Error 90b (cooling fan error)

[mmsumulong]

I have a brand new HP Pavilion 15-dk0056wm and I get the dreaded 90b system cooling error. I know this is a common topic but as far as I know this happens when the laptop has quite some age. This is a brand new computer. And the error appeared one day after I got the laptop. As per the HP support site aside from defective fans it could also be that the fans are dirty (I've cleaned them using canned air just to be sure) or a software problem. I've already done a firmware upgrade and also upgraded Windows to version 2004. The fans are working but I still get this error. One thing I've noticed though is that I often get this if I do a cold start meaning the computer hasn't been used for quite some time and there is no need for the fans to work. Once the computer is "warmed up" after some use, rebooting doesn't show the error. I have also noticed that the fans start to work when the temps reach around 55C. Any ideas? I still want to explore options to prior to either returning thsi laptop for another one or sending it for repair. Thanks.

[Riddle_Decipher · Accepted solution]

@mmsumulong To fix this error, use the following steps:

1. Press Enter to clear the message and allow the system to boot to the Windows Desktop.

2. Shut down the computer, and then inspect and clean the exterior vents to remove dust buildup by blowing air through the vent openings. Dust can accumulate inside the vent openings and around internal cooling components, preventing the removal of heat.

   For more information on reducing heat inside your computer, see Reducing Heat Inside the PC.

3. After you remove the dust, turn on the computer. If the error message persists, continue with these steps.

4. Perform a hard reset. Performing a hard reset can reset recorded thermal values in memory and enable you to use the computer again, even if only for a short time to access and save any important files before service.

   For more information on performing a hard reset, see Use Hard Reset to Resolve Hardware and Software Issues.

5. In some cases, updating the BIOS might help prevent this error from occurring.

   For more information on how to update the BIOS, see Updating the BIOS.

6. Have the computer serviced to clean internal components and replace the system fan if necessary. Make sure to address the following items when servicing:

   • Thoroughly remove dust from all internal cooling components.

   • Make sure wires from the system and CPU fans are connected securely to the motherboard.

   • Confirm the system fan blades spin correctly, and the fan is not producing loud noises. If not working correctly, replace the system fan.

   • Remove old thermal compound from integrated circuits and heat sinks and replace with new thermal compound.

P.S: Welcome to HP Community 😉

Let me know how that pans out,

If you feel I was helpful, simply click on Accept as Solution to help the community grow,

That said, I will have someone follow-up on this to ensure you've been helped,

Just in case you don't get back to us, 

have a good day, ahead.

[mmsumulong]

Hi,

I've done the following:

1. Upgraded BIOS - no go

2. Upgraded to Windows 10 2004 from 1803 - no go

3. Used canned air to clean vents and fans though this is a brand new laptop  (also fans are working and a cold boot registers 34C upon startup -  GPU stress tests start up the fan and maximum recorded temp was 61C - (As of now i don't think a need to open the laptop to put thermal paste is still a feasible solution. Temps were normal) - no go

4. Did a hard reset based on a video instruction by HP which I found yesterday - that seemed to do the trick

So far I haven't experienced the 90b error since yesterday. Perhaps the reset of BIOS memory as per the video tutorial did the trick. I am guessing the glitch was erased from memory because of the reset. Anyways, thank you for still answering my question. I'll keep your suggestions just in case.

Regards.

mmsumulong

[Riddle_Decipher]

@mmsumulong That's awesome, I'm glad it worked,

Remember, if you ever need help related to your HP device,

We'll be right here and happy to help, take care and have an awesome day, ahead.

[mmsumulong]

I spoke too soon. The error comes out again usually after a cold boot when both CPU and GPU are below 40C. The fan starts when the temperature rises to around 50F. The Omen app doesn't really monitor the GPU temp. I have to use several third party apps to monitor the temp of both CPU and GPU. When the temp already rises, I try with a warm boot and error message is gone. It will come back again if the computer is not use for some time when temps go down to the mid-30s. So I'm more likely to think that there is a software glitch somewhere (fan works, temps are ok indicating thermal paste is ok, fans are clean - this is a brand new computer)

[Riddle_Decipher]

@mmsumulong I suggest you talk to HP support and discuss your options, follow the below steps to get started:

1) Click on this link - http://www.hp.com/contacthp/

2) Click on Sign-in or select the product using the below step:

3) Enter the serial of your device.

4) Select the country from the drop-down.

5) Click on "Show Options".

Fill the web-form, to populate a case number and phone number for yourself!

Also, if you are having trouble navigating through the above options, it's most likely because the device is out of warranty, if yes? please send me a private message with the region you are contacting us from, 

here's how private messages work: Click here for details.

If you wish to thank me for my efforts, you could click on "Accept as solution" on my post as the solution should help others too.

[mmsumulong]

Prior to you replying, I already availed of warranty as I have noticed the left fan is not working. Thank you.

[Riddle_Decipher]

@mmsumulong I'm glad you've got that sorted,

If you need anything else, feel free to write to us anytime and have a good day ahead.

[amit05011988]

Did they replace the fan? What did they exactly do?

[mmsumulong]

---

@amit05011988 wrote:

Did they replace the fan? What did they exactly do?

---

They replaced the defective fan. It is a bummer that HP has quality issues. The error came one day after I got the laptop. Also, I availed of the $15 overnight shipping to expedite things. The free (ground) shipping they offer would take one week just for my laptop to arrive from California to Texas and another week to come back not to mention the additional time for the shipping box to arrive at your place. I didn't want to wait that long. Actual repair took two days. Total turnaround was less than a week.