*HP ENVY 17 & 17 3D (2XXX series) Owners Lounge*

When I first contacted HP to get the recovery discs they asked me on the phone to test the drives, I did so, using the quick option which took about 90 minutes and they passed. I have never tried, nor did HP suggest the full test. Anyway it would be quicker just to put in some other hard discs I guess if its a drive issue to test it? I have some spare.

 

Couldn't hurt!

 

Thanks Gunny,

I'll keep it mind but I will most likely pass on the SBS feature for now if it requires installing the HP Assistant. This is primarily a work computer and I have had some very bad experiences with whole system assistance software (Granted most of it was Sony and not HP... and don't even get me started on Norton...). I usually stay pretty on top of drivers and such on my own and have found those types of software tend to be very irrespective of what you're doing. If they interrupt some of the things I do at work while the system is processing it's going to mess up my work and I'll have to start the process over again, which could mean up to 2 hours down the drain.

I know there are options to disable the auto functionality of the Assistant, and I may give consideration to going that route eventually... for now though if I have to install the assistant to get the latest version I'll wait and see if it comes out on the HP site eventually for manual download. For my tastes, what the assistant says it will do to "help" maintain my system is much to intrusive for my liking, especially just to get an entertainment benefit on a system that is primarily supposed to be for work

 

I know it's going back some days: but my machine seems to be very unhappy running with the 6850 graphics : it's fine fora while (maybe 20 mins--1 hour) then I get 5--10 minutes of "stuttering" and the CPU ussage thorugh the roof.

If I run the machine on the Intel graphics: it behave faultlessly.

It didn't do it when I got the machine, so something appears to have changed. A driver issue? Anybody know which driver I should use, that's a stable one ?

I've tried instaling the "catalyst centre" download from the HP website, and installing that, but it hasn't helped. and explicitly resisting the windows "updated driver available" prompt.
I really don't want to doa recover install!

Any ideas ... ?

J

 

oh btw it's a SB 17 3D machine, with 8G RAM, and 2820qm processor.

 

So you do have 2 drives. I had thought you only had one. Didn't you state you only had the one hard drive? Either way, that error is the problem! A year or so back, my HP desktop using the same Intel RAID hardware, came up with that error and I ended up having HP replace the hard drive as it was bad. I would suggest 2 things at this point:

1. You can try to fix the problem, which will take even MORE of your time with NO guarantees.
OR
2. Contact Amazon and have them EXCHANGE your system for a new one. Advise them you have a BAD hard drive and they should exchange it with no problems whats so ever.

Personally, I would opt for #2! Even if and this is a big IF, you are able to get the Envy working, I feel the hard drive will only continue to haunt you down the road and you will be in a worse situation than you are now, because you won't simply be able to return it to Amazon. I would not even bother doing any more testing or even speaking with HP. Just call Amazon and get a new Envy. Just remember when you get your NEW Envy, all of the hard lessons learned with your first Envy.

Hopefully you will have your new Envy within a week, as Amazon normally sends out your Replacement right away and upon receipt, you send back the old one! So, let us know which way your going and of course Keep us in the Loop and Good Luck!

 

It sounds like you have an ATI Driver issue, probably from a windows update or have you by chance installed any Drivers from the AMD/ATI website for your GPU? Either way, to get things right again, I would go to HP's Support website and download ALL of the drivers associated with your GPU and install them. I would than use caution when downloading your windows updates, taking note of any GPU upgrades. Once you detect them, highlight them and hide them so they will never get downloaded on your Envy again. Once you get the HP GPU drivers reloaded, that should resolve your stuttering issues.. You may also want to run HP Support Assistant and see if you have any HP updates waiting for download..

Hope this helps and of course Keep us in the Loop and Good Luck!

Here is your link: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/...dlc=en&lc=en&os=4063&product=5171075&sw_lang=

 

I checked HP Supports Website and got you the link for the HP Support Assistant software.

Here is your link: HP Support Assistant HP ENVY 17-2280nr Notebook PC - HP Customer Care (United States - English)

 

Question guys. Within the program, 3D Driveguard, it states you can access and fine tune the settings for the accelerometer. However, I have been unable to find any access to the accelerometer settings. Can someone point me in the right direction?

Thanks!

 

REPOST:

Hey Guys,

Does anyone know of a thread that shows the Envy 17 break out like this thread does for the Envy 15 (1st posting):

*HP Envy 15 Owners Lounge! PART 2*

Thanks!

 

Need some HELP, guys.. About an hour or so ago, while playing Dragon Age Origins, my Envy slowed down, froze for a couple of seconds and than the screen started getting little flashing dots all over it (See Prt Scr). If I switch to the Intel GPU, the screen goes back to normal, no dots, but as soon as I switch back to the ATI 6850, the dots come back. I have downloaded the HP Support GPU driver and reinstalled it, but no change. I even tried to do a restore from earlier in the day and, again no change. So any idea on whats happening and how to fix it, really bizzare as I have never seen this..

