*HP ENVY 17 & 17 3D (1XXX series) Owners Lounge*

I preordered an Envy 14 and will run Linux on it. Now someone posted in the Envy 14 thread, that the 1st gen Envy 15 models did not have ACPI compliant BIOS, so thermal management needed the HP crapware for Windows and would not work with Linux.

Can someone please tell me, wether the Envy 17 BIOS is ACPI compliant? This is a vital information for me...

 

Shiboe-

Wow 98C!!!! that's hot. I am not an electrical engineer, but I can't see how that type of heat won't destroy all the adjacent innards and even melt the plastic overtime. Wonder if all the heat is causing warping of the case and that's why people are having problems witht the chassis rocking????

I've got two of these on order one from amazon, one from hp. getting closer to cancelling both orders...

 

I re-ordered my envy 17 with the new i5-450m option....closer to the i5-520m lol...so best of both worlds. anyway, i feel safer with an i5 bc its not as heat intensive as an i7 (atleast I would assume)....those i7s are almost too powerful for a notebook pc but I guess we shall see when I get mine. The only thing annoying is now I have two notebooks ordered coming to me since I cant cancel the other one...and the reason i had to reorder right away is bc of that 200 off coupon code while its available ha

 

Ya... And those were close to ideal conditions too. I'm thinking today I'm going to do a more "worse case scenario" and try to play metro 2033 on my bed and see what happens. I'm definitely nervous about the long term potential of this thing though. It's such a damn shame because it's a beautiful machine otherwise. I think 1 fan/vent was a terrible idea though, and merging all heat components to one area was just asking for trouble.

*sigh*

 

want to like the laptop is right, same reaction from me. had to return my 17 and stick with my 15.

 

How can we get HP to answer the concerns which keep coming here. IF we all cancelled our orders and went on hp website and warned others not to buy, would they answer our questions and try to work out solutions?

I'm confused about what to do. My order arrives Wednesday. I don't game so I should be fine, hopefully, The question is will this laptop look like crap in 1 year? Hate to spend so much money for something that has this introduction.

The problem is all of the newer I7 chip laptops seem to have problems also. We had a lot of trouble with the Dell xps 16 that I purchased for my wife in February. It kept freezeing up every week or so. WE finally solved the problem, with Dell's help, after about 10-20 hours of effort - contacting dell, running test after test, finally reformating the hard drive and having to reload all the software.

 

I would think that you guys would at least write something on the HP site. Under the envy 17 on the hp usa site, it says 4.3/5 with 3 customer reviews. So either they are censoring all the bad reviews (wouldn't put it past them) or you guys are not not putting your 2 cents in about the "heatbeast".

 

So what is the battery life ur getting on this thing using the core i5?? hopefully 3 hours with max settings lol

 

I did a lengthy review and even gave it some praise in the looks and performance, but did not hold back on the heat issues. If you don't see it within 2 days, you know they are filtering reviews.

 

I am also curious about this? I would want to know if its worth getting the ssd over the i7, would I even notice a difference between i7 and i5 for everyday use, and games?

 

You'll clearly notice a SSD over a HDD, but will only (if at all) notice the i7 over the i5 if you do some really CPU intensive work, or gaming. I would definitely go for the SSD if I'd have to choose.

 

HP Envy 17 Review

Introduction

The Envy 17 is HP’s consumer flagship notebook. Depending on the configuration, it can get pretty expensive. However, since HP is the largest laptop seller, though soon to be overtaken by Acer, the end user can sometimes save quite a bit through coupons and programs such as Bing Cash Back (due to end on July 30th). Personally, I’m not a huge fan of having money in limbo. Thus, I ended up purchasing through the EPP program for an initial savings of 10%. Three days later, I came across a $300 off coupon on Logicbuy.com and opted to use that instead.

Configuration and Cost

• Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
• Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-820QM Quad Core Processor
• 4GB DDR3 System Memory (1 Dimm)
• 500GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
• 1GB ATI Mobility Radeon(TM) HD 5850 Graphics
• 17.3" diagonal Full HD HP Ultra BrightView Infinity LED Display (1920x1080)
• SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
• HP TrueVision HD Webcam
• Intel Wireless-N Card with Bluetooth
• Full-size island-style backlit keyboard
• 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery (standard)
• No Productivity Software
• Free Shipping

Subtotal: $1912.49
w/Tax: $2046.36

Order Date: May 24th, 2010
Estimated Ship Date: June 4th, 2010
Actual Ship Date: June 8th, 2010
Received Date: June 14th, 2010

Customer Service

I initially called customer service to cancel my order about two days after I placed it. I wanted to use the $300 off coupon because I would save an extra $147.12 compared to the EPP. The representatives told me to keep the order and kept giving excuses that they could only refund me $100 when I asked them why. I was finally transferred to a supervisor who finally refunded the entire $147.12.

