Refurb 7811, nlite, and XP Pro

So far I'm fairly disappointed with my 7811 experience thusfar, honestly. Now, the hardware itself looks good. There's not a scratch on it, and all appears well. However, I keep getting consistent software issues, and am beginning to wonder if perhaps there isn't some underlying hardware issue.

My 7811 did not include the software necessary for backing up anything, but it did come with a Vista disk. I booted into the preinstalled Vista just to take a look around and back up things; except, as mentioned previously, there was no backup software. No worry, I was going to wipe it all clean anyway. XP Pro time.

Original XP SP2 disk BSODs during the DOS-like initial install with SATA set to AHCI.

TinyXP exhibits the exact same behavior.

Original XP SP2 disk gets through initial install but then fails to complete install after reboot with error message "A disk read error occurred" with SATA set to IDE.

nlite XP Pro with Intel drivers and SP3 slipstreamed in installs with on issues. Drivers get installed, no issues. However, once I copy over my music collection and install some programs, it starts to bork out. All of the following were with various nlite XP Pro disks:

First install: 7811 hangs during the DX9.0c install (as part of 3DMark06 install). Hard reboot. Try to reinstall the program. Hang. Reboot. Repeat. Try to install 3DMark05. Exactly the same result.

Second install: All seems well. 3DMarks will install. However, when run they instantly hang the system the second the first test begins. Attempts to mess with display settings instantly freeze the system.

Third install: Created Restore Points after every little stage of the install: drivers, changed settings, music and other data, programs. 3DMark runs perfectly. HWMon reports decent hardware temps (about 40-50 throughout, with the primary HDD at 55). No hangs while copying 130GB of music and program install files from the second hard drive to the first. Installed the OS, drivers, basic programs (IMGBurn, 7zip, Adobe Reader, Firefox, etc.). Reboot. I installed Dead Space using the exact same image I used to install it successfully on my desktop. I also set my wallpaper to be a picture of Dark Chii instead of plain black. Reboot. Begin running prime95, and the problems start. The system hangs after about 30 minutes of prime95. Went back one restore point at a time. Files on my desktop start to go missing with little rhyme or reason. The .exe files in a folder full of 7811 drivers on the desktop are all gone, but the .bmp and other file types survive the System Restore. 3DMark now freezes instantly at the start of the first test. Furmark hangs the system the moment it is run.

Fourth install: In the middle of it as I type. Wait. Hold on. Now the nlite disk produces a "disk read error" alert after the mid-install reboot. T_T

The included Vista disk will not even begin the install process. It will boot, but gives some error which I can't remember and returns me to the main screen.

At this point I suspect a hard drive problem. MemTest86 reports no RAM issues. Temps are great, got the thing propped up most of the time, not running anything terribly demanding. This XP Pro disk has been used at least half a dozen times now between my last laptop and the desktop I had before it, and has exhibited no substantial issues. It is pristine.

What is going on? Going to take the 160GB Hitachi out of my portable USB drive and try that instead of the 200Gb Seagate. Will update when that happens.

When creating partitions as part of the XP install process, I notice that if I type in "20000" for the C: partition size, it becomes "20003". The "20000" I type in on my ASUS F3SV when going through the same process with the same disk remains "20000". Why the 3MB difference?

Using the 7811 XP drivers from Dragon's Rapidshare bundle.
Upgraded to 9c.08, then to 9c.12 BIOS.

 

I am not sure why your having so many issues, I just recently bought an 7811fx and had absolutely no hardware issues, even tweaked my bios and video card to output some more power since this is mostly a desktop replacement for me and not entirely a mobile laptop. So far no issues and im running 64bit vista

 

DJ: I am thinking maybe you should just reload the original Vista software and give it a try for day. Seriously doode. I would hate to have you left with a bad taste in your mouth due to software issues. I understand that things are supposed to "just work", but it would only take a brief amount of time to reload the original OS and browse/test that for a day. I have to say that I am extremely pleased with all 3 of mine and have had NO hardware/software issues at all. (barring the oreviously mentioned slight "ghosting" on the one If I can be of assistance in any way please don't hesitate to give me a holler. Good luck and keep me posted. -Goodspeed

 

I believe he said the included Vista disk will not run for him either.


DJ: I think the HDD swap move is warranted and I would have done the same in your possition. I too bought the 7811 FX in refurb fashion and it was also missing the recovery suite [I guess Gateway thinks we do not deserve it]. I tried calling them for support about it and they demanded the following:

1. Since I bought it off eBay, I will need a receipt from the seller; a payment proof; she basically almost asked for a picture of the bottom side of the laptop, she asked for the SN, Model, part number.
2. I would have to wait for them to verify all of this since eBay is not an authorized seller.


