*HP EliteBook 8540w Owners Lounge!*

Im thinking about sending it in. I also need the feet to be replace, missing all of them, the left mouse button is sticking, and of course the latency.
I should I keep the upgraded ram and ssd in the machine or swap it for the original parts?

 

Probably best to ask them. Sounds like they will be replacing components, but you don't want them to swap machines (assuming they still have stock)and you get stock components.

Cheers.

 

Thanks for your help. My comments in bold below:

 

Sorry, no real ideas other than cleaning out the keyboard if there is something to do there, or discussing with HP, as something's misfiring. If you're within a certain distance from one of their service hubs, they will come to you with no problem, but past a threshold distance, they may have a surcharge they tack on or something, so worth a talk with them.

Regarding the pointing stick, if you type "Mouse" in the search area (when you click the Start button on Windows7), you get the Mouse properties. If you've got the drivers installed, you see an extra tab at the end (see attached), with the option for the touchpad and "styk".

Cheers.

 

The pointing stick was indeed disabled. But I don't like it so I left it that way, and I can rule it out as a culprit. And having said that, I haven't had any issues for a few days now, which lends some credence to your theory about a particle beneath the keyboard.

I'll continue to monitor the situation and if it persists I will try cleaning out the keyboard.

 

Has anyone tried to install Windows 8 on their 8540w? Everything installed fine but I get a crash when I install Nvidia Win 8 drivers. I've tried the latest ones from Nvidia's site (dated 3/12). I also don't seem to have the biometrics driver enabled.

 

I have just purchased an Elitebook 8540p and I'd like to add the WWAN module. I understand that the "official supported" WWAN card for this model is un2420; however I'd like to get the un2430 because the HSPA speed is faster.

Has anyone here tried the un2430 card with the 8540p?

 

Back in February HP came out to replace the rubber feet on my laptop since five of them had fallen off. It took me from August to February to finally get someone out to replace them. I have no clue how HP found such a long wait to be acceptable considering that I have a warranty for NBD On-site, but that's old new now. So the technician had to take apart my entire laptop in order to replace the base enclosure because everything is attached to it and relies on it. Seemed like the most complicated procedure to replace rubber feet I could imagine. Luckily, everything seemed to be going great since then...until a couple days ago when a rubber foot fell off of my new enclosure. I'm not sure what it is with these things, but if you plan on order an 8560w it's a hassle worth being aware of.

If a rubber foot falls off of one of the detachable pieces of the enclosure consider yourself lucky and request: 595784-001 SPS-PLASTICS KIT. Make sure they don't send you the "rubber kit". I received at least three of those in the fall when each tech swore it would have the rubber feet in it (and it didn't, because they only come attached to their respective base enclosure piece).

 

Wow, that is a long wait, but I guess they consider feet a (really, really) low priority.

I was lucky until I went on a trip and had to remove and replace the laptop from it's bag going through half a dozen security checks in the US. All but 2 feet fell off, but they were thankfully in the bag, so I just grabed some super glue and stuck them back on. So far so good. Just something to keep in mind in case you don't the wait and hassle...

Cheers.

 

Hi all,

I tried to search through this thread, but did not find any comments regarding the following "issue": When I attach the power adapter to my machine and touch the metal surface (e. g. top or the display cover) I can feel that the currect flows. It is like a slight vibration. As soon as I detach the power adapter, it stops. The power adapter had been replaced by HP already (in fact I tested it with 2x 150W and 1x 120W adapter - no difference). Did anyone else experience this issue (if it is an issue at all)? Could it be a faulty power cord?

Thanks in advance!

 

Most probably you're feeling the effect of bad grounding, so it's not the notebook itself. Faulty grounding of your socket can do this, this is the thing to check. Try using it elsewhere (another socket or even another building).

You stated you live in Germany, so it's probably the "schutzkontakt" grounding contact that isn't working well. The same thing happens to me when I use the notebook in a location where I know the grounding is sketchy.

 

Thanks a lot for your quick and professional reply!

 

Hi all, the BIOS Update F.21 is out. Did anyone try it already? Any issues, significant changes so far?