Besides the upselling, customer service was very courteous. On the other hand, talking to the agents did not seem natural at all. In other words, I got the feeling that it was scripted. This is fine and understandable, but it seemed as if the agents were not willing to go the extra mile to correctly answer a question. For example, I called about why my order had not shipped on June 4th, I was told that my order was to be built on June 4th. When I told them that the date had already passed, I was then told that my order would have already shipped and that it would take 24-48 hours to appear in the system. When I asked why my account showed June 4th as the estimated ship date and not build date (as they mentioned), I was told that ship date and build date mean the same thing. Also, I was ready to cancel my order because I did not receive any delay or ship notice until the following Monday. Specifically, I received the notice Monday night. The email said that I could respond back or call customer service to cancel my order. Otherwise, they would assume that I agreed to the ship delay. I called them up and was told that it was too late to cancel my order because more than 36 hours had passed since I placed my order. Plus, customer service did not know if my order had shipped. Clearly,

HP needs to work communication between its departments. The email said one thing and customer service said another. I requested to speak with a supervisor and I gave them my complaint. HP really needs to improve in this category.

Tech Support

I called tech support about a dead pixel and the laptop wobble, as advised by customer service. The agent was very helping and understanding. More importantly, she knew what she was doing and the conversation did not seem scripted. I was told that I would have to talk to customer service since I was within the 21 days return period. I was able to get her to ship me some extra rubber feet to see if I could fix the slight wobble myself.
Overall, tech support was wonderful.
Screen

The Envy 17 is the second laptop I have ever owned. My first was an ASUS G1S. Compared to that, the Envy screen is much better. The screen is brighter and clearer. With the ASUS, I was able to see the separation between pixels. With the Envy, even if I go all the way up close to the screen, I cannot see the separation between the pixels. The vertical refresh is 60Hz. At least that is what the Catalyst Control Center reports. There seems to be some horizontal tearing. I notice this only when going from the Windows 7 login screen to the desktop. I do not see this when playing games or watching movies. G1S screen used to go black when switching from login to desktop.

I am pleased with the screen.

TouchPad

The touchpad is better than that on the G1S. It is smoother and easier to use. Several people have mentioned that two finger scrolling does not work properly. I say otherwise. I am able to easily scroll with two fingers. It requires a slight tap with two fingers to initiate and then you just need to drag with those same two fingers.

Keyboard

The keyboard is easy to use. It is easy to press the keys and there is just enough feedback to let you know that you actually pressed the key. It does take a bit getting used to for those who have not used the Chiclet type keyboard. There is no NUM-Lock. It is always on by default. So, you cannot use the numpad as arrows. I do agree with other reports that the up and down arrows are difficult to use. However, I have gotten used to them.
I am pleased with the keyboard.

Sound

For a laptop, the sound is phenomenal. Compared to the G1S speakers, it is leaps and bounds better. I have not experienced any popping or static. I tested out the two jacks with my TripleFi 10s. It is amazing and I find it better than my Audio Advantage SRM usb sound card. The Envy 17 has no spdif out, so if you have a sound system lacking the ability to pull audio from HDMI, you will need an external card with spdif out to hook the Envy to the system.

Graphics

The graphics are butter smooth. I play Guild Wars and Dota. The 5850 easily plays Guild Wars at over 80 fps with all the game settings maxed out. I tried a 2 monitor eyefinity setup for a max resolution of 2880 x 900 (laptop plus an external on vga). It was still butter smooth with about 70 fps. I ran the full version of 3DMark Vantage with the HIGH preset and resolution set to native. The scores are below.

Graphics Score: 3258
CPU Score: 11803

Heat

I ran some stress tests as well as 3DMark Vantage and recorded temperatures using HWMonitor and OCCT. The following are temperature graphs.

3DMark Vantage:

TZ01

GPU Core

CPU Core #0

CPU Core #1

CPU Core #2

CPU Core #3

Hard Drive Air Flow and Assembly



OCCT CPU Stress Test

CPU Core #0

CPU Core #1

CPU Core #2

CPU Core #3


OCCT GPU Stress Test

GPU Core


Overall

I am satisfied with my Envy 17. Sure it does have the wobble, but I think I can fix it by replacing the left top corner rubber leg with a slightly larger leg. It had a dead pixel, but I was able to revive it by using a program rapidly alternated the screen color. It also seems that my Envy has some gaps near the vent, but they are nowhere near as bad as reported by other owners. I still have over two weeks left of my return period. Let’s see if my opinions change.

