Coping with the Compaq CQ56-115DX - Life After the NVIDIA Settlement

[nambinhvu]

I need to check my BIOS version. But taking the above posts into account, it now appears I might be a version behind. Flashing a BIOS is less than a daunting task. But there is always a teensy risk, a vanishingly small risk, of bricking the laptop. Hence I ask:

Anybody know offhand what advantages are conferred by the new BIOS? If it's not something important to me, I'm not gonna re-flash just yet.

Also, off the topic of BIOS:

I have priced new CQ56 caddy/cable sets at circa $12 on eBay. This seems quite reasonable to me; how about you? Having a second set would allow very easy and speedy HDD switching. The $12 sets include the four screws.

I haven't really noticed any changes in the new bios update, so probably some minor fixes and enhancements on the backend.

As for the caddy/cable sets, the hard drive and cable are so easy to swap out, I don't see it justifying the $12, but then again, I wouldn't see it worth it even if it was $1 XD It's really up to you.

[Mr. Fox]

If you plan on swapping the drives frequently, then it's probably worth it. If you don't plan on it, probably not.

If your system is working fine as it is, I would avoid a BIOS update. No reason to fix what is not broken. If you can find out what the release notes say has changed and it is something you care about, the risk certainly is very small.

[nambinhvu]

If you plan on swapping the drives frequently, then it's probably worth it. If you don't plan on it, probably not.

If your system is working fine as it is, I would avoid a BIOS update. No reason to fix what is not broken. If you can find out what the release notes say has changed and it is something you care about, the risk certainly is very small.

The way I see it is, they made those changes for a reason, it's a small download and updates very quick, and the chance of screwing up your laptop is really small, just don't unplug or plug anything into it, if you can't resist that urge for a minute or two, then I dunno what to tell you XD

[Mr. Fox]

Sometimes BIOS updates are to fix problems and other times it is to add compatibility with other processors, etc. I generally look at the release notes to see what the intent is for the update and apply them when they offer something useful to my situation.

In 25+ years of being a computer geek, I have flashed BIOS and other firmware dozens and dozens of times without a single issue. Accidents can happen though.

[nambinhvu]

Sometimes BIOS updates are to fix problems and other times it is to add compatibility with other processors, etc. I generally look at the release notes to see what the intent is for the update and apply them when they offer something useful to offer for my situation.

In 25+ years of being a computer geek, I have flashed BIOS and other firmware dozens and dozens of times without a single issue. Accidents can happen though.

Here's what the one line says. Adds support for new LG panel Solution XD so not very useful XD

[shinobi1]

Sometimes BIOS updates are to fix problems and other times it is to add compatibility with other processors, etc. I generally look at the release notes to see what the intent is for the update and apply them when they offer something useful to my situation.

In 25+ years of being a computer geek, I have flashed BIOS and other firmware dozens and dozens of times without a single issue. Accidents can happen though.

Here's what the one line says. Adds support for new LG panel Solution XD so not very useful XD

OK, you guys:

First of all, that is useful information and I appreciate the post. Thanks. I just wish I understood what is meant by "support for new LG panel Solution". Here is a total guess:

The CQ56 series of laptops is a very wide series; i.e., there are a great many types of CQ56 laptops, all sorts and varieties. So maybe another CQ56 had a panel (display) problem, the solution to which this BIOS update addresses or facilitates. Again, a complete guess. I really do not know, and the communicators at HP apparently value brevity more than the making of adequate disclosure.

In any event, "support for new LG panel Solution" does not appear to impact my CQ56-115DX laptop . . . . so I will pass on the update even though . . .

I also have never been victimized by a bad BIOS flash and have never bricked a laptop. But, rare as they are, black swans exist. No sense baiting them.

[shinobi1]

Well . .

(for me)

surprise surprise

Checked last evening and already have the latest BIOS update. So it's all a moot issue here.

I also connected my CQ56-115DX laptop to the internet for the first time, using a USB modem (no RS-232 ports or built-in modems any longer so there was not a lot of choice). Was able without incident or fuss to validate my Windows 7 OS. It went smoothly and I'm now 100% legal.

[Deldrin]

If you plan on swapping the drives frequently, then it's probably worth it. If you don't plan on it, probably not.

If your system is working fine as it is, I would avoid a BIOS update. No reason to fix what is not broken. If you can find out what the release notes say has changed and it is something you care about, the risk certainly is very small.

I'm with Fox on this one. If you start to experience some inexplicable issues that seem to be hardware related, then update it. Otherwise it's not like a windows update where you have to install those or crackers will [heh, my pg-13 word was edited out, so insert your own] your machine. You guys are doing your windows updates aren't youuuuu?

[nambinhvu]

I'm with Fox on this one. If you start to experience some inexplicable issues that seem to be hardware related, then update it. Otherwise it's not like a windows update where you have to install those or crackers will [heh, my pg-13 word was edited out, so insert your own] your machine. You guys are doing your windows updates aren't youuuuu?

I do all the windows updates, as for the bios updates, it's not like they take any space on your computer, so I figure why not, I have never seen a dead computer due to a failed bios update.

[shinobi1]

I'm with Fox on this one. If you start to experience some inexplicable issues that seem to be hardware related, then update it. Otherwise it's not like a windows update where you have to install those or crackers will [heh, my pg-13 word was edited out, so insert your own] your machine. You guys are doing your windows updates aren't youuuuu?

Yesterday I did the lot. Had (library) broadband access and I did the lot. So now my CQ56-115DX is up to snuff, except . .

It would not take the ATI update. That one failed consistently. Sound works fine so no real concerns . . . just an anomaly. Probably could delete driver I obtained from HP and try a scratch install via Windows update. Didn't bother.

My sole remaining problem with this new laptop is that I have no need or use for it whatsoever. But it is working quite well, all the same.

Must get the battery into the refrigerator. Today for sure.