Envy Sleekbook 6t-1000 (CAN'T REFORMAT?)

I just received my sleekbook 6t today as well...I popped in a Win7 Ultimate x64 disk to reformat (So much damn bloatware) but when I was asked to select which partition to install the new Windows in, it states that NO DRIVES WERE FOUND. (SOLVED - refer to reformatting guide below)

My 6t has a 500gb 5400rpm hdd along with a 32GB mSATA hard drive acceleration cache.



Gripes so far:

-screen is meh but I knew what I was going into when I saw the resolution. (where can I get a new panel to swap in??)
-there is some flex on the keyboard, typing is comfortable
-there is some minor flex in the lcd panel, but given the thin profile that is expected. Otherwise, it feels quite solid.
-the touchpad can be quite annoying and will take some time to get use to because the actual left and right click buttons are built into the same touch sensitive pad as a single unit, so when you want to left/right click the touchpad will detect multiple touch points, sometimes leading to confusion and unintended mouse movement/activity
-media controls on the FN key rows should ONLY be activated when FN key is pressed not the other way around, which currently requires me to hold FN and press F5 if I want to refresh a webpage. -____- who thought that was a good idea? Will need to look into the settings to see if I can change this...

Current Major Issues:

WIFI is NOT working/unable to connect to my home network. All my other pcs connect without a hitch. Network consists of an RT-16 router running TomatoUSB set to run only on N wireless in a dualwidth 40mhz band with WPA2 protection. Might need to reinstall wifi drivers to see if that resolves the problem. Anyone else having wireless problems? (SOLVED - reinstall wireless drivers)

-----------------DISASSEMBLY GUIDE-----------------

Good News: Only 12 screws
Bad News: Many many plastic clips; be extra careful not to brake any
Tools: Use flat bladed phillips screw drivers of varying sizes. I had 3 sizes ranging from tiny to medium.


Remove the 12 screws from the bottom of the laptop.


Start prying along the edge of the notebook to separate the bottom red case from the body of the laptop. I found it easiest to pry in the numerical order as shown above. Clips circled in red on the bottom red case side of the laptop.

Note: Take into consideration the mirror image of the above when your laptop is sitting upside down on a table.


More clips circled in red on the body side of the laptop.


Opened!


The internal battery.


Heatsink for the CPU and GPU along with the 2 RAM DIMM Slots.


Heatsink fan.


RAM DIMM Slot and WAN card at the upper right hand corner.


Hard Drive, BIOS Battery, and mSATA slot where the SSD Cache was (i removed it)


Battery is huge, taking up the entire middle and left side.


Samsung 32GB mSATA SSD Cache (screw removed)

 

This could possibly be contributed to the 32GB SSD Cache that is included...will do further trials and post back.

I also have taken pictures of the disassembly that I can post if anyone is interested. It is a pain as after the 6 bottom screws are removed, you have to go around the edge of the laptop and pry it with thin phillips head screw driver to undo the bottom from the main chasis, which is held in with lots and lots of plastic clips. I was gentle enough that none of the plastic clips broke.

EDIT:

YEP! Figured it out.

The culprit is the mSATA 32GB SSD Cache!
It is in a RAID mode with the 5400rpm 500GB HDD, and so that prevents one from doing a full reformat.

However, after I removed the SSD Cache and unbounded the HDD from the RAID setting, I was able to finally reformat windows. The HDD drive finally showed up visible.


--------------REFORMAT GUIDE-----------------

I was able to reformat both the HDD and the included 32GB mSATA SSD cache, installing Windows 7 Ult x64 OS onto the 32GB mSATA SSD and using that as the boot drive instead of the slower 5400rpm 500GB HDD, which is now a slave drive.

1) Disassemble the laptop and remove the mSATA SSD.

2) Leave the laptop disassembled and boot it up. You will be greeted with an Intel Matrix RAID configuration screen. Delete the RAID setup on the 500GB HDD and unbind it from the SSD cache. Finish and turn off the laptop.

3) Plug the mSATA SSD back onto the mobo and boot up the computer again. You will be greeted by the same Intel Matrix RAID configuration screen. Now, delete the RAID setup on the mSATA SSD. Finish and turn off the laptop.

4) Boot up the laptop with a Windows OS installation disc inside a connected external USB DVD drive. Hit ESC and select boot priority. Boot from DVD Drive and follow steps to delete partitions and reformat the SSD and HDD drives.