Update: I made a video showing the slight gaps and wobble. I'll post that tomorrow when I get a chance.

 

Hey maybe someone can answer this question....when I looked up about the ATI 5850 card that is in the Envy 17, it said that the card supports switchable graphics. Now correct me if I'm wrong, but for example the core i5 that I ordered in mine has the Intel GMA graphics too so why is that HP saying it doesn't support it? is this a software or hardware related issue? I'm just curious because that would help battery life greatly!

 

Hey maybe someone can answer this question....when I looked up about the ATI 5850 card that is in the Envy 17, it said that the card supports switchable graphics. Now correct me if I'm wrong, but for example the core i5 that I ordered in mine has the Intel GMA graphics too so why is that HP saying it doesn't support it? is this a software or hardware related issue? I'm just curious because that would help battery life greatly!

http://www.notebookcheck.net/ATI-Mobility-Radeon-HD-5850.23069.0.html

This link explains what im talking about...read near the bottom..

 

No switchable graphics for the Envy 17.

 

Son of a....HP is offering the i7-840QM now.

I've only had my i7-720 for two weeks. Talk about buyer's remorse.

I'd ship this one back if BCB was still at 25% and HP still offered the SSD/HDD combo. Dangit...decisions decisions....

 

So I figured it up - if I return this i7-720, get the 840qm and drop it down to two 320GB HDDs and pick up a 160GB SSD later, it will probably only cost about $170 more than what I initially paid (and that's with 15%BCB - not the original 25%BCB that I got). Worth the hassle for the faster CPU? I haven't seen any benchmarks. Are these Gen2 Envy17's? Any word on whether these cool better?

 

I loaded the new bios and it seems to me that the thing runs cooler. At least from what I can tell. I can hold my hand on the vent now and no burning. It is hot sure but not to where it burns.

Anyone else updated bios? What's your opinion?

 

That's good news jake. If you can, Envy 17 owners should see if it helps with the cooling as well and test the new bios.

 

I think the new bios upped the fan speed and changed the temperature threshold for the different speeds.

 

Is this (taken by HP site) ?

Details and specifications :

File name:
sp49040.exe [1/1, 4.56M]

System requirements: No additional prerequisites

Released: 2010-06-15

Version: F.07 A

Compatibility: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Basic (32-bit), Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (32-bit), Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (32-bit), Microsoft Windows 7 Enterprise (32-bit), Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate (32-bit), Microsoft Windows 7 Starter (32-bit), Microsoft Windows 7 Home Basic (64-bit), Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit), Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (64-bit), Microsoft Windows 7 Enterprise (64-bit), Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate (64-bit), Microsoft Windows 7 (32-bit), Microsoft Windows 7 (64-bit)

Fix/Enhancement:

# Adds BIOS support for the Intel Core i5-520M, Core i5-540M, and Core i7-620M K-0 Stepping Processors.

# Fixes an issue where unused USB ports remain enabled.


-----------------------------------------------------------

The previous BIOS was :

File name:
sp48438.exe [1/1, 4.58M]

System requirements: No additional prerequisites

Released: 2010-04-30

Version: F.05 A

Compatibility: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Basic (32-bit), Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (32-bit), Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (32-bit), Microsoft Windows 7 Enterprise (32-bit), Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate (32-bit), Microsoft Windows 7 Starter (32-bit), Microsoft Windows 7 Home Basic (64-bit), Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit), Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (64-bit), Microsoft Windows 7 Enterprise (64-bit), Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate (64-bit), Microsoft Windows 7 (32-bit), Microsoft Windows 7 (64-bit)

Fix/Enhancement:

Provides the initial BIOS version.

 

I hope that Amazon will update their Envy 17 - with the I7QM.

 

I hope the Gen2 really is coming soon and will include improvements for the whole heat dilemma, and the chassis issues some have been having, of course. But probably too good to be true.

 

how many fans has the envy? 1 or 2

 

No switchable graphics for the Envy 17 means u can use the intel graphic chip cuz it use ATIs GPU. i also want to know if it will come with Nvidia new generation GPUs GF 104-106

 

1


if you want somewhere in this tread are links for the pdf of user manual and technical/repair manual where is visible all the inside of E17.