 

Is it possible to use i7 740QM + fx880 with apdapter 90w ? thanks

 

Help, please! I tried to search on the web for a solution, but found none so far.
I have the following configuration: WT975PA, 8540w, i7-720QM, 8GB, 500GB, BD-RE, DreamColor, FX1800M, Fingerprint, Webcam, UMTS.
I tried installing various Linux distros, but none worked.
I mean that I wasn't able to install any of them. I wasn't able even to get to the installation steps.
I tried the following distros so far: Ubuntu (10.04 LTS, 11.10, 12.04 LTS), openSUSE 12.1, Linux Mint - all 64 bit versions.
All were live CDs, or USB sticks.
As soon as the installation steps should appear, I get a distorted (colorful) screen and that was it. Each disrto the same.
I assume that this has to do either with the DreamColor panel, or video the nVidia card.
Can anybody help, please? It would be greatly appreciated.
I am not a Linux geek, but did several Ubuntu and openSUSE installation already (quite straightforward I think).
Thank you all in advanve!

 

If your warranty is still active try to contact the support for fixing that issue!

Bye.

 

First of all, thank you for your quick reply.
However, I do not think that this is a hardware issue.
All works flawlessly under Windows 7 (64 bit Professional).
I can switch between the color spaces and there have never been any issues with flickering, blank screens, distorted views, you name it, etc.
Furthermore, I did read on other forums that others were having the same issue as well, but never found a solution.

 

If your laptop s not capable of runninh with Linux it is up to HP tech support to fixthe issue; if the fix is not possible your warranty is enough to open to hardware alternatives!

Bye.

 

Well, HP only states that this machine is Novell SLED certified. Which I did not try nor do you intend to purchase. I think the question is whether you or other users were able to install Ubuntu/openSUSE without any "hacks" during installation. Of course, if HP offers me a 8560w or 8570w for that matter, I wouldn't refuse it, but I honestly don't think that it is a hardware related issue. Should I not have experienced already at least minor glitches under Windows? But so far everything is just fine and I am very please with the machine. Please, correct me if I am wrong.

 

Hi ronaldlangley,
had the same problem with linux and my 8540w, found out it had to do with the nouveau driver.

add "nomodeset" to your kernel parameters and it should boot.

greetings
Neubsi

 

Hello,

just to summurize: the elitebook is the top level category of all HP notebook!
If somebody buy one of it, it is supposed one to expect top level performances.
The HP customer is not requested to be an hardware technician to use it!
If it is impossible to install a Linux distribution is up to HP support to fix it.
If it is not able to do it keep on contacting the chat support till a way to overcome will be proposed; HP is well known not only for its products!

Let me know.

 

Hi neubsi & cypherinfo,

Thanks a lot for your responses. I do agree that HP should ensure that a Linux installation on a certified machine should require no expert knowledge of the customer. I am still waiting for a response from the HP support...
The good news is that I finally (after about 4 installation attempts) managed to install openSUSE 12.1 64Bit (KDE) on my machine. As neubsi wrote I had to boot with the "nomodeset" parameter. Then I had to update the system (without this step I wasn't able to install the nVidia driver), then follow nVidia's instructions and so I was able to use the full resolution of the display. It runs very nicely so far. My next challange is the HP un2420 (Gobi 2000) UMTS card...

 

Unfortunately, I had to go back to Windows 7, because both openSUSE 12.1 and Ubuntu 12.04 LTS (both in the 64 Bit versions) were very unstable on the machine.
Or better said, the nVidia driver was very unstable.
Upon boot, splash screen, login everything looked fine.
However, after a while when e. g. opening menus in Firefox, or Opera the screen started to flicker and was very disturbing to use. I installed the latest (and from nVidia recommended) driver. It is the version 295.59 Certified. What did I do wrong? Can anybody help with this? Would a downgrade have solved the issue? Please, note that it is a DreamColor panel.
Thanks in advance!

 

Once again it is up tp HP to ensure your elitebook has to have a stable behavior!
You do not need to know/manage the relelionship with its part suppliers!

Thank you.

 

Hello everyone,

I have a question about overclocking the graphic card nvidia quadro fx 1800m.
Is it even possible? I tried the common stuff i use on my desktop like RivaTuner or EVGA software.. Though it shows info etc. it doesn't allow me to change the frequencies in any way.

What would be necessary to change them and overclock a bit on a laptop ?

Thanks a lot.

 

It depends on your CPU. Check the sheet of the specificatìons; there is showed if it may overclocked or not.

Thank you.

 

It depends on your CPU. Check the sheet of the requirements; there is showed if it may overclocked or not.

Thank you.

 

Hi there, thanks for your answer.