Drivers can be found here:
HP ENVY Ultrabook CTO 6t-1000 - HP Customer Care (United States - English)

 

My wireless is working perfectly on my 6t... And I don't know what you mean by flex in the keyboard, I'm finding it extremely easy to use, with very good travel between keys and very few mistypes...
For the function keys, you can enable/disable the set "functions" (brightness, backlight, etc) from the BIOS menu.

 

Could you please put the pics you have taken during dissassembly. Thanks.

 

Pictures uploaded for disassembly guide and reformatting guide added.

Thanks. Figured that out as well. Now, the only issue that remains is finding a proper Graphics driver for the AMD HD 7670M

 

Hey CT, did this one not work, below?

AMD High-Definition (HD) Graphics Driver HP ENVY Sleekbook CTO 4t-1000 - HP Customer Care (United States - English)

Pls let me know as I am thinking immediately replacing the drive in my 4T when it arrives (in about 2 weeks). Want to make sure that I can get a clean Win7 install on it.

Thx,
Groovy

 

Hey ctbear, have you been able to find the service manual yet?

 

The manual is found on the 6t-1000 support page on HP's website I believe.

 

@ctbear: I'm very interested about this product, which is arrived in these days in my Country.

It's the perfect solution I was looking for, but it has a quite big issue for my normal day usage: the screen resolution is only of 1366x768 pixel.
As you wrote in your first topic, also in my opinion it is a good idea to replace the lcd panel with a 1600x900 one or, better, with a full HD lcd panel.

I already contacted some dealer of such lcd panels, and they told me that the upgrade could be a problem, because usually the 1366x768 panels use 4 pairs LVDS signals cable, instead of 8 pairs LVDS signals cable on 1600x900 and 1920x1080 pixels panels.

So the first check to do is to verify the type of cable used on this ultrabook. I was very happy when I saw you disassembled the Envy, because I can ask if you have noticed which kind of cable is applied on the lcd panel or, better, have you shot some photos about that detail?

Thank you very much for your support.

 

@ctbear, thanks a lot for the very nice pictures!

I have a couple of simple questions. I would like to purchase this model but with the AMD CPU, so without mSSD. Could you tell me if the HDD installed in your laptop is a regular 2,5" ? Because I would like to change the HDD to an SSD but before buying it I would like to know if it is possible. Second question, from the pictures I don't clearly understand if it is possible to replace the memory, I would like to replace or add a module, because it is much cheaper to buy 8 Gb somewhere else than on the HP website.

Thanks a lot for your answer!

 

The hard drive in the Envy 6t/6z is a 2.5" but it is a only 7mm deep, so you need to find a specific HD or SSD that i sonly 7mm.
The memory can be easily changed, I replaced mine with 8GB from Newegg and works great.

 

Thanks a lot for your very quick answer! I think I will definitely get this laptop...

 

Do you know if the AMD version also having that mSATA port for SSD?

 

I don't really want to open the laptop up and pull out the mSATA cache.
Is there any way to delete the RAID without having to actually remove the mSATA from the laptop, and then still be able to reinstall each drive?

 

I ordered a envy 6 and I would like to upgrade the panel with a 1080p screen.
The model AUO B156HW01 V.4 seems to be the best replacement screen to chose.
But I suppose the original cable would not be compatible with 900p or 1080p screens.

Considering that the envy 6 was never offered with more than 768p screen, we must find a dual lvds cable from another laptop. And we should pray that the new screen is going to work.

If someone has more informations about a screen upgrade on the envy 6 it would be great.

 

I found a solution to be able to access the intel raid bios setup without having to open the ultrabook.

Just hammer ctrl + i Simultanously (You cannot hold CTRL and then press i, you have press them simultanously) during boot up.

 

I would like to buy this, but it does not have 1600x900 resolution or above. Why HP has not given any other choice for display for this Envy 6 model. Sad.

 

Probably a completely noobish question however want to make sure I know the answer prior to opening this up. How difficult is it to replace the Broadcom WLAN? I foolishly did not choose the WIDI option when purchasing and now am finding myself in need of it, from the looks of the pictures it does not look too difficult as I have disassembled a few laptops in my day but thought I would ask the experts...

