Envy 14: New owners in Paradise Lost Thread: (Got Problems/Questions/Issues?)

Did either of you order with the Bing Cashback deal? If so, are you still qualifying for that?

 

so can HP actually fix the whine? I've had it for a while, but I havn't been too bothered by it, only annoys me occasionally

 

I wouldn't risk it, some claim they fixed it, some claim they didn't after multiple repairs, some claim they received their "repaired" envy with physical damage, and some said they took more than 3 weeks for one repair.

 

K well I updated to the latest bios, didn't really see any differences (still fan cycling)

So I don't know what it is, but when the laptop hits 35C the fan comes on, then when it hits 34C it goes off. There needs to be a wider temperature range (IE turn on at 40, turn off at 30)

 

I originally ordered with the Bing 30%. When I had to exchange the first machine, HP said to contact Bing with all the info & that I would be fine since the exchange was due to defect. Bing said no problem. Then I receive the exchange & notice within days that the speaker is defective. However, my Bing money would be available like three days before the 21 day return period was up, so I decided to wait & try to secure that before proceeding with the second RMA. When I requested my Bing, the info said it could take up to seven days to clear, & I had only 2-3 days left on the return period. So I called HP & explained the situation (& they agreed to extend my return period from 21 days to a month so I could get the Bing first). I have now received the Bing cashback & now must return the computer for a full refund (& reorder at the original price). I assume that there is no way for Bing to reverse the payment once it has cleared?

 

K well I turned back on fan always on in the bios (which I turned off a while ago, but it didn't start cycling on and off until a few days ago) and the fan stopped cycling. Now my computer idols at a higher temperature (around 40C for some reason) but the fan is always on a low speed, and doesn't shut off, which is pretty much what it was doing before.

I just do not understand why the laptop runs around 40c with the fan always on, but with the constant cycling, it runs around 34/35c.

Anways, I would rather have the fan always on a low speed, then have it cycle on and off constantly, every few seconds.

 

maybe the cycling is at a faster rpm.

and yeah I idle around 40c with fan always on too.

 

QFT

I'm at a bit of a loss why they would program such a short threshold for the cycling fan, rather than, as suggested above, creating a range between when the fan kicks on and when it kicks off, so it only cycles every few-several minutes rather than every few seconds. However, it seems clear that the difference in average operating temperatures between the two settings is the result of the fan running at a lower RPM when the CPU's not heating up considerably in the "always on" setting, since the cycling setting gets more aggressive at a lower threshold.

This makes me wonder if "Fan always on" could potentially provide a battery-life boost to those owners who have been struggling - how much power could that high-RPM cycling be drawing?

 

I'm getting the whine, high pitch, hisssssing sound constantly now...it's quite anoying, looks like there is not much to do but wait for a fix...

 

Hi!

I've got my Envy 14 yesterday and now I want to do a clean Windows 7 install.
I'm using this guide: HP Laptop Out-Of-The-Box Guide.
Currently I'm creating my recovery discs.

I wanted to ask you if I can delete all partitions at the Windows 7 installation without any difficulties. I used the search function of this forum and everyone agreed that the "RECOVERY" partition can be deleted without any problems if you have created the recovery discs, but I haven't found precise statments about the "HP_TOOLS" Partition. Is it also possible to delete this partition problem-free?
I've installed Windows 7 many times before on my PC and I always deleted the "System Reserved" partition, does this partition exist on the Envy 14, and if so can i delete it too?

Thanks in advance for your replies

 

You can delete it. But an issue might arise when you want to update the BIOS. Workarounds have been found that allow you to update the BIOS without HP_Tools partition. See page 1, first post, of owner's thread.

 

Allright.

Thanks for the quick reply

 

Yesterday I got a shipment notice from HP. So, my laptop should be back to me by Monday.

I called them on Thursday of last week (9/9), sent it out on Friday (9/10), and they received it on Monday of this week (9/13). So, assuming that I receive it on Monday in perfect condition, I'll be very impressed with their service.

 

I'm having the same Bing issue but HP is making it a huge hassle to have the return period extended. I chatted with a rep for an hour and then they wanted me to get a ticket number from the tech support dept. before I could get a return period extension from a supervisor at the escalations dept....ugh

 

I've been using my computer for about a week, and so far it has impressed me a lot more than my Envy 15 did.

I do have a couple problems, sometimes when I open the screen the gamma is all off. Everything looks too bright, but it's not the actual screen brightness, the colors are off. If I switch graphics it fixes this. I have only noticed it so far on Intel graphics, but it might be happening on the 5650.