My CPU is a i7 620m, but I dont know if it really is useful to overclock the GRAPHIC CARD.. is it? Did you mean GPU? It's a gc nvidia quadro fx 1800m anyway. I would like to overclock this graphic card a bit, and stuff like RivaTuner dosen't work... Is it impossible on a laptop ?

Thanks

 

As far as I remember (I was an owner of the 8540w) the CPU starting with the odd figure are overclockable. That information may be retriavable in the full pdf of your model.

Thank you.

 

Hey guys I'm using an old HP Elitebook 8540W (Product # FN095UT#ABA) and I want to upgrade it from 32 bit to 64bit. In order to do so, I need to buy a recovery disk but I'm been trying to find one online especially on the HP website and I can't seem to find a recovery disk for sale. I did find one for $45 at HP EliteBook 8540w Mobile Workstation Recovery Disk Set but that seems like a major ripoff. If you guys know where to buy one for a cheaper price, can you give me the direct link? Thanks!

 

Thanks again for your answer. But as I said actually I don't care much about overclocking the i7 CPU and I heard all HP Bios are limited on that though I have'nt searched all I could..

I was mainly talking about the GPU, the graphics card actualy, but I found a solution in between like Nvidia Tools but still can't overclock the Graphic memory, only gpu clocks... Don't know why, like memory clocks are impossible to change but not shaders and gpu clocks, weird.

PS: cypherinfo, did you change for one of the new elitebooks ?

Thanks again

 

Hello, yes. My new notebook is an elitebook 8560w with the new NVIDIA quadro 1000 2GB.

Thank you.

 

Hi, The same COA sticker you have should be valid for both 32- and 64-bits. See:
Is windows 7 home premium 32bit (COA license) support both - Microsoft Answers

Next, Microsoft freely distributes the ISO for either version, and leaves it to you to activate with a valid COA. See:
Official Windows 7 SP1 ISO from Digital River « My Digital Life

Finally, your COA sticker is for an OEM license (your laptop only), but the media download is the retail version. Here are some details about using your license with the non-OEM versions:
Can I use Windows 7 OEM Key with a non-OEM disc? - Microsoft Answers

Hope that helps.

 

Please help, How do I get my computer to boot after a bios update? it asked if I want to save a copy of the old bios to a usb and I did....now what? this is the second attempt at updating the bios and the cure to the first attempt was to replace the bios chip....I dont want to have to go thru that again. Any help would be appreciated.
Sorry, here is what it is doing. The first attempt at updating resulted in the computer becoming a brick. I couldnt do anything with it and the only life it showed was a blinking led under the lightning bolt so i just replaced the chip and it was good. The chip I ordered was programed with an outdated bios so I decided a second go at it was in order and now im at square one.....but this time I did make a copy on usb.

 

Anyone know where to buy a recovery disk for hp elitebook 8540w? I found some at recovery-disks.com and user-guides.co.uk, but I checked the legitimacy of the website, and found out they received poor ratings for customer service. I don't fully trust those two sites so does anyone have an alternative?

 

Hi there. Sorry for the question, but why do you want the recovery disk? Assuming it's related to your prior query about switching Windows versions, you've got the COA with a legit license to Windows, and you can get the ISOs electronically, so you just install from scratch. If it is because of all the HP drivers for your laptop, then those are freely available at HP's site as downloads.

Otherwise, if you're set on a recovery CD, why not ask HP directly? It was offered at a cost of $5 when I bought the laptop, so I don't imagine it would be much more now.

Cheers.

 

Hello, I was the owner of an elitebook 8540w and when I tried to find the recovery disk it simply does not exists! HP may give you the windows 7 OS disk and the drivers one. Try this web site: SARDU - Multiboot USB or DVD Builder

 

Has anyone tried to run 8540w with M620 and 2x8GB RAM?

I had a Corsair memory pair, but I could not boot to Windows 7 64bit so I was wondering if it's even possible to use 16GB RAM with dual core.

 

Hi, you shouldn't have problems with the size. Does it boot with just 1 stick? I'd try each one separately. If it works with one and not another, then a stick is bad, but if neither boot, or if both work individualy, then I don't know what to suggest.

Good Luck.

Edit: See HP 8540w supports 8GB RAM modules? - HP Support Forum

Last post points to specs updated Sept 29, 2011 that shows a possible 2-dimm 16GB total RAM configuration.