 

So BCB is at 25% again. I ordered the i7-840. Going to drop an SSD drive at a later date.

 

I hope so. I saw the previous comment too and instantly downloaded the bios available. Will test tonight to see if it made any difference.

 

I am saying it probably changed the speed and threshold because I find my fan running faster and more frequently. Before, I had to stress the CPU, meaning 100% load, to actually hear the fan.

 

Mine is going to be delivered today, 2 days earlier than the expected HP build date and 3 days earlier than the expected Fedex delivery date . Will be sure to post feedback.

 

Ya I did a quick test this morning, fan seemed to be working harder, and laptop was slower to warm up. But it had the advantage of morning chills. I'll do an equivalent test tonight and compare temps.

At this point, I think the thing is just hampered by poor internal design. I'm really taking a long look at the g73jh right now, as it seems to be the reverse case. If anyone has any extensive knowledge of both and can contrast the two (I think someone was going to post a review like this but never did) please do or PM me, I'd love to hear some thoughts.

 

Here's my initial draft of a clean install procedure for the Envy 17. There may be some rough edges that I hope to smooth out over the next few days, but it should be useable.

Enjoy!

- Hannes


Follow these instructions to perform a clean install of Windows 7 on the HP Envy 17 Notebook. You can install drivers and software in a different order than I list here, but I've tested this process and know that it works.

Note that as written, this procedure will remove the Recovery Partition. This will give you about 20GB of additional space.

Also, please note that the quickweb feature will not be installed. I'm still trying to figure out how to get this working with a clean install. If anyone else has already figured this out, I would certainly appreciate any information that you can share.

Preparation

Open device manager and note what hardware is installed in your system. In particular, note the Network and Wireless Network devices. HP has available drivers for network adapters you may not have, so it will make it easier if you know which ones you have in advance. You need only install the drivers for the adapters that you actually have.

If you want to reinstall the same version of Windows that shipped with the system and don't want to use up another license key, then backup both the license key and certificate from your original factory install. You can use a utility such as ABR (Activation Backup and Restore) to back these up.

I suggest that you make a backup copy of C:\SwSetup.

I would also suggest creating your backup media so that you can go back to an original factory install if you ever wish to do so. Others have noted that a backup to DVD requires 5 blank DVDs and takes a very long time so be prepared for this. If you plan to backup to thumbdrive you will need a thumbdrive of greater than 16GB capacity. At least, that was the case for my configuration which shipped with Windows 7 Ultimate. It required about 16.7GB requiring that I use a 32GB thumbdrive.

If you do choose to use a thumbdrive for your recovery media, you may also want to make a backup of that thumbdrive for safe keeping. To do this, make sure that you have Windows Explorer configured to show all files including hidden and system files, then make a copy of all files from the thumbdrive to a location of your choosing.

From this backup you can recreate a bootable thumdrive by following these steps:

1) You will need a thumbdrive of greater than 16GB capacity (a 32GB drive). Connect it to either the Envy 17 or another system running Windows 7.

2) Prep the thumbdrive by running the following commands from a command prompt:


diskpart
select disk 1 (or whatever the disk # of the thumbdirve is. You can check by running "list disk")
clean
create partition primary
select partition 1
active
format fs=ntfs quick
assign
exit

At this point your thumbdive is marked as active for booting and will have a drive letter assigned to it. Take note of that drive letter (check Windows Explorer if not sure).

xcopy d:\*.* /s/e/f/h/k e:\

The above command assumes d:\ is the location of the backup from your original thumbdrive and e: is the new drive that you just prepped above.

You now have a new bootable recovery thumbdrive.

The Clean Install

Boot from a Windows 7 DVD or Thumbdrive that has the SAME VERSION that your system shipped with. This is important if you want to use the same license key that you backed up above. If you want to install a different version of Windows you will need to provide a license key for it. This procedure assumes you are installing the same version that shipped with your system and that you want to reuse the existing license key.

At the screen where you are presented with the drives onto which you can install Windows, delete all partitions on the first drive. Choose the empty disk to allow Windows to create one large partition (actually, a small 100MB to 200MB System Recovery partition will also be created).

During the installation you will be asked for a license key. Don't provide a key. Also, on the same screen, uncheck the box that asks if you want to activate windows automatically.

Installing the License Key and Certificate

1. Copy the Certificate that you backed up to the HD. For example, to C:\.

2. Open a command prompt as administrator . One way to do this is to click the "Start" orb, type in CMD, then press Shift-CTRL-ENTER.