Another thing is that the touchpad is a little bit jumpy every once in a while. About once every 5-10 minutes the mouse jumps like an inch when I try to tap to click. It's not a huge deal but it is annoying.

Do these things happen to anyone else? Anyone know how to fix them?

 

no problems whatsoever except your normal dust accumulation. if it was another laptop however, it is advised that you charge it to 50% if you don't plan on using it for several months.

 

Is the Envy 14 regular and Beats edition in stores? Ive call all around my area and nobody has them, mine was suppose to ship last week but hasent yet shipped.
I havent even seen one in person yet.

 

This isn't that big of an issue, but it still bothers me.

HP software update popped up one day, It told me my IDT audio driver needed an update. So I ran the update and ever since then I have not been able to get the beats audio on/off icon to pop up. I can tell that beats audio is working, but I'm not sure how to turn it off. If I press fn + b it will just open up beats.exe in my task manager. If i press it again, it will open another. I end up having to just hit end process on all of the extra ones.

So has anyone updated their IDT audio driver and noticed that the beats icon is no longer functioning?

 

If you live near a major city in the US, perhaps Best Buy. If you live in Canada, there's a thread about it a retail store that has them.

Otherwise, no one has them in store.

 

Wow, this one takes the cake.

So my Envy 14 came back today from the repair center. I sent it in due to a bright pixel in the upper left corner - very evident if they followed the instructions that I painstakingly wrote so that any idiot could spot the problem.

As soon as I read the included letter about the repair I knew I was in for trouble. Apparently, they didn't replace the screen (bright pixel is still there). Instead, they took the liberty to replace the "MOTHERBOARD, KEYBOARD, WIRELESS MODULE."

What the Hell? I had absolutely no wireless problems and the keyboard was perfectly fine. The motherboard had nothing to do with the dead pixel, either.

Then, of course, I went over the laptop with a fine-toothed comb. Sure enough, they left nice gouge marks on the metal deck at three places around the keyboard, and the "lint" that I was brushing off the screen and deck (palm rest) was indeed metal shavings... meaning that I could have metal shavings INSIDE of the laptop. Metal shavings + electrical junk = short = possible electrocution or fire.

I build and repair computers in my spare time, and I can't even fathom why the hell they'd do this. The damage is bad enough, but to completely ignore the problem at hand and just replace some random junk (that is, if they actually did replace any of it, or just said they did to make themselves look good).

I already called the Envy support number. They initially wanted me to send it back in for repair, which I refused... what are they going to do, replace the entire metal chassis? Instead, I demanded that they send me out a new Envy 14 with the same specs, and I'll send the damaged one back when I get it. They're escallating the ticket and are supposed to give me a call back "soon."

Three strikes, HP:
1 - defective screen to begin with
2 - "repair" team ignored the defected component, but took the liberty to replace some other stuff for the hell of it
3 - "repair" team damaged the notebook

Wow, just wow.

 

They will most likely grant this, because I demanded this same exact thing you did. I need a laptop for school, can't go a day without it. What will happen is that you will place a new order with a supervisor or manager, and they will price match for what you initially got it for. I have done this twice already (my last one being past the 21 day deadline, its because the metal frame somehow wasn't flush with the whole unit anymore and they granted my request) It has already been shipped and best of all, I get another 21 days to RMA if needed, and possible RMA it if the 2nd gen Envy 14 (if it comes out) =D

 

Hi all, ordered the Envy 14 about 5~6 days ago and just found this topic (I mostly am active on the sister site, Tablet PCreview as 970261) and am suppose to expect the PC to ship on the 24th.

I am *quite* scared now that my money was not well spent as the Envy was suppose to be a replacement for my Dell m1730.

Reason? Too damn heavy and am a ***** to get it through security.

....I am keeping my fingers crossed whenever I can...

I understand most complaints go into this topic...Just wondering how others, who received the PC recently, can comment on the "current HP QC/Quality Control?

 

Do you think it is possible to call in and ask a customer representative to speak with their supervisor and add the Radiance display to the Beats edition model?

I know its not an option online, but it is the exact same screen size as the regular Envy 14 and I'm pretty sure that they have access to the various parts and they could easily add it onto the order.

I am interested in hearing anyone's opinion on whether or not this can work.
Otherwise, I will try calling in myself...