I even told them that I do not need support, just a link to where to get the software, they refused. I even brought up the fact that I own a XHD3000 monitor for which I paid retail for and it is registered to my name and still she refused to provide the link or option to buy the software.

Reading this post really made me think twice about doing the usual XP overwrite and I'm currently trying to figure out how to run all my programs and games [that are XP 64bit compatible] on Vista. If anyone on this forum has a copy or link to the GRC, please provide us, the unlicky few that opted to buy the refurb unit and have been left out in the rain to fend for ourselves.

 

On the three I have here, all came with the "os" DVD. I had to create "restore" disks with the gateway software that was loaded on the HDD already from gateway. Total 2 DVDs. I had to also create "driver and apps" DVD (total 1) with the gateway software that was pre configured on the laptop. Covering my tail with the NBR post deleters and the microsoft po-leese here I would be happy to upload the required software to FTP for your Dload pleasure. BUT: (yes, here it comes when I make a "restore" DvD doesn't it have my Vista serial number already loaded as I didn't type anything in when I "restored" one of these lappys recently? Then I would have to say "not so much" as I don't feel like spreading my Vista Key all over the place. Once again I am politely asking for clarification in this matter and am NOT suggesting that you rip off microsoft in any way shape or form. I realize that all of us here at NBR forums like to keep it legal and so do I.

Guys, if i can be of help in any way, let me know.

 

OK, changed out the Seagate for a 160GB Hitachi from my old F3SV. So far, so good. Prime95 doesn't kill it anymore. I let it run all night, and saw no issues in the morning. I let it run another two times for about 30-45 minutes, again no problems.

However, 3DMark, Furmark, and PhysX FluidMark all hang within one second. For each program, the menus come up alright, but no matter the settings I choose, the thing freezes the entire system about one second into the level loading (for 3DMark) or rendering (the other two). I have DX9.0c. I used the dxdiag program to test DDraw and D3D, all passed. So, the dxdiag program renders things just fine. The nvidia control panel renders the little 3D nvidia logo just fine, and defaults to showing it with FSAA to boot. So, why do all of the benchmarks hang my system? I'm using the 180.48 laptopvideo2go drivers. I run XP Pro with all patches, SP3, classic windows theme, all the fancy settings in System/advanced/performance turned off except drop shadows and common tasks in folders. My drivers are installed on the C: drive along with the OS. My programs are installed on the E: drive (something I have done for years and never had a problem with it).

 

DJ, it sounds like you know what the heck you are doing. I guess the only thing I could offer at this point to try would be to load the original OS and drivers. I wonder if your 7811 DVD drive is just finnicky with that particular DVD. Try to put it in another PC and see iffin it will read. Also it is possible that you just have a bad unit. :-( Dat would suXors bro.

 

If u get a bsod error durring the dos xp install then make sure that your raid settings are disAbled in bios....that ended up being the source of a lot of frustration for me on my most current reformat

 

Bungles: yeah, but I still get HDD-ish errors after the reboot.

Goodspeed: Yeah, it is looking like I have a bad unit. I actually suspect both the GPU and the HDD, which vexes me something fierce.

Trying different nvidia drivers. What is everyone else using?

 

I have a 7811 arriving tomorrow and am currently building the nlite XP Pro disk. Your adventures are causing me some pause. Pls keep us posted.

 

Aquamark creates the same situation. Freeze happens approximately one second into the benchmark.

Tried about six different drivers between 176 and 181. It's not a driver issue, methinks.

dxdiag reports all is well. dxdiag's rendering test executes with no issues. It's not DirectX.

HDD has been changed out, so that's not it.

Current suspects:
- nlite XP (tried multiple versions patched with SP3 and with a couple of minor tweaks to remove Alexa and other things that report back to MS)
- the original XP Pro disk (highly unlikely; it's in great condition, and was used to reinstall XP on another laptop about a month or two ago)
- the GPU (very likely, I'm afraid)

If I have to send this thing back for both a bad HDD and a bad GPU, I will not be happy. T_T Sadly, it looks like that will be the case. This may be the first and last bit of business I do with Gateway. The situation is currently ridiculous.
-

 

Jeez doode, I am sorry to hear that you are having so much trouble with your 7811. I am very pleased with mine and would purchase again. Look, you get free replacement under your warranty so why not give it a second chance? Once again my 7811s far exceeded my expectations. Especially at the $750.00 price mark. I have to say that the one I paid $1250.00 for was even worth it. Of course I would have liked to have paid $750.00 for that one too.

