HP BIOS Shuffle

Last week, before installing SP1, I checked for BIOS updates to my HP Pavilion dv2740se and listed was a BIOS version F.16. I thought this was strange, because I check the drivers page regularly and hadn't noticed a version F.15 - like, they keep dishing out BIOS revisions all over the place.

I reviewed the notes, and the BIOS version was listed CRITICAL to resolve issues when installing Vista SP1 where the computer hangs on reboot. It also enhanced the fan algorithms to make the laptop quieter.

Today, I checked back, because someone was asking about the new BIOS version and F.16 is TOTALLY GONE - like never existed apparently. F.15 is there however. F.15 is also listed CRITICAL and resolves issues when the laptop is in standby and "Updates the fan control algorithm of the system to reduce the likelihood of future system issues".

I'm wondering if HP listed this BIOS version by mistake and then took it off the drivers page a few days later? Should I downgrade the BIOS to F.15? They obviously took it down for a reason, no?

The BIOS version F.16 seems to be running just fine (and the fan is MUCH quieter).

 

Unless you experience the hanging issue on the installation of SP1, I would not flash the BIOS. Look at it this way; which risk would you rather take:

A) SP1 may fail to install (repairable by using System Restore)

B) BIOS flash fails (not uncommon) = difficult to remedy (you'd have to install a previous BIOS version or send it to HP, where they would acrew a fee for using a BIOS restore disc)

Regarding the fan control; it just makes the fans run louder. Although it may cool the laptop down, it shouldn't be an issue unless you actually have heat issues. Increasing the fan RPMs may have no effect other than hurt your battery life.

 

I'm sorry - I may not have been clear. I already installed BIOS F.16 AND Vista SP1. It's just that BIOS version F.16 is no longer on the drivers page for the dv2740se. AKA - HP must have removed it. So I'm wondering if I should rollback to F.15, which is listed as the "current" version.

It goes like this:

1. F.16 listed on drivers page
2. Installed F.16 and then SP1
3. Week later, F.16 was no longer listed on drivers page

Does that mean HP accidentally listed F.16 and I should flash back to F.15?

PS - What kind of parrot is that?

 

Oh I see what you mean. Unless it broke your computer's functionality I would leave it. But, if the fans bother you... it is possible to downgrade.

Wrt my parrot; its an African Gray (Timneh subspecies). Gotta love him.

 

Given HP is currently 'hot' on the heating up and failing motherboards (see dv 6000/ dv9000 warranty extension thread), it seems like they do not support the idea of quiet laptops any more...