 

oK now you can order the 14 Beats Editon w/out the head phones and it looks like it has a faster i5 460m ( I thought before it was the i5 450m)

My Envy is due to arrive in the next couple days but now with the lower price w/out the head phones I may have to change out. I really like the Beats Edition color over the fancy scroll work on the regular 14.
If I wasent getting ready to go to Hawaii I order it tonight.

 

Yep, I just noticed that tonight. I went to check if Costco was carrying any different systems, and saw that the price was lower on the E14 Beats Edition and thought I'd just get a price adjustment. Then I noticed that the headphones weren't listed.

At Costco at least, the 460M is the same price as the 450M (which is still listed), and so I could return mine, drop the headphones, and save $250. I also ordered mine with 8GB and am rethinking whether I really need that over the standard 4GB. If I go with the base model, I'd end up spending a total of $450 less. That's not insignificant...

 

I would like they to change the monitor

 

so my laptop got a dent on the top cover ( a minor dent) but this is a family computer, it's brand new and the accident wasn't my fault at all.

(Bad construction of the college dorm , so a board fell and damaged my laptop cover / made a small dent )

And so I am wondering, i got a nice envy 14 with a radiance screen (no issues) but I am debating to whether I should send it in for repairs or not...
I'd hate to :
*I have the 2 year accidental warranty.
-not get a laptop back with a radiance screen (if they so choose replace it)
- get it in worse condition.

What are your ideas?

Or rather, is the top cover (the one with the etching) easily replacable or something?

Or would best buy or other repair store be a better option?

I'm a college student and this family laptop is very important to us.
Thanks so much!

 

No one's opinion will have any value. You will have to call HP and see if they will do it. Very likely they won't but you never know what can be arranged unless you try.

 

If you are handy and confident, you can easily replace the top cover yourself but you will have to buy the part from HP parts store. See the service manual on page 1 of the Owner's lounge.

Otherwise you will have to take a chance will either HP repairing it or Best Buy. No one can accurately predict any pitfall probability with HP repair nor the repair time.

If you do it yourself, you are in full control of the situation.

 

Wow, that changed fast. Looks like HP's already adjusted their site by increasing the price by $100 and dropping the i5-460M and other processor options. Oh well, still a $350 savings if I dump the 8GB RAM and headphones. I'll save that money toward an aftermarket Radiance display.

 

Had a question about the Envy 14's 3.5 mm jack. Will a regular headset work? I remember reading about needing a "special" or different kind of headset jack being need for a proper input/output.

(As in, Mic in 3.5 mm, headset in the other.) Or do I need a USB headset for this to work properly?

 

yeah you probably need a special type of add on to make the mic work.

usb headset will be fine.

using the webcam microphone should be fine too (it's not that bad, not a headset but not bad)

http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-...-combo-headset-mic-smartphone-3-5mm-jack.html

check this post

 

Alright, thanks for the fast reply! So...I need to find my Iphone "headset" or a USB....hmmm....

 

that or buy an adapter

 

Hey guys I still have this problem. I did a fresh install of w7 64 and in the process this happens.
Whenever I start my computer or "wake" it up from sleep mode, the wifi is set to off. For example when I startup my PC, the wifi light (f10) will be orange, it will turn blue for like 3 seconds and then back to orange again...

This is really minor as I just have to hit f10 once the laptop starts up but still an annoyance.
Any suggestions? THanks!

 

Update:

I've been speaking to an escalations case manager throughout the week, and they've authorized a replacement. All specs should be the same, except I'm getting upgraded to the i5-450m (since the 430m is no longer an option), and there's some discrepancy over the keyboard. Apparently on the website, it's no longer listed as an "island-style" keyboard, so either they changed the wording, or they changed the keyboard altogether. We'll see.

They're also looking into sending me something for free out of goodwill. Either the slim AC adapter, slice battery (I hope), or perhaps a $75 gift card. Honestly, after all the hassle with this, I think that's the least they can do, but I'm happy they're doing something.

 

Is there some way to prevent the fan speed from increasing when the battery slice is put on? No matter if the computer is running cold, the fan speed is at a higher rate than normal even if there isn't any intense programs, or any at all besides the bootup running.

 

Hi. i downloaded aerofoil to increase my bettery life but now, aero wont return. when i go to windows color, it should be like this. instead its like this. Any help please?

 

I got the HP Envy 14, a few weeks after it came out. I rushed home to get it setup and really like it. I get compliments when people see it and it runs pretty well. I like the keyboard and the backlight.

That being said I have noticed a few things and I am not sure if they are issues or the way they are supposed to be.

