HP offers free repairs for a wide range of laptop symptoms

by Scott Bicheno on 29 July 2008, 10:04

Tags: HP (NYSE:HPQ)

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BIOS update

As expected, HP has also released a BIOS update for the above series. This is what it has to say about it: “The new BIOS release for your notebook PC is preventative in nature to reduce the likelihood of future system issues. The BIOS updates the fan control algorithm of the system, and turns the fan on at low volume while your notebook PC is operational.”

Nowhere does it name NVIDIA and the die/packaging issue as the cause of the problem, but it would be a bit of a coincidence if there was suddenly another reason for running the fan constantly. The US version of the announcement can be read here and the UK one here.

But what’s all this stuff about wireless adapters and power? We're currently talking to HP and hope to bring you further clarification. For now, here's a statement we received from HP's PR this morning, which at least acknowledges the NVIDIA part of the problem:

"HP has taken appropriate actions for any HP notebook products that use the known affected NVIDIA chips. HP initiated a customer program to address this issue, and has notified registered customers who have notebook PC models that are included in this HP Program. HP made a BIOS solution available to our customers in, which updates the fan control algorithm and provides similar functionality as the NVIDIA software driver. HP proactively notified its customers of the new BIOS through email, as well as through HP Software Update, Instant Support Professional Edition and Health Check."



HEXUS Forums :: 9 Comments

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My dv6620ea was picked up yesterday to be repaired. I'm going to have to wait 7-10 days for them to flash the bios now. They told me they're replace the motherboard though, so whatever.

As long as it works when it comes back. Used to make the screen go black, then it would blue screen and reboot. when it came back on it would say that a problem with an nvidia driver caused it to reboot
Scott,

Thanks for highlighting this announcement!

I spent a lot of time while visiting my daughter in Barcelona in March struggling to sort out her boyfriend's all-dancing HP dv9030ea, even ending up buying a battery for the machine.

A month or two ago, though, the pesky PC just plain died - when before it had been booting intermittently.

I'm hoping this announcement means that HP will fix the problem once and for all and at no charge.

I'll keep people posted.

Bob
Got my laptop back today. It seems fine so far. They replaced the motherboard, cpu, heatsink, fan and did a BIOS update
koocha,

How old is this machine (well, the original bits, that is)?
Bob Crabtree;1488228
koocha,

How old is this machine (well, the original bits, that is)?

Bought it in January this year