Thanks

Edit2 - For those interested the Envy 6t (for WIDI) comes with the Centrino N-1030 11230BNHMW

 

Did you find out anything new about this? I´m not sure if the lid is "thick" enough for your screen, but the one from the VAIO S (IPS) should be thin enough.
Now there is just the problem with the cable....

 

You are right, the screen ID I provided is too thick. Do you know what is the vaio s screen serial number ? I will check it

 

I got this once from a guy: LP156WF4-SLB1
This should be the one for the VAIO S (I don´t know if the newer VAIO SE got a different IPS panel...).
It is semi-matte. I´ve seen it in personal and it would be a huge improvement. Although it´s not wide color gammut.

A side note: the new HP dv6t seems to have also a new "slim" LED LCD (I read it here in the forum). Maybe we could use its cable (FHD) for the sleekbook?

 

the LP156WF4-SLB1 screen will fit it is thin enough and the screw holes seem to be the same. Now we need to find a cable as you said. But even if you find the right cable we don't know if this will work, the only way to be sure is to make a try.

There was the same case with the envy 14. The radiance panel only worked on 1st gen envy 14 and not on 2nd gen even if you had the right cable, I don't really know why.

 

Where and how did you find out about the holes? I think we should use the cable from an actual dv6 FHD model. I don´t have access to any of these parts but once I know it works, I´d order them overseas.

So you could be my hero.. .;-)

P.S. Take a look at this thread. They are talking about the slim LCD which is now in the dv6t-7000 (page 16):

http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-pavilion-notebooks/610177-hp-dv6t-display-replacement-16.html

 

hi, I just know the part number cable(s) from the last dv6t.

Display panel cable for use only on computer models equipped with an FHD display assembly : 682055-001

Display panel cable for use only on computer models equipped with an FHD display assembly and an Intel processor : 682057-001

I strictly have no clue about the difference between those cables, I just know they are the ones used for the full hd led screen on dv6t 7000.

The part number for the panel :

15.6-in, AntiGlare, FHD display panel : 682090-001

I think the dv6t 7000 has an ips panel which would be quite the same as vaio SE : LP156WF4 SLB2 (not sure about that)

 

I have tried to upgrading my 6z-1000 with an AOU B156HW03 V.0 and HP 665305-001 display cable to no avail. The laptop will not even boot when the two are connected. As soon as i replace the normal display and display cable, the laptop boots up fine. I tried clearing the CMOS and was still unsuccessful.

Im thinking the bios is locked to the original monitor, or it has be due to the cable (as the webcam passes through the single cable as well).

 

okay, this is something i didn´t want to hear. ;-)
Thank you two for your information. This notebook would be VERY nice with a proper screen.
So far I now know only the Vizio 15" and the VAIO S15 with a nice panel. And I dislike the Vaio for its wobbly screen... :-(

What are the alternatives for you two?

 

There is not a lot of alternatives. However we don't know much about the cable and I'm curious to know what is the difference between these two, maybe it is the reason why the upgrade is not working :

Display panel cable for use only on computer models equipped with an FHD display assembly : 682055-001

Display panel cable for use only on computer models equipped with an FHD display assembly and an Intel processor : 682057-001

They come from the last dv6t who has a similar display enclosure as the envy 4 or 6t.

 

I now have a 682055-001 cable on order. Unlike the 665305-001 cable, the 682055-001 appears to have only one connection to the motherboard, as the LVDS (display) and webcam connections merge to the single motherboard connection.

I'll post back with my results. Fingers crossed.

 

excellent news.
I´d like to say "Thank You" already now, because I`d never be able to do this!
Hopefully you are not wasting your money..

 

Just a short question: where did you order the cable and do you already know, when it will be shipped. Although I live in Germany, I´d / could buy it in the USA... if it works.

 

If he lives in the US, he ordered it on HP partsurfer
If you want to buy it you can on dectrader.com

 

I bought the 682055-001 from empr.com.au, which has a shipping eta of 6/9/12. The 665305-001 cable was bought from alinc.com.

I refuse to HP part surfer due to its relatively high prices

 

uhm.... above 100 USD to ship to Germany. I´d rather go with the 39 USD inside the USA.

Right now I tend to buy the Intel version and I guess because of that I need the cable for the Intel?!
Although it has the extention "discrete".... does that imply it needs a discrete GPU?

 

Any updates on your order?