 

Here is the screen with the Intel GPU running. This is the way it always looked until an hour or so ago...

 

Looks like a video memory problem (hardware related possibly; bad solder joint?).

Before you start uninstalling drivers and such, you could run a memory test. This is the only tool I know of at the moment to do such a test....

|MG| Video Memory Stress Test 1.7.116 Download

Beware, the full test takes well over 2 hours. Make sure you choose the 6850 from the "Device" dropdown list.

 

BUT why is everything OK with the Intel GPU?

 

downloaded and is running...

Update: Running test 60 of 254 - NO errors..

 

The 1GB DDR5 video memory is only for the 6850; the Intel uses system memory.

 

Will try on Tuesday to get Amazon to agree to accept it back from overseas. I don't mind paying the shipping cost. Yes, it has two 500GB hard drives, I tried swapping them around, swapping out to other drives that work fine on another laptop and installing onto that, still same problem so not sure what is wrong with this ENVY. Amazon say they need a written support doc from HP first to see if it should be returned so I'll try that first. From my current location it takes 5-6 days to Fedex stuff. This is already my second ENVY, first one lasted 14 months before the graphics card failed... not a good track record for me...

 

Test Completed with ZERO Errors.. Whats next??

 

ty gunny!

Sadly the problem did not go away, though I shall havea nother go: I tried installing the driver in safe mode (no joy!), so tried in normal mode, with administrator rights, (installed ok), watched a youtube video fro 18 minutes then ... "stttuuuutttteeerrrr", and for the record "Core temp" showing 62--66 Centigrade at this point. switching to the intel GPU: and bingo , all running smooth as silk... arrrrg !

I didn't try uninstalling before installing. I shall try that and iterate!

(BTW: anyone know how to go into safe mode easily ? I couldn't get f8, or "fn"-F8" to work. so I used msconfig to force a reboot into safe mode...)

 

Well folks it looks like my first Envy has bit the dust! The ATI 6850 GPU is not working properly, is displaying flashing dots all over the screen. When I turn on the Intel GPU everything works as normal. Hey Jonnyhifi, looks like we may both have a GPU problems, eh....

Anyway, I ran the tests and came up with NO errors, BUT I than did a System Restore to out of the box settings and low and behold, the problem is still there! So now what? I can either go back to the store, or call HP and have them reissue a new unit, since this one is only 1 month old. I would imagine HP would issue a new unit, correct? I do not want to have it fixed, I want a new replacement!

Well, I'm a little pissed off right now, but hey...

 

mm did it pack up mid post gunny ? seriously though: what's the symptom.... ?

 

Look at my last 4-6 posts and you'll see the problem, I started out with a prt scr of whats happening! Well I just checked the store I bought it from and this model is out of stock, so it looks like I'll be calling HP.

Is HP open on Sunday, probably not. Can someone please provide me a solid number so when I call I'll get connected with the right folks..

Thanks! Jeez this is frustrating, one month out of the shute, but than again that is the reason why I pushed it so hard to see if any problems would pop-up, and they did....

 

Ooops sorry: I think I must have skipped the last page, detailing your woes, so just got your last message.

Ah jeez: real bummer... you have my sincerest sympathy.
Best of luck.

 

Hopefully being under warranty should be easy for you. My graphics card on my first ENVY17 1011NR gave similar problem and no option to switch to Intel graphics. 14 months old, so 2 months over warranty, I never thrashed it or played games on it, but I had to buy a whole new ENVY when I saw the price of the repair. So far I have spent nearly 3000 USD on two ENVY 17s, first one lasted 14 months and second was DOA - reference my recent posts. I am sure there are some good ENVY stories out there to cheer us up?

I don't think ENVY Concierge works on weekends? I sent an email to them about mine Saturday morning and no reply.

 

Well I tried it with a single hard drive .. one from another source and the same errors occurred as my screen dumps before. I also tried to install Windows 7 Ultimate off a USB key drive I made and whilst it got into the install process, it faltered with missing driver messages and stopped installing Windows. I think this ENVY has wasted enough of my time now out of the box without even a boot up I'm sending it back Fedex, half way around the world to Amazon if they will give me an address to send it to. Hope I can get contact with HP and / or Amazon on Monday.. no one answering this weekend at HP Concierge email address and Amazon asking for HP tech support ideas first.

 

Sorry to hear you troubles Gunny, I can concur that it's almost surely a ATI hardware malfunction. I have had something similar happen on an older Nvidia card a few years back. The fan on the card was bad and had stopped turning, but I didn't know it (PC case fans were loud enough!) over heating/baking the video card GPU. I got permanent red and green vertical lines on mine instead of dots... had to replace the card, there was no way to get it fixed, the damage was done.

