Bios update on Pavilion G4

[Ringeld]

I'm trying to perform a BIOS update on the Pavilion G4-1066LA, but I have some doubts and need advice in how to proceed. Here is the scenario:

1- This laptop was automatically upgraded from Windows 7 x64 to Windows 10 x64

2- The fan is not working properly. It starts, doesn't achieve the full speed, then stops. After 3 or 4 seconds, it spins again, doesn't achieve the full speed and stops again and this cycle keeps happening until the computer turns off itself for temperature protection. 

3- I'm trying to update the BIOS as the first troubleshooting step but there are two updates available: the BIOS and UEFI updates. Should I apply both of them?

4- When I search for files to downlad, there is nothig available for Windows 10. Both files that I downloaded (BIOS and UEFI update) were only available when changed the OS option to Windows 7 on the model's search page. Could I apply those updates even if the laptop was upgraded to Windows 10?

Thanks in advanced!

[Tardis40]

Hi there @Ringeld,

Welcome to the HP Support Forums! It is a great place to find the help you need, from other users, HP experts, and other support personnel. I understand you have questions about BIOS update. I will be glad to help you.

I would install both updates from the Windows 7 screen, as the BIOS loads before any OS(Windows 7 or Windows 10).

You can also try the "HP System Diagnostics UEFI" to check the hardware issues. Check the Bios for power saver setting for the fan.

Please keep me informed of how things went. 

If you require further assistance, let me know and I will gladly do all I can to help you.

Please let me know if this resolves the issue by marking this post as "Accept as Solution".
To simply say thanks, click the Thumbs up below! 

Thanks.

[WAWood]

Ringeld

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but the BIOS update only affects memory settings and has nothing to do with the fan operation.  So, even if you were to apply it, it would not help with Win10.

Furthermore,  the problem you're up against is that Microsoft only supplies drivers with the most basic functionality, and what you really need for FULL functionality in laptops is the specialized drivers written for the specific hardware found in laptops -- and unfortunately, there are no HP Win10 drivers for your laptop.  HP only guarantees Win10 compatibility for machines made after August, 2013. HP does not have any schedule indicating when, or IF, they will be producing drivers for the older machines.

This means that your PC is most likely NEVER going to be fully functional under Win10 because the drivers is needs for full functionality simply do not exist!  To restore full functionality, you would need to do a factory reset using HP Recovery Media to its original pre-installed OS.

However, if you are determined to stay with Win10, some driver alternatives you can pursue are listed below ...

You can try using Windows Updates to find drivers from the Microsoft repositories for your device: http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c03330139

You can also try following the instructions in this thread: http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c04763435/

If Windows Update doesn't yield new drivers, you can pursue alternative that are described in the linked Microsoft Windows Insider Community thread: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/insider/wiki/insider_wintp-insider_devices/how-to-install-and-upd...

If you then run into trouble installing drivers through Windows Update, you can try using Microsoft's Windows Update Troubleshooter: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/open-the-windows-update-troubleshooter

Good Luck

========================================================================
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[Ringeld]

Hello, WAWood!!

Thanks a lot for answering.

As far as I can understand reading your post, your recommendation would be to downgrade the computer to Windows 7 in order to have it fully operative.

I would be agree with you if the computer was missing sound or any functionality under the Windows environment, but the fan problem happens even before the computer can boot to Windows. Actually I pulled off the hard drive from the laptop and the issue keeps happening while I perform the BIOS memory test.

In my opinion, the problem have to reside on the hardware side (fan, temperature sensors, fan activators, etc...) or the firmware (the software that controls the hardware and makes the fan spin depending on the hardware's temperature).

I saw BIOS uptades before that can affect more than the memory settings, so I cannot be agree with the part when you say that it only affects memory settings.

Thank you for the advice, anyway!

[Tardis40]

Hi @Ringeld,

Did you install the Bios updates?

What Happened?

if there is still no fan sound, Please use the following http://www.hp.com/contacthp and create a case for your issue and contact HP. If you live outside the US/Canada, please click the link below to get the contact information for your region.
http://www8.hp.com/us/en/contact-hp/ww-phone-assist.html 

[Ringeld]

Hello, Tardis40!

No, I didn't. I was affraid the computer turned off itself for protection while applying the BIOS or UEFI update causing a major damage to the system. Anyway, I could vefiry that the BIOS version on the computer was F.66 which is the last version found on the HP website, so... there is nothing to update 😞

On the other hand, I have cleaned up the vents and got 2 big motes, but the fan spin movement was not being bloked by them. I'm starting to think that the issue is definitely the main board because the fan spins for 2 seconds, stops for 3 seconds and starts the cycle over and over taking exactly the same 2 secs on the spinning movement and 3 secs on the stop state. The fan itself could not be smart enough to cycle in such accurate times without additional components controling it. 

Time for a hardware replacement! =3

[Tardis40]

Hi @Ringeld,

Thanks for the information.

Please use the following http://www.hp.com/contacthp and create a case for your issue and contact HP. If you live outside the US/Canada, please click the link below to get the contact information for your region.
http://www8.hp.com/us/en/contact-hp/ww-phone-assist.html