[SoCalGal]

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I have an HP Pavilion 515 using Windows XP. First of all, I followed the instructions given by HP on updating my BIOS and after rebooting i got the following error message:

Error: CPU fan failed
Have system serviced immediately
Press F2 to continue to boot
Otherwise, system will power down in 5 seconds

I looked at the fans and both appear to be working just fine. I tried the F2 key to continue the boot but before the system can enter "setup" the system shuts down.
I contacted HP and they gave me directions using the F11 key to disable the CPU Fan sensor but again the system powers down faster than the F11 keys can get me anywhere. HP now says that I must send it in for repair but my warranty period has expired. I would deeply appreciate any input on how I can get past this error message.

Thanks!

[gerryf]

it depends on where the error is....the error could be on the motherboard, or it could be a bad wire to the sensor.

if the former, you will need to have it serviced by replacing the mobo; if the latter, replacing the fan will do the trick, but laptop repair is not for the feint of heart.

[SoCalGal]

gerryf,

Thank you for the quick response! Actually, this is not a laptop but either way I am useless! LOL
Do you have any idea why this will not allow me past the error message. I have read other posts on CPU Fan Errors and everybody seems to have success getting past it with the F2 key. As far as the fan sensor it all worked fine before the BIOS update. I am just baffled by all of this. Thanks so much for your help

Carol

[gerryf]

Carol,

It's shutting down because it thinks it needs to save the cpu from overheating.

You say that it worked before the BIOS flash....did you back up the old bios when you flashed? If so, flash back to the previous version. Even if you did not, HP can still give you the previous version.

Modern motherboards have thermal protection that shut down the PC to prevent a CPU burnout...if your fan is reading as not spinning--or spinning too slowly, the motherboard will shut off.

You can sometimes adjust these settings in bios.

You said you looked at the fans--all of them? You should have at least three--power supply, case, and cpu fan....all three running?

[SoCalGal]

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gerryf,

No, I did not back up the BIOS because the instructions from HP said that when I rebooted (if I had any problems) I could go into setup and return the BIOS to the default. But, I am unable to get into the setup before my 5 seconds runs out and it powers down. As far as checking the fans I was only aware of the two that I can see. There must be one hidden from view and my limited knowledge kept me from exploring any further.
It sounds as though my best bet is to take it somewhere for serviceas I apparently do not know enough to take this much further. LOL

Again, thank you so much for your input it is much appreciated

Carol.