Edit 2: You should be able to see if the RAM chips POST or show in the bios - that would indicate the system can handle them. Also, you could revert to your working RAM, create a boot CD with a RAM checking tool, then try booting to your bootable CD, and if it works, test them at the same time to rule out that possibility.

 

I'm potentially going to purchase an EliteBook soon and was wondering if I could get your guys collective input into a few questions?

The model I'm looking at is:

QUICK SPEC:

* Intel Core i7-Q720 vPro HP @ 8 x 1.60GHz, Turbo up to 2.80GHz
* 16GB DDR3 RAM
* 750GB 7200rpm HD
* NVIDIA Quadro FX880M
* 15.6" diagonal LED Backlit Full HD Anti-Glare SuperBight Widescreen (1920 x 1080)

Now my first question is can the DVD drive be swapped out for a SSD? Second question is can the keyboard be swapped for something that is backlite?

 

Ok, answered my 1st question reading through this thread (I'm actually in a ty web cafe in rural China so things are pretty slow!) - will try and read some more tonight.

Is there a prefered SSD for the HP? and did the fan on 100% after sleep issue get sorted?

 

Wow, This reply was painful. 18 times I tried to create an account. Then yahoo kills its mail server.. well enough crying here is the answer guys....

I use the Calc button for the snipping tool. which I use many times a day.

The setting to change is...
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\AppKey\18]
"ShellExecute"="calc.exe"

the Other Subs are for the other keys. WEB MAIL ETC..
I Hope this helps..

 

Hello everyone,

I'm trying to install FreeBSD or PC-BSD on my laptop but it hangs at the boot stage. The problem is the HDD controller mode in the bios. By default, windows start with AHCI setting but FreeBSD won't. If you try to change it to IDE mode, both of the BSD OS start except Windows 7.

I have already posted my problem in the FreeBSD forum but they didn't found the solution. Problem with the installation - The FreeBSD Forums

So is it possible to solve this issue?

Thank you guys

 

Hi guys,

My 8540p with Nvidia card runs pretty hot. Is there any way to disable dedicated card and use only Intel HD3000?

Thanks

 

Hi,

Now that Windows 8 is here, I am wondering if anyone here has tried running Windows 8 on the 8540p and what your experience is like. I don't think HP will put much official effort with the 8540p.

R.

 

Just a quick question. I found a backlit keyboard for the 8540w. The HP Part Number is 597581-001 available from "Spare Parts Warehouse" specifically for model # SJ494UC, price $137.20 (a bit pricey). Has anyone tried this keyboard replacement, and/or is there any reason this keyboard wouldn't work on other models?

Thanks

 

With the quadro FX 1800M did your cards have an issue where if you changed the memory clock it locks itself to 324mhz? I'm still in the P0 state and core clocks are adjustable.

EDIT: If you have this problem, take the memory clock down to 275mhz with nvidia inspector, then set it to the clock you want (say 1.25ghz) and it will set, if you adjust it again it will lock so you have to go down to 275mhz again but it should now work.

 

I've been running Windows 8 on my 8540w since I replaced my dead Intel SSD with a Samsung 840 SSD last week and my fans are constantly on. The laptop seems to be running hotter under Windows 8 than it did under Windows 7. No idea what the cause would be.

 

Hi, my 8540W started running hotter and hotter too till it would be impossible to leave it unattended as I'd have to run my laptopt cooler fan to keep it at a reasonable temperature. Turned out the cause was clogged vents - the ones at the bottom have really small vent holes, and they need to be blown out. This wasn't even a thought of mine as my Toshiba from 2006 has yet to have any such thing happen. But the tech I spoke with was right and the system ran better than ever afterwards.

Hope that helps.

 

Hello,

does anyone of you use an extended screen with resolution of 2560x1440 via the DisplayPort and does it work properly?

I try to connect the Dell U2713 27inch screen but my screen is flackering continously , sometimes it's turning on and off like it's getting not enough of a signal.
I have an high quality DisplayPort cable which supports 2560x1440. It works with lower resolutions but the native resolution of the U2713 seems too much for my notebook

In my HP 8540w Elitebook there is a "NVIDIA Quadro FX 1800M graphics with 1GB dedicated GDDR5 video memory" which is supposed to support the high resolution: NVIDIA Quadro FX 1800M

any ideas? Known issue? Does it work for anyone with a 27inch or 30inch display with the HP8540w?


EDIT: seems like it's a monitor issue since it works well with the same monitor at a friends place.