1. When playing video games the right side, and right above the keyboard on the right half of the laptop gets really really hot. Like if I help my hand there for a while it could possibly start to hurt. I downloaded the temp monitor program that was suggested in the master 14inch thread and the temps hover from 70-85 when I am playing SC2. Is this normal?

2. When playing video games the fan does not stay constant. It goes from full blown very noisy to a little quite fan, back and forth, back and forth, which gets really annoying and doesn't sound healthy. When just doing regular work and such it doesn;t do this, it is just when playing video games.

3. The keyboard seems to let more light out in certain places than others, this is probably me just being very picky.

If these are issues what can I do about it. Will HP replace it with a used one, or will they just try to fix it and send it back only to have it happen again?

Again, other than that, I love this thing...Though I don't quite understand how the two audioports work...

 

1. The top right side gets hot when playing video games. It gets really hot with me as well and the fan speeds up full power (wow is full power loud). I have only played BFBC2 for at least 1 hour.. My 5650 has never gotten above 65.

2. When playing BFBC2 my fan is on constant full speed, however when the game is over and I am waiting for the next map to load my fan slows down to medium, then when the new map loads and I enter it goes back up to full speed.

3. When the backlit is lit, many people, including myself have noticed that the left side of the keyboard is bright, around the "O" and "P" key the light dims a little, then it gets bright at the very far right side.

 

I did a clean install of Windows 7 on my envy 14 and have all the drivers installed. I'm trying to find an easy way to switch my Bluetooth on and off. When i right click on my bluetooth icon i don't see an option to disable it.

In the device manager it says i have the HP Integrated Module with Bluetooth 2.1 Wireless Manufacturered by Broadcom.

Any help?

Thanks!

 

I use HP wireless assistant to easily switch Bluetooth on and off. Great thing about this piece of software that it gives the Wifi light it's function back too (red/white depending if wifi is on/off). The downside is that there is another piece of software running..
I stopped HP wireless assistant from running when Windows starts up. I only use it to switch the Bluetooth (which is almost off all the time)

 

any reason as to why windows aero wont turn on?

 

I'm a little confused. You have the accidental damage warranty. It was accidentally damaged, and you don't want to send it in?

 

Hi,

I've had this happen 3 times already, the 3rd time just 10 minutes ago.
The crash occurs only when streaming Netflix (non-HD) - not youtube or just playing videos in the media player. The error isn't consistent either, as I can stream Netflix for hours without this occurring.

Basically, mid-video, the video will stop and the sound will freeze and stutter. The sound will stutter for up to 20 seconds and then the pc will restart. During those 20 seconds, the computer itself is frozen, as no exit or mouse actions work.

Has anyone had something similar occur? What could the problem be? For reference, this is on the I5-450, 6GB Ram, with the ATI driver.

Windows 7 displays the following information in a dialog after restarting:

Problem signature:
Problem Event Name: BlueScreen
OS Version: 6.1.7600.2.0.0.768.3
Locale ID: 1033

Additional information about the problem:
BCCode: 19
BCP1: 0000000000000020
BCP2: FFFFFA8005EBED10
BCP3: FFFFFA8005EBFA00
BCP4: 0000000005CFE200
OS Version: 6_1_7600
Service Pack: 0_0
Product: 768_1

 

Netflix streaming uses Microsoft Silverlight, whereas Youtube and most other online video players use Adobe Flash. I suggest making sure you have the latest stable version of Silverlight.

 

It looks like HP updated their Envy line and removed the 160GB SSD stand alone option. The Envy 17 still allows you to select a 160GB SSD but it must be coupled with a 640GB HD.

I had wanted to order a Envy 17 with a 160GB SSD, but I have no need for a 640GB HD, which adds to the weight and cost.

:-(

 

Any thoughts? Is sending things back to HP to get fixed a . Am i stuck in this forever?

 

1) Yes thats normal

2)Most likely the fan just revs up once it hits a specific temp (maybe 80 or so) and then brings the temp down to below that and slows down.

3) My keyboard is the same way, but its not really noticeable.

 

#1. is normal. SC2 hammers both the cpu and the gpu.

Also, you probably aren't framelimiting SC2's menu. add a couple lines to your variables.txt in my documents, starcraft II

add:
frameratecap=60
frameratecapglue=30

the first limits game fps to 60. the second limits menu fps to 30.

the fan stuff...I've never really listened to my fan while gaming too much. It kicks in like none other once it goes above 76+ Celsius though.

3. yeah there's light bleeding out from the keyboard. can't really be helped. I just ignore it and/or don't use the backlit keyboard unless I really need it.