3. Install the certificate by running "SLMGR.VBS -ilc c:\BACKUP-CERT.XRM-MS" (or whatever name you saved the certificate as).

Note that this operation might take a few seconds, so wait for confirmation.

4. Install the OEM product key by running "SLMGR.VBS -ipk MHFPT-8C8M2-V9488-FGM44-2C9T3".

Note that this operation might take quite a while, so wait for confirmation.

3. Run "SLMGR.VBS -dlv" or right-click "Computer" and chose "Properties" to verify your licensing status. The Licensing Status should show "Licensed".


Installing Drivers

The below drivers can all be download from HP. Any special instructions are noted below:

1. Chipset drivers

A) Intel Chipset Driver - Reboot after installing this.
B) Intel Turbo Boost Technology Driver - First, I noticed after extracting this file that it actually seems to be an Intel Video driver. Second, it won't install on my system with an i7 CPU. I don't know if this is maybe needed for the i5 systems. If someone could try it and provide feedback that would be appreciated.

2. OS Enhancements and QFEs

A) Intel Management Engine Interface Driver
B) Essential System Updates for Windows 7 - Rebbot after installing.

Note: The Essential system Updates take a long time to install. I would estimate that it took about 5 minutes on my system. During the install there is no indication on the screen that it is being installed. When done, however, it will finally present a dialog to let you know that it is done.

3. Graphics

A) ATI Graphics Driver - Rebbot after installing

4. Audio

A) IDT High-Definition Audio Driver

5. Network Drivers

Apparently, HP must ship different network drivers depending upon the configuration. My system does not contain the Atheros Wireless LAN or the Broadcom Wireless LAN so I simply skip those drivers. Skip those drivers that do not apply to your system.

A) Realtek PCI-E Fast Ethernet NIC
B) Intel Pro Wireless

The Intel Pro Wireless driver installer gives no indication when it is done. You can use task manager to see when it is done.

C) HP Integrated Module with Bluetooth

Once again, watch Task Manager to see when this driver finishes installation.

D) Atheros Wireless LAN
E) Broadcom Wireless LAN

6. Keyboard Mouse and Input Devices

A) Synaptics Touchpad Driver

7. Storage

A) Intel Rapid Storage Technology Driver

Note: I've noticed that the Intel Rapid Storage Technology Driver doesn't seem to automatically start until you launch it once manually.After you reboot, either right-click the icon in the task bar and choose "Open Application" or goto Start / All Programs / Intel / Intel Rapid Storage Technology. From then on, it should auto start when the system is started.

B) NEC USB 3.0 Host Controller
C) Realtek Card Reader

8. Utility - Tools

A) HP BIOS Update (UEFI)

NOTE: This utility will create the FAT32 partition needed for UEFI support for you. This is a non-destructive operation that will shrink your OS partition by 2GB to make room for this partition. Simply follow the prompts when you run this utility.


B) HP Support Assistant

9. Diagnostic

A) HP System Diagnostics

11. Software - Solutions

A) HP Software Framework
B) HP Quick Launch Button Software

The Quick Launch Button Software is another application that does not indicate when it is done installing.


C) HP Wireless Assistant
D) Lightscribe System Software - Only needed if you have a lightscribe capable burner

12. Software - Multimedia

A) HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection (I have no idea why HP lists this under Multimedia software, but that's what they have done)

B) HP MediaSmart SmartMenu - Make sure to install this before the items below. It won't work properly otherwise.

C) HP MediaSmart Movies and TV
D) HP MediaSmart Photo Software
E) HP MediaSmart DVD Software
F) HP MediaSmart Video Software
G) HP MediaSmart Webcam Software
H) HP MediaSmart Music Software

 

As anyone tried undervolting their Envy 17's?

It can lower the temperatures and increase the battery life.

 

First impressions:

While I'm waiting for Dragon Age to install I figure I'd post my first impressions about the most prominent concerns.

Heat:
Left palm rest warms up fast, even with the i5 520M and Zalman NC2000 cooler. It's pretty warm right now and I haven't done anything beyond installing a few programs and Internet browsing. The right side is cool. Will try out Dragon Age and see what happens with this.

Keyboard:
I'm pleased so far with the keyboard. Up and down arrow keys are a bit small but I'm sure I'll get used to it.

Chassis:
Have not discovered any defects on mine. No creaks, noticeable cracks, etc.

 

Would be nice if more would add some Youtube videos of theire Envy 17
Some of us live in parts of the world where its close to 2 weeks before it arrives.

