded to previous BIOS with no problems.HP later released a new BIOS that corrected the issue and I upgraded again.

[RonKe]

CherylG stated: 

"I upgraded BIOS once and it 'broke' a feature so I downgraded to previous BIOS with no problems.HP later released a new BIOS that corrected the issue and I upgraded again."

Many people just need to know that someone else has performed a successful BIOS Upgrade_Downgrade_Ugrade Flashing simply to know that it has worked before they give it a whirl.  There are no guarantees that it will not fail for others, given that corrupt BIOS Flashes do occur for whatever reasons.

Perhaps the person who ask this, and others, will inform us of their results of downgrading the BIOS and/or how to do a BIOS Flash in DOS.

Kudos! to CherylG

[CherylG]

1.True..just because it worked for me is no guarantee,just clarification that it has been done.HP will even suggest it at times.If a Laptop is out of warranty I might be a little more hesitant. On a side note,at the old laptop forum I was active in many Vista to XP downgrades,some which required a downgrade of BIOS to be compatible with XP.

2.I never let HP Update install BIOS updates, or drivers for that matter.Have seen too many failure stories posted.Always check your models page and install manually.

3.Before downgrading current BIOS, you might try entering BIOS at startup and reset Defaults,Save & Exit.On these fast booting laptops you have to be quick at tapping F10 to get into BIOS,do it pretty quickly after power on.

[shiber]

First of all thanks to CherylG and RonKo!

After reading your replies and thinking if it's really important enough for me, I decided to go with the downgrade.

I was very relieved to see that everything (so far) went well, and that I did not have to deal with any problems.

The new Bios version solved my problem, with the only change that the laptop is a bit warmer now that the fan isn't constantly running. Makes sense.

One thing that did happen, is that the same day I did got a couple of Blue Screens by Windows Vista, while running Firefox and Microsoft Word.

It got me kinda scared at first, but a few days later I can say that it was probably just Vista being Vista.

So for now I'm a happy camper, until something goes wrong.

Thanks again,

Shai B.

[shiber]

oops, RonKe, not RonKo!

:-)

[RonKe]

Shiber,

Thank you for confirming the actions you took.  Such feedback and discussions such as CherylG added make this forum helpful for all of us. 

Oh, and no problem with my nom de plume.  I have been KO'd  more than once before..

Why don't you download this simple application to monitor your GPU temperature?  I installed it, it is very easy to remove by deleting a folder if you want it off of your computer, it does not modify your registry, and you run it only when you want to.  I included it in my Quick Launch section of my task bar/sys tray at the bottom of the screen on the left denoted by the double-arrows >>  I launch it when I want and click on the X to stop it, using it several times a day, especially when I hear the fan engage.   I only reached a GPU temp of 80 degrees C once while Pausing a Windows Media Player video for about 10 minutes or so. 

If your GPU temps were consistently over 80 degrees C, you might consider re-flashing/upgrading  your BIOS AGAIN! Keep us posted.

"HWMonitor is a hardware monitoring program that reads PC systems main health sensors : voltages, temperatures, fans speed."   HWMonitor (32-bit & 64-bit versions) is free and only provides the basics so it is somewhat limited in utility.  HWM Pro incurs costs. 

HW is the program I recently installed.  Thanks to James_Cummins for providing the initial HW link.

http://www.cpuid.com/hwmonitor.php

Good luck!