*HP HDX 9000 DRAGON Owners Lounge, Part 2*

The times that it flickers have been at random while I was just viewing the screen. I can't make it happen by adjusting the screen or by causing vibrations anywhere on the computer. Fortunately it hasn't happened enough to be a problem, so the next time I clean the fans or it gets worse I'll check that cable. Thank you again 2.0!

 

Power on works, but that's it. I'm just going to put Win7 back on it, I think that's the best answer.

 

Good to see that a Dragon thread is still alive. Since nothing had come across on my thread subscription for a while I had to go looking.

My Dragon is beginning to make an unhealthy fan noise from just above the volume/treble/bass area. Is there any recommended maintenance for the fan or should I be looking at replacing it?

[L]

 

You can get at the fans very nicely by removing the top cover. Qtips dipped in alcohol and a vacuum should get you sorted out. See service manual for details on how to remove the top cover. (Link on page 1 of thread.)

 

Thanks 2.0. Can you point me to any links or diagrams showing how to remove the top cover?

[L]

 

Sounds like a Yogi Berra moment.....

 

LOL.

Well, it's a good thing he asked because it's not the top cover, it's actually the rear cover. My bad.

See pages 53-57 of the service manual. If you look at the first post of this thread, you will find a link to the service manual there. Also there is a video link that has uploaded videos courtesy of comptrekkie.

 

Ah thank you. dsgerard's comment makes sense now.

[L]

 

Can anyone point me in the right direction to get the Blu-Ray drive working in Win7 to watch blu-ray movies? I assume I need certified M$ Nvidia drivers, which I have (197.45) and Quickplay. However I am not sure which Quickplay version to install. A link would be appreciated. Thanks! Also will installing Quickplay fix the eject button? It's the only button, other than the three on the left side which are all related to Quickplay, which don't seem to work.

EDIT: Best I can find for Quickplay is this: 2008-01-30 , Version:3.63 A, 177.68M from the main HP driver's website. However the file is from January 2008 and it's for Vista 64bit. Will this still work for Win7 64bit? Seems a but outdated...

EDIT2: Wow, I am having such a hard time with this Quickplay software...installed version 3.6, would not read any DVD (never mind blu-ray) and crashed, updated to 3.7 (6310): same thing, updated to 3.7 (7508), still crashes on the DVD menu...??? Good news is that the eject quicktouch button now works... Anyone have any idea how to get this to work? I just want to watch my blu-rays...M$ media player works fine for DVD's, but won't play blu-rays...

 

See this post as a help start point:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-...dx-dragon-owners-lounge-1135.html#post6559765

Then read the thread from there. I don't recall if Blacknight ever got his Blu-ray issue sorted out.

 

What did you have in mind to do with this.. make sure the Bluetooth upgrade module could go in the first slot? Anything else besides something like this?

 

On the forum I've put a link to on in my original post it was used to white list WiFi cards other then those delivered with the laptop.

 

I can't get Quickplay to work. I just use Windows Media Player and Nero 10.

 

I'm using version 3.7.0.5620 with no problems.

 

If I may ask, how'd you get it working..?

 

Unfortunately this is not going to help you, but I just downloaded and installed it. I'm sorry I couldn't be more helpful....

 

using an hdx 9399sx here, can anyone recommend some good nvidia drivers, i'm using really outdated ones from windows update now, but the last 2 from nvidia seems to REALLY mess things up.

 

nothing past 197.45 seems to do any better (win7 64bit), meaning worse

this monitor is fantastic for notebook 3D, so in that case you'd want 186.91 plus the 3dvision_186.30, but it runs warmer than 197.45 in general

 

My Blu-Ray burner packed in recently and I'm looking to replace it.

Are there any other models I can put in the Dragon with faster write speeds, other than the UJ-220?

I bought this from Amazon the other day and didn't realise it wouldn't fit until I tried it, doh!

TIA

CJ

 

Hi i own a 9120ea but there is a large crack in the bezzle top left corner im just wondering the best place to order a new one from good seller/good price

I did find this link DISPLAY BEZEL

can anyone better that price
cheers

 

I've never personally seen one faster that can go WITHIN the Dragon. As far as external Blu Ray burners they have some that are WAY faster.