 

An update:
After an hour and a half of running Dragon Age, the left palm rest became hot to the touch so I switched to using the mouse instead of the keyboard controls (again, this is with the i5 520M processor and Zalman NC2000 cooler). Very good performance, silky smooth at max settings, but the heat is a real drawback.

How do you update the BIOS?

 

Ya that's unfortunate to hear about the i5, I guess downgrading from i7 isn't a viable fix either. I've yet to test the bios update though, may be fixable though the fan is more obtrusive. To download I just did a google search for envy 17 bios update, first link, my laptop appeared on the right (assuming since I'd logged in previously) and selected driver downloads and bios after that.

This shortcut may or may not work:
Software & Driver Downloads HP Envy 17-1002tx Notebook PC - HP technical support (Belgium - English)
not sure if you have to be logged in or not.

 

Okay, thanks. I'm going to test Empire Total War next.

 

Aren't the Core i-Family capable of running at various speeds? If so, shouldn't they run at lower power when at idle or Internet browsing?

Maybe the original BIOS wasn't utilizing this feature?

 

This is a general question regarding laptops and batteries rather than a specific E17 question. My E17 is a DTR, therefore I plan to remove the battery and run power from the wall full time. My question is, does this actually "save" the battery's life in any way, or are the electronics in the battery smart enough to realise that it's plugged in and won't continually charge/discharge/charge, etc?

 

Ive always wondered about this myself. I just oredered my E17 and plan to use it as a DTR also.

 

Yes, My i7 runs at 1.6 GHz during mundane tasks. It it doesn't even get that warm while surfing and general word processing. You can barely hear the fan.

It's when playing video or gaming that it heats up a lot.

 

It's my understanding that any rechargeable batttery has a given life span. HP WAS offering an HP long life battery touted NOT to last longer as in hours, but as in months and years. If a battery is not drained and recharged it will take a memory effect and wind up discharging faster. The sales rep recently told me it is recommended to let your battery drain to critical levels everyday and then plug in to get it memorized to take a maximum charge.

 

its not the i5 or i7 that heats up the left palmrest, its the hard drive underneath unfortunatley. I think if you have an ssd it might be cooler?

 

I've come across a new problem: the wireless Internet sporadically dies. Has happened a couple times today, where the wireless adaptor says it's turned on but the computer says it's turned off, and it can't pick up any signal. If these problems keep up I'll be forced to return the thing . Maybe in exchange for an Envy 15.

 

Haven't had a problem, could be a bad wifi device. May one to contact tech support.

 

Check your router, DSL status for errors. My router flakes out daily, needs to be power cycled. If you have a backup computer that can draw web pages and your envy can't then that would point to the wireless card. If you power cycle your computer and the wireless comes back up then the card ought to be good. That means Windows is flaking out.

 

Well, I did restart the computer and it started working again...

 

did the wireless disconnect when you were removing stuff (flash drive, external HD, etc) from your USB ports?

 

Received my laptop today. I wlll try this bios update since everyone probably will.

Do I need to make a backup disk of 5 or more disks prior to doing the bios update in case the bios update screws things up? If so is there a simple command I can use or do I have to use HannesS?

"Open device manager and note what hardware is installed in your system. In particular, note the Network and Wireless Network devices. HP has available drivers for network adapters you may not have, so it will make it easier if you know which ones you have in advance. You need only install the drivers for the adapters that you actually have.

If you want to reinstall the same version of Windows that shipped with the system and don't want to use up another license key, then backup both the license key and certificate from your original factory install. You can use a utility such as ABR (Activation Backup and Restore) to back these up.

I suggest that you make a backup copy of C:\SwSetup.

"I would also suggest creating your backup media so that you can go back to an original factory install if you ever wish to do so. Others have noted that a backup to DVD requires 5 blank DVDs and takes a very long time so be prepared for this"


Where do I get "You can use a utility such as ABR (Activation Backup and Restore) to back these up" Is it on windows?

Is the "backup copy of C:\SwSetup" in addition to the 5 disks.

I can't understand why HP couldn't sell me backup disks of the setup for $15-20, I would have paid if they could have been professionally done

By the way first glance:
I didn't see any bumps or problems with the finish. Maybe I need a microscope or have to look harder if I want to fine flaws.

I played around for about 5 minutes and tried various angles of the screen didn't see any wobbles or problems due to the legs. I'll try later

so far looks good. haven't run any sophisticated programs that generate heat. I am just getting set up.

Let me know if anyone screwd up their pc by updating bios