 

Anyone able to upgrade the HHD to a SSD with the AMD model?? I am trying install a 240g Sandisk extreme SSD but the laptop will not recognise it, let alone boot windows 7 onto it.

Any help?!

 

Hi all, I have a HP ENVY 6 Sleekbook 1006sa, I have installed an ssd and windows 7 64. I have installed the drivers from the hp website but it doesn't include any chipset drivers or usb drivers. I usbs don't work. Anyone know where I can get these from?

 

If it is an AMD chipset, you will need to go to AMD.com and look for your chipset drivers. Use HWInfo64 to find out what chipset you have, then download accordingly from AMD

 

I bought my 4t with the conventional 2.5" 7mm hard drive only. I have not found a way to run both the conventional hard drive and the msata. I am only running the msata now. I think HP locked down the settings if you didn't order it with a conventional and ssd together.

 

I have HP envy 4 ultrabook with almost the same config, except that mine is intel chipset with intel i5 processor.

your guide is very usefull. however i am getting stuck in the installation of win 7 ultimate 64 because of "drivers" that the installation needs to access the disks. baiscally i am not able to access the hdd even after removing the ssd.

can u help?

-AC

 

Have you been able to swap the screen for a FHD one?

 

I have tried to no success. I get the feeling that its a motherboard issue, such that maybe the motherboard is unable to support 2Ch LVDS, and hence not support higher resolutions than we are faced with on the Envy 6.

Such a disappointment, as I love the laptop, but the screen is its biggest downfall. A FHD screen, with better viewing angles would make this laptop absolutely perfect for me.

 

yes, this were the thoughts I had about the notebook, too.
I´m still looking and I have no glue what to buy.... It drives me really nuts.
What do you use right now or what would you buy if you had to?

 

I appreciate if you guys could provide a video teaching how to open the cover of the notebook.

 

Hi guys, this howto was awsome, finally i can see windows partitions. But now Win7 says "Windows setup could not configure Windows to run on this computers hardware". I have no idea why or what to change. Tried many times.

What could it be? PLZ help...!

 

a short tutorial on how to install windows 7 x64 on hp envy ultrabook 6 / sleekbook systems
(without having to open the device)

-bios-
1. set usb 3.0 to auto mode
2. enable legacy boot
change boot order for legacy boot so that notebook hd is in FIRST place (important)
-/bios-

3. download drivers from hp support for intel raid, extract, push to usb stick with fat32

4. safe + reboot, hammer ctrl+i for intel matrix storage utility
5. delete raid0 of ssd and hdd, delete acceleration (press 'r')

6. reboot, esc, f9, external usb dvd with windows dvd. select windows setup but press f8, select 'disable driver sig check'

7. when prompted use intel storage x64 drv from usb stick

8. kill *all* partitions

9. select 32gb ssd as target medium

10. ????

11. profit

:thumbsup:

 

Okay, I went through hell to figure this out, but my Envy4-1115dx from best buy also has a 32GB mSSD and a 500GB HDD.
I couldnt see any drives for a clean install. But once I disabled the acceleration under "intel rapid storage" and click "make available" I was able to see the two drives and do the clean install.
After the Clean install, I installed the drivers and enabled acceleration and my computer was back to normal again.
I just had to put this out there for others since I went through 48hr myself trying to figure this out!
GOod luck. and no computer disassemble required.!

 

the new envy 6 has been released, but unfortunately the full hd version only exist in some countries (like belgium and korea). I'm planning to buy one in France (1366x768) and swap the screen with a fhd.

 

Just an FYI, I just performed this tear down... I used a credit card and a slot plate from an old PC case which are wide, thin, and quite inflexible to separate the case...

Thank you for this write up, been beating my head against the wall for 2 days...

 

Hi sorry for reviving this thread, but i have a HP Ultrabook ENVY 6-1115eo and the only drivers i can find are for windows 8. Would they work on windows 7 or would drivers from the HP ENVY Ultrabook CTO 6t-1000 also work on ENVY 6-1115eo?

Edit: I should say that the 6-1115eo looks alot like the CTO 6t-1000? Mabye and EU and American version?

CTO 6t-1000: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/product?cc=us&lc=en&dlc=en&tmp_geoLoc=true&product=5273977

6-1115eo: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/...lc=en&jumpid=reg_r1002_usen_c-001_title_r0001