I hope they really work with you! I'm tired of hearing about all the larger manufacturers of computer hardware that get so adversarial with customers when something goes wrong with equipment. It would be great to hear a positive note from HP that they would work with you about it. Keep us informed!

 

Gunny...you can reach Envy North American Concierge by calling:

866-408-5408

Listen to the prompts...once they mention Envy...put in the number. To replace the GPU, they may have you send it in for repair at the depot...

Good Luck...

 

Call the support line...Not sure if the number will work from where you are:

866-408-5408

Also, go here and get the Intel RAID drivers. Make sure that your RAID controller is "disabled" in Bios...remember...that Envy motherboard has a RAID controller...disabled gives you ability to install on single drive. Also...the drivers I am having you get can be put on a flash drive. Choose a custom install during installation...and options. Then install the drivers...the error may stop

http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Det...ng&OSVersion=Windows 7, 64-bit*&DownloadType=

The way HP has the Envy set up...you are gonna need these drivers whether in RAID or not. I really think this can solve your installation issue. Let's see how far you can get...

 

Ok thanks for ideas, I'll try this tomorrow night, on the road just now. When you say disable RAID in the BIOS you mean delete the RAID volumes in the INTEL OPTION ROM display right? The BIOS doesn't have option to disable RAID on mine, only an option to disable the RAID user interface menu.

 

If you choose to install on a single drive...yes! First Ctl-I and delete the array. Then go into your bios and you will see a setting for the RAID controller..something like ON / OFF. Set to off...then you can install on single drive. Sounds to me like you are getting failure, because the controller is looking for two drives and drivers. Let's see how that goes...

Before I packed my Envy up to return to HP for replacement...I did the Windows 7 Home Premium clean install using the code on the bottom of the machine. With single drive...I didn't need the F6 drivers...just installed the Intel Rapid Storage manager after install finished. The bios setting for the RAID controller will give you the answers you need. If you can turn it off...then you are running single drive in AHCI mode...and Windows should install. If you want a burnable .iso with the most up to date version of you Windows...get it here:

Download Windows 7 ISO ? Official Direct Download Links - Direct download, download windows 7, download windows7, win 7, win 7 iso, Windows 7, windows 7 amazon, windows 7 digital river, windows 7 direct download, windows 7 download links, windows 7

 

Thanks Bob,

With my Envy ONLY being 31 days old, shouldn't I demand a NEW Envy instead of a repaired Envy? Especially considering the depots record? I really think I'm due a NEW Envy at this point.

UPDATE: Last night I ran EVERY Diagnostic Test there is (Under the Esc and Boot Menu, next to the BIOS). Heck 2 of them even stated they checked the Video Memory as well. Well every one PASSED with no exceptions. So at this point I think it is actually the 6850 GPU that went bad and not the GDDR5 RAM, which actually makes matters worse. But I can at least run it via the Intel GPU and not have any screen issues. PALAKIK, so this is the exact same problem you had, well at least it confirms what the problem is!

 

If you want a new Envy...you are gonna have to escalate the issue. I know how the drill works for CTO, but not for retail. Call Concierge and see if they can steer you in a direction. Otherwise, try Customer Service and see if they offer any satisfaction. If NOT...get it escalated. You are absolutely correct that at 31 days...a repair may not be acceptable. Not sure what to say about the Service depot...I can state that they are aware of issues there and perhaps will be fine...but try the replacement route first.

 

Hey BOB,

Thanks for the morale support, I'm a little unhappy about this, but like I said earlier, the reason why I was pushing my Envy so hard was to make sure their wasn't any weak points and if there were to find them earlier rather than later.. So at this juncture, would you concur with my 6850 GPU assessment?

My other problem is my DSL connection going on and off, but at least Verizon will be here in the AM to fix that issue..

I am definately pushing for a NEW unit. If this one was 90+ days old, I would concur with the depot, but not when it is just 1 month old...

Will keep all advised.... Wish me luck on my new HP journey, hopefully it will be a pleasent one!

 

BTW...I have always believed that if nothing happens in the first 4-6 months...most likely won't. Yours came early...mine came at the six month marker...the SB Envy's have for most part been pretty reliable...just a few klinkers here and there. I haven't seen many complaints about the AMD GPU...still...no one wants issues on a new machine. Keeping fingers crossed that your resolution is a fast one

Keep posting progress. Did you check your PM?

 

UPDATE:

Just got done speaking with Customer Service, very friendly and great communication skills. They wanted to have this Envy fixed, but I told her I wanted a NEW Envy since this one is only 31 days old. She totally understood and agreed with me. She filled out the paper work and sent it off to the Case Manager Dept. She stated I should hear something from them within the next 24-48 hours.