 

Checked a few places but with shipping to the UK, the total cost is way more.

 

Hi Guys,

On the front page it mentions that there are various good CPU upgrades, however I checked all of these out and they are all 64bit. I have a HDX9310EA which (I think) is only 32 bit.

Am I being retarded or do I need to find a 32bit CPU?! If so, does anyone have any recommendations?

 

CPUs on the first page are what you want. All HDX's are 64bit. You must be referring to your OS which could be 32 bit Vista or win7. You should upgrade to 64bit version of the OS. If you have win7, you can do that for free by downloading the same version you have and choose upgraded during install.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/win...-7-download-links-just-like-vista-before.html

 

Ah ha! Excellent - thank you. Although I just ordered a 32bit version of Windows7. Doh! I'll try to cancel and get the 64bit and then go get myself a tasty processor then!

I wander, has anyone posted a CPU upgrade guide at all?

 

The service manual has the guide and also the disassembly videos on page 1, post 1.

 

Hey 2.0, I was following your directions in order to install the 197.45 driver. For some reason it wouldn't install. I think you got the two files reversed. The NV_WHQL.inf file is the one you want to keep and delete the Nvdisp.inf file. Anyways that worked when i was trying to do a fresh OS install on the new SSD

 

You're absolutely right. I did have that backwards. Thanks for pointing that out.

 

Hi everyone! I'm not a dragon owner yet -- but I'd like to be! Is anyone selling, or do you know where I can find one? I checked ebay and there's not many out there.

 

eBay is your best option. Considering that it's been discontinued for more than a year, there are no retailers that have any AFAIK.

You can also keep an eye out in our marketplace to see if one pops up: NBR Marketplace

Good luck.

 

You guys think you can move around without me? HERE IS THE UNBEATABLE page 100 post!!! ....EHM PAGE "9" I GUESS

For newbies the following info comes from a post in an old thread of this same forum, as 2.0 points out some info could be obsolete and I noticed that several links are dead:


HDX DRAGON BASICS:

This is a great machine and its users are usually extremely happy with it. The screen is huge and absolutely beautiful and the sound is probably the best around. It doesn't heat up much and the fans are rather quiet. It's conceived for Windows VISTA and although XP can be installed on it, certain functions will be missing and drivers will be hard to find. It's a heavy machine: 7KGs = about 15pounds.

Mounting / Dismounting / Riding a Dragon: (source 2.0)
Image hosting, free photo sharing & video sharing at Photobucket

RAM can be updated up to 8GB but you cannot utilize RAM faster than 667mhz.

It just has some minor driver issues regarding the blue led console, that can be easily fixed by downloading drivers.

System manual:
http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c01279508.pdf

---
OFFICIAL DRIVER PAGE:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/s...=2100&lang=en&

(Just select your OS from the list)

WARNING:
Some people reported problems when downloading the Quick launch Critical security update - It seems to disable certain buttons. When I did it I had to work hard to find a fix: download the driver I mention under "Quick Launch" : it should help.

----

Some graphic drivers:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/s...oduct=3743954#
(Listed as "NVIDIA GeForce 9200M GE Graphics Driver")

As 2.0 points out "If you want to get adventurous, d/l winrar so that you can look into the softpak to read the .inf files to see if the 8800M GTS is listed. The new HDX 16/18 will have Nvidia drivers and perhaps they may be list the 8800M GTS in the .inf."

Since the HDX has now been discontinued we'll have to find our own drivers looking around like that from now on (if we REALLY need newer drivers that is!)

---
OTHER DRIVERS:

Member Hovercraftdriver found this link, but apparently takes a bit of work to sort things out:
ftp.hp.com


---
QUICK STUFF GLOSSARY (all these Quick-names are confusing for everyone)


Quick Play = Is a program to read media content that can be controlled by the HDX console or through the remote control.

You MUST go through the driver update in order to get it to read Blu Ray DVDs. (just start Quick play and follow the procedure).

---

Quick Touch = The volume and the Treeble\Bass control buttons on the console.