 

Yeah, I mean, it is a steal at $750. Still, I'd like it more if it worked. A free replacement is cool; I'm just worried that it might take a couple of weeks, during which I could get very little work done sans laptop.

Update:

It might be something other than what I previously mentioned. I tried to reinstall using an nlite disk with nothing altered except for the addition of the Intel F6 drivers, and got the same "disk read error" after the mid-install reboot. Bad controller? Bad BIOS? Bad mobo? Looks like something deep. In any case, Tiger is getting a call tomorrow morning.

 

Keep in mind that they will be happy to ship it out first while you hang on to your current laptop. Then when you get your new one you can ship your old one back.

Edit from earlier posts: "You have a 30 day money back guaranty and a 90 day "warranty'. Call the toll free number, leave your name, phone number and serial number of your 7811 along with a brief description of the problem and someone will get back to you.

Limited warranty 3 months for parts and 3 months for labor.
Support Phone Number: 1 (866) 243-1450

I was given an RMA # on the phone right away. Then you call the TD hotline (you will be given the number) and give them your RMA# and if you like they can even put a hold on your CC and ship it out right away while you still keep yours at home. Then when you get the "new" one you can, if you so desire, swap out the HDDs (if you have lots of software on yours already and DREAD reloading it all and ship the old one back at your leisure. How's that for service?

P.S. They will get back to you in no more than a day or two at the most. If you get IAN (E-an, not I-an)tell him Goodspeed says hi.

The only thing I am having a problem with is that I don't want to get one that is in worse shape, or that has OTHER problems. The ones I have now are in really nice shape. Decisions, decisions."

 

goodspeed, thanks for the repost -- just got my 7811 and it has a dead pixel and something funky on a panel covering the guts. I called TD immediately and am ready for RMA. Allegedly "new" ones are coming 1/16.

 

No problem bro. Hopefully all works out well for ya. How about a PIC of the SCHMUTTZ on the panel? I wanna see, I wanna see!

 

it's not actually schmutz...the DH is at home with it (replacement for his ex-work lappy -- he's been dying on my ancient Dell 700m for a few weeks now) and said "one of the plates covering the guts of the machine has a tine sticking out". So probably not too exciting but I'll take a pic if it looks worthy.

 

Both of the refurbs I had were like this. For some reason the HDD cover had one corner that just wasn't snapped in correctly. I have heard of over 10 other systems having this exact problem. It's an EASY fix for a Dunce. (no offense meant towards actual Dunces living or otherwise) Keep me posted.

 

Sadly it sounds like the same thing. I was hoping for fangs sticking out of it or something. Oh well. However, the dead pixel is a deal breaker, so the RMA remains.

 

Bummer dooode. Hope your next one is better. BTW, are you sure it's DEAD, and not just STUCK? Could save you some headache to give it a try iffin ya knows what I means.

 

Still waiting for the replacement to ship. The old one was received by Tiger yesterday morning. I was told before I shipped it that they expected new ones on the 30th of December and that they could have a new one to me by now. Hrm...

 

Dat suxors doode. Keep me posted as I was told last week that they had NONE.

 

OK, so after being told that they were getting new ones on the 30th of December, but now being told that none will be in til the 16th of January, plus the fact that the 7805u - an improved model manufactured on Dec 12th and just now on sale for a paltry $1050 - is out, I called up Tiger and canceled my return order. Never again. What a great waste of $80 in overnight shipping. Two weeks later, I have nothing but empty guesses as to when I might see a laptop that won't die horribly when I try to use it for its intended purposes. I feel completely ripped off. Next time it's straight to the Egg or BB. It seems that every time I try something other than those two (e.g., my ZipZoomFly experience, after which I will never order from them again), I get ripped off and have my time wasted to boot. /rant

My 7805 arrives Friday or Monday, allegedly, though they have one in-store about an hour's drive away, so I expect it to arrive sooner rather than later. I've got an nlited XP Pro disk and a brand new BT module waiting for it. Review forthcoming.

 

man this story is a horror story i sure hope my first experience with the FX line does not go this way

 

Sorry to hear you got the shaft so badly with your 7811 experience. Keep us posted on your 7805 from BB as I am sure more people than just ME want to hear about it. And good JuJu your way in hopes that your latest lappy transaction goes well for you.

 

It wasn't the FX. It was Tiger. I'm happily awaiting the new lappy, and don't expect any errors.