So I guess this is the normal progression and hopefully everything gets approved and resolved quickly... For all of you out there who have gone down this road, is this the normal route of travel? What is a usual turn around time on this? Reminder, my Envy is NOT a CTO, but a standard pre-built Envy.

 

You will get your unit replaced with a newer version that has the same hardware. No more 2630, so you get upgraded to 2670. This is normal for replacement. Give your Case Manager ALL the facts and they will give you an outcome in a few days, depending on your case manager. Some are very fast...some are very slooooow

 

Thanks Bob, Will keep all apprised. Hopefully tomorrow will bring a time table so I know whats happening. I hate limbo....

 

I hear ya! Waiting to see what day this week they build mine...and ship...My order is internal HP, so I can't check. Have to call Case Manager for updates...she is supposed to call me with a tracking number once it ships.

 

Glad to hear things are going smoothly Gunny! I hope they continue to do the professional thing and get you a new unit!

I have another question at this point about the wireless... the 6300 wireless that had been mentioned as an upgrade option for those of us having issues with the 62xx, Is that something I can install internally or does it have to be on a USB port? I'm asking because the new(older) driver I updated my internal 62xx wireless with has fixed the much more sever issue of crashing, but has created a new one.

I get frequent disconnects with this driver from the router. It doesn't happen too excessively while I'm actively using it, but every time the system goes to sleep or restarts or sits idle too long the wireless card does the "connected but with limited (i.e. no) internet access" thing. I can disconnect and reconnect it from the wireless status in the taskbar and it will have the full internet connection back, but if I can get a newer card that doesn't take up a USB slot that I can switch out in my system, I would prefer not to baby sit the computer all the time.

So what's the word on the 6300 cards? Thanks again!

 

Here is a version of it. It is an internal card that replaces your 6200N

Amazon.com: Intel Ultimate N 633ANHMW IEEE 802.11n (draft) Wi-Fi Adapter - Mini PCI Express - 450Mbps, Bulk: Electronics

 

i just wanted a confirmation if this well work in our envy's and will not result in a (*This Wireless Adapter is Not Supported*) from the bios.

 

I cannot tell you the answer to that. My 6200N has been flawless for me. There are others on this board that have made the switch, successfully. Hopefully some will jump in and confirm for you.

 

@ranmasaotome510

That is the card I use in my Envy 17 3D. However, I bought mine from Newegg. there should be nothing different between that card and the 6300N that I am currently using.

 

Before taking the plunge, I double checked the specs again for the 6850m:

AMD Radeon? HD 6800M Series Graphics

It seems that the HDMI only supports a max resolution of 1920x1080 however, the (non-existent) Dual-Link DVI output would support 2560x1600. I wonder though, if I used an HDMI to DVI cable, that would make any difference? What are the chances that it works over HDMI just fine?

Can anyone with a 27" or 30" monitor with 2560x1440 or 2560x1600 confirm or deny whether the HDMI port can support a 2560x1### resolution? I would like the screen real estate and would rather get two 27" or 30" instead of three 24" @ 1920x1080 (for the physical desk space considerations).

If anyone has a 27" or 30" monitor and can test the HDMI port to see if it supports 2560x1###, it would be much appreciated.

 

I used to be do the same thing and manually manage my driver and software levels, but with so much stuff changing so rapidly, I prefer to have these tools checking in the background to help me stay up to date and free of bugs and security concerns.

In the case of the HP Support Assistant, you can configure it to just tell you when updates are available. This is how I am configured. It will pop up a little bubble above your system tray and give you options to install software when it's convenient for you. It shouldn't interrupt any programs you have running at the time and won't reboot your computer until you choose to install the updates and reboot.

 

Very much in agreement with Cam121 on this. Also, I run Windows Update the same way. The programs notify me of updates and I choose which to install. Especially Win Update...where a few times, they have listed AMD driver updates that have totally trashed people's Envy's. Had to walk quite a few people through uninstalling video drivers with driver sweeper in Safe mode and reinstalling. HP does a better job, now, than they used to about driver updates...keep it that YOU choose what to install

 

UPDATE:

Waiting for a case manager to be assigned. Will be exchanging my Envy for a new one since I have only had mine 32 days. I can not even detect the fan working on the 6850 when I do enable it. Last night I tried to watch a Blu-Ray movie and was not able to. Other things are now starting to act up as well when the 6850 is enabled. I am using the Intel GPU 100% of the time now.

Will update as things progress...

 

The CPU and GPU share one heatsink / fan on the Envy. If you hear a fan at all...it would be working. If you are NOT hearing any fan...then the CPU is in danger as well.

 

Bobmitch and cam121, glad to see you guys are still around.


KJ

 

Thanks, I check the forums a couple times a day...

I'm still one of the first/original Envy 17 3D SB owners with no problems (knock on wood)!