Note: The On Screen Display often gets in conflict with other programs and it is therefore advised to disable it - by typing msconfig in the "RUN" command of the START menu. and then unchecking the OSD option in the SETTINGS tab. The volumes will still work, you just won't get any OSD and the button won't make any sound when pressed - Personally I decided to uninstall the driver in the control panel instead. That way the buttons still work AND I do get a sound when pressing them: the windows EXCLAMATION sound which is trying to tell me it can't find the driver (the good thing is that it can be customized, of course).

---

Quick launch = The 3 buttons on the extreme left of the console which are supposed to launch Quickplay -

If they stop working , download this driver (which is not originally for the HDX) it works and fixes them - (It also fixes the eject button and certain remote control functions).

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp38001-38500/sp38171.exe

---

CONSOLE KNOWN ISSUE\SOLUTION
A known workaround for a problem with the blue led console, consist in removing the power cable and the battery, and keep the Power button pressed for about one minute in order to discharge all electricity - after that the battery can be re-inserted and the laptop can be powered. Some users managed to get the console to work again that way ( a BIOS refresh of some sort?) -

eto1976 at page 305 of this thread suggests that the above tricks works because by turning the HDX face down some internal elements go into place (a double adhesive tape which is suppose to hold the leds up) - In his post he describes how he dismounted the HDX to fix the tape (37 screws!!!) -

---

RECOVERY:

The partition on HD E: is the recovery partition - it is suggested to get the PC in basic working conditions and then make recovery disks (it will take 2-3 DVDs) - I believe the machine will refresh the data on partition E: as well when doing so - Watch out you can only make ONE set of DVD so don't mess it up during disk creation and don't lose your DVDs.

NOTE: On VISTA Ultimate you can also make an image of your whole PC - That will be a HUGE image (150GB in my case, after installing all my software) _
___

MAKING THE SECOND HD BOOTABLE:

2.0 figured out a way to do that it's post #2780 on page 278 - of course it HAD to involve a screwdriver and sound terribly complicated otherwise he just wouldn't be our 2.0, would he?

*OFFICIAL: HP HDX DRAGON Owners Lounge*


****
It is advised to clean up the fans about once every 3 months - This is how 2.0 suggests to proceed:

"Most thorough way to do it is to remove the rear cover (which also requires removal of the hinge cover), use a vacuum or compressed air on the radiator grills while holding a fan blade to the respective fan so it doesn't spin from the suction of the vacuum or blast of compressed air. Then use a Q-Tip with a little alcohol to clean the caked on dust on the fan blades.

Pages 52-54 of the HDX Service guide.

One thing about a vacuum, some vacuums can produce static electricty. So make sure you watch what you are doing (stay on plastic parts or hover above vent grills using hand on underside to create better suction if attachment is metal) and only use vacuums with plastic nozzles and not metal attachments."

****
Remember to CALIBRATE THE BATTERY about once every 6 months in order to avoid battery related problems:

FROM HP SITE: "A calibration cycle requires that the battery be completely charged and then completely discharged. During the calibration cycle, the power management properties must be disabled to allow the battery to completely discharge."

The exact procedure is described here:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/d...=33190&lang=en

****

Video that shows hou to take the Dragon apart to the point of removing the VGA card:

Image hosting, free photo sharing & video sharing at Photobucket

****

BACKPACKS & CARRYING CASES

BACKPACKS:

HP
They used to make a roller bag\backpack - I can find pictures of it on the net, but it never seems to be available. There have been rumors of them making a new bag just for the HDX, but it's been a while now and still nothing.
http://www.shopping.hp.com/product/n...sories/KD853PA

ALIENWARE
I have ordered this backpack from Alienware:
http://www.amazon.com/Mobile-Edge-Al...=cm_cr_pr_pb_i
It fits the dragon P-E-R-F-E-C-T-L-Y it really feels and looks like it was made for it! Unfortunately my camera is broken, and I can't take pictures of it, but trust me this bag is really good because it is exactly the same size as the HDX, plus you can fit a few extra things in it. It feels as strong and well made as a camping backpack.

ILUGGER
Asuhoru has posted pictures of his Ilugger bag\backpack on page 76 of this thread - It looks very big and he says it feel very safe, although it was designed for a Imac.

REGULAR BAGS
Actually recently several 20" bags have hit the market. This is an Amazon page from France where you can see a few:

Amazon.fr: livres, DVD, jeux video, CD, lecteurs MP3, ordinateurs, appareils photo, logiciels et plus encore!

They all seem to have more or less the same design. I have only seen the Targus one in person and it looks fine, but I still prefer a backpack.

THE SLEEVE
There is also "The Sleeve", although it looks a little too thin for my tastes, it definitely looks good:
http://www.sfbags.com/products/sleev...ages/39-28.htm

-----
here's another:
http://www.overstock.com/Luggage-Bag.../product.html?


If you guys have any suggestions on other things to add here, just tell me I will edit this post. It's on PAGE 10 REMEMBER THAT, IF YOU NEED TO EASILY REFER TO IT!

Aaagghhhh I Am On Page 9!!!!!

 

And now you're going to need to change your sig...

P.S. some info is obsolete or redundant to what's on opening post to thread. Like XP drivers. Gone, they are.

 

It appears that my battery is dead. It only lasts about 10-15min on battery power now. This is strange as about 6 months ago it was still good for about 2hrs... (the last time I had to disconnect the power)... Is there any way to fix the battery or is it a goner for good??? I know that battery lose charge over time but not in a few months should it go from 2hrs to 10 min...

I just downloaded BatteryMon ( http://www.passmark.com/products/batmon.htm) and it appears that my battery is discharging at a rate of 37260mWh and it's capacity is only 12226mWh????

Any experts here that could provide any other monitoring software to diagnose the problem or solutions to try???
Thanks!

 

Is this your original battery? If so, probably not worth troubleshooting. Li-Ion batteries only have about 500 cycles in them or last about 3 years. Your issue is common with old batteries which deteriorate rapid towards their end of life.


You could try recalibrating a few times: charge to full then let it discharge until auto shut off. But that likely won't help an old batt.

 

Actually you may be right about the recalibration.

The battery dropped from 100% to 0% in 10min, but now I have been running my computer at 0% battery for 20min. I'm hoping a few cycles like this and it will be back to normal...

Also my battery capacity in BatteryMon is now showing as 84240mWh instead of 12226mWh!!!

 

This post reminded me to ask this question

I tried to recalibrate my battery a couple of months ago. I went into the power options and set everything to "never" to completely discharge the battery. Yet the computer still goes to sleep when the battery is low. Is there another adjustment somewhere that I need to turn off?

 

@ - not necessarily in order, or particularly: mike t, Eclypse3D, zipek dg, CompTrekkie, hovercraftdriver, dv7t, Dominick 7, kindheart, RemyL75, RickiBerlin, dsgerard, Digitalwindow, Paradise, eldasto, P6R4N0, lancorp, and of course the inimitable 2.0.

(many props to unclewebb, it's not at you per se, 'cause I don't think you have done the WIN7 thing to a HDX, however ThrottleStop is just too awesome not to clap loudly for you)

PLEASE STAND AND TAKE A BOW; you should all be recognized for your contributions on this forum and you're willingness to put your equipment and time in jeopardy in pursuit of a better Dragon experience for all.

( Also please stand now) special mentions to: CHRiTTeR, Dux, Pinballman, ManImCool, and any others that I may have inadvertently missed for the leap to 7.

I'd rep you all if I was able/knew how. Anyone I neglected to mention - it was not my intent to slight ...

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR ATTENTION AND TIME SO FAR AND I WOULD APPRECIATE IF YOU WILL FURTHER INDULGE ME WITH YOUR EFFORT.

THOSE THAT STILL ARE USING THEIR DRAGONS PLEASE STEP FORWARD.

THOSE THAT HAVE EITHER CLEAN INSTALLED 7x64 OR UPGRADED FROM Vx64 PLEASE ADVANCE AN ADDITIONAL STEP AND TAKE A CHAIR. All others thank you for your involvement, and you are most certainly welcomed to remain as an audience member.

ANYONE SEATED THAT HAS INSTALLED A SSD - PLEASE TAKE YOUR HONORARY POSITIONS IN THE FRONT ROW RECLINERS, AND WHAT MAY I ASK WOULD YOU PREFER TO DRINK?

I am up to date with all the posts from the two forums; I have many pages saved as Favorites and I have referred to them numerous occasions. I've read the pertinent OCZ stuff, V and 7 tweaks too. Which leads me to this point ...

That above all having been said, I have made the previously alluded to SSD purchase (60GB Vertex 2); I have an OEM upgrade copy of 7x64 Pro that I have clean installed - and I have seen the light! What I mean to say is OMG!, if a SSD is not nirvana I won't be able to handle anything better.

I intended to use whatever drivers to complete the task. I noted that once 7 had been cleanly inserted and updated, my WEI was 5.9 (shocked, limited by HD?!), that there remained eight items in Device Manger lacking drivers (more than others have indicated), and, more disheartening than this, no bass/treble controls for the audio have ever been present, even at inception. I presently have three HDs for this unit; SSD w/7x64P, two WDC WD2500BEVS-60UST0S - one with fresh recovery, one fully loaded w/SP2.

On side notes, I do not game, I do watch TV (BrightHouse digital cable, had FiOS, moved to where it's not available, wish for it and an A321, got 312) and vids (Netflix) on it while I surf and putz around on it doing other stuff - nothing else that is CPU or GPU intensive. I have seen video driver recovery pops occasionally (I haven't monitored temps, installed ThrottleStop yet, and yes 2.0 I should have, however have not yet, cleaned my fans since I bought it in 12/09 - I will during this revamp - I've been slowed by an A2420 project that I've taken on).

Back on task - I'm looking for discussion and consensus on the two paths I am considering traveling - keep in mind I want ALL components to function as they should: Left fork, (the "High Road") clean 7 & patch the potholes - tenuously preferred even though apparently no one as had an easy time of it (many have tried - many have died), I will likely lose some orginal SW, make some missteps (but we are all explorers at this juncture and in the end aren't we - can I get an AMEN) and encounter/experience dangers and/or painful moments; or its close second Right fork, (the "Safe Play") bite the bullet, get and use a 7 UPG.

Otion A is probably best for the SSDs interaction - less problems with patitioning/recognition, no need of chipset/matrix driver, TRIM complications. I know that foremost the drive FW should be current first. I have the original HP Restore Disks that were used on the machine before it was dispatched to me and since have had to use them myself due to a read failure on the primary drive prompting me to Restore (near 5.5 hours on an unparted big, slow WD drive from an external USB DVD drive since my HD-DVD is acting up and selectively will not read what appear to be perfectly usable discs that the external has no problem with - lookin' to go with UJ-220 in the not too distant future even though faster externals are available).

I understand leave CAT5 disconnected, shortly after install disable WiFi to prevent updates, and do not allow unsupervised updates of SW & drivers. Since I am ATI GPU drivers aren't nearly as complcating, however should still be taken into account. I am not too concerned about having to burn some HD writes to experiment with a few alternaive install sequences, but would rather do it right even if it's not the first go round.

I am lookin' to start from scratch and move forward with reasonable caution, step-by-step. Shout out your pros and cons.

Here's the open forum portion - are you ready to rumble, let's get it on and git 'er dun. Please be very complete and detailed - let those who follow point to this discussion and be enlightened by it. Prevoius posts are good, however lack (this is not a slap, once again not a slap) one or more of these: accuracy, breadth, comprehensiveness, completeness, depth, exactness, fullness ...

ANYONE IN THE FRONT ROW HAVE A "'100%' OPERATIONAL" UNIT - PLEASE TAKE THE PODIUM.


To all participants and audience members - evidently several SPs are no longer available at the designated post points referenced throughout the forum if you have access to some of the "missing links" (yes the pun was intended) please advise.

DRAGONe = HDX9200 - newer MB, F40E; WUXGA - pixel perfect; x7900 - not upgrading, will ThrottleStop some; stk 4Gb, ATI GPU, 4965 - enough, no need to upgrade, use CAT5 predominanly; HD-DVD - will upgrade to UJ-220; A312 - want A321, know where/got one let's talk - going to 7 one way or another on a 60Gb Vertex 2.

 

Sleep is fine. Both of mine do that too. That's what is meant by "turn off." If one has hibernate set, then it would do that when the batt is critically low. Certain software can override the windows settings to make it actually turn off/shut down.

LOL. Tall order.

That's a lot to cover. A comprehensive write up for Win7 install is probably not necessary as most things work out of the box. On page 1 there is a link to comptrekkie's guide to installing Win7. There's also a link to HP's FTP site where you can also find any driver.

As for win7 upgrade disc; with it you can do a clean install or an upgrade install over Vista 64. I've used my upgrade discs to do a clean install. There's plenty of pictorial guides for doing that on the web.

On a brand new drive, you will have to install win7 from an upgrade disc twice. The second time, you will be installing it over the first install as an upgrade and then you'll able to enter the product code.

Here's a guide: Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version - Windows 7 Forums

As for drivers, after you get win 7 up and running, if you run into any problems, just post in this thread and someone will give you a hand. The only driver issues you might have are the FP reader and TV Tuner. Those are the common ones at least. But they can and have been installed successfully.

Good luck.

 

LOL. Tall order. I'm glad to see that humor is appreciated by the best here, and yes sir ... I'm 6' 6" and displace near about 260#; love Red Lobsters endless shrimp and Olive Gardens AYCE pasta ... I digress.

That's a lot to cover. A comprehensive write up for Win7 install is probably not necessary as most things work out of the box. AGREED; All but the eight items I mentioned install or update. On page 1 there is a link to comptrekkie's guide to installing Win7. Very, and one of the most, useful and one of my Favorites - PG 896 1st forum There's also a link to HP's FTP site where you can also find any driver. The HP FTP site has almost everything most people have mentioned. Some items are only HTML w/o any DL capability.

As for win7 upgrade disc; with it you can do a clean install or an upgrade install over Vista 64. Understand from experience I've used my upgrade discs to do a clean install. I as well There's plenty of pictorial guides for doing that on the web.

On a brand new drive, you will have to install win7 from an upgrade disc twice. The second time, you will be installing it over the first install as an upgrade and then you'll able to enter the product code. I've done both myself as well (clean/UPG); I've been lucky that my OEM upgrade disc lets me single install, input key and activate w/no problem.

Here's a guide: Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version - Windows 7 Forums

As for drivers, after you get win 7 up and running, if you run into any problems, just post in this thread and someone will give you a hand. I appreciate that everyone here is so helpful and feel the love. The only driver issues you might have are the FP reader and TV Tuner. Those are the common ones at least. But they can and have been installed successfully.

Good luck. [/QUOTE]

Black Knights omission just came glaring to the forefront ... my apologises to you sir!

Is your rig "fully functional" (problems w/any SW compatibility)? You did 7 clean, correct?

comptrekkie: indicates, " ... did not install QuickPlay." - which I want (so where in the order should this be done); states, "If need be you can just open the volume properties from the taskbar and adjust the treble\bass." - am unable to access those controls; recommends using, "Intel Rapid Storage Technology (SATA AHCI)" - taken at face value it appears to be the 1st patch, correct (will it be introduced from Intel Driver Update Tool link)?; installed "Intel Chipset Device Software – Ver. 9.1.1.1020" - appears superfluous (if not, why is this necessary, I thought you only needed this in V).

 

Tall order indeed. There is a lot to cover in that post. Since you have read all the previous post then you know I have an OCZ SSD and a fresh install of Win 7 (Obvious by my Win 7 Guide ). For reference my WEI score is 6.7 limited by my Video card all the rest are 6.9 and I have no unknown devices in device manager. I have also made numerous other hardware updates, they are all listed in my sig in bold.

ATM I have everything working except the Eject button and Treble\Bass buttons. I am able to get the treble\bass buttons to sort of work. The “On Screen Display” is buggy; if I only use the Bass\Trebble slider at the Win 7 desktop then it is fine. But If I use it with anything else on the screen (IE, Firefox, games) it gets buggy and crashes. So I just disable it. The Quick play buttons worked when I used quick play, but I like to use Power DVD with windows media center much better. I can do everything I did and more (Including using all the remote control buttons and full DVR abilities). I also do not have issues playing newer Blue ray movies like I did with Quick Play (I just watched Iron Man 2 last night) .

Back when I did a fresh install of Vista I installed the software before I installed the Quick play button drivers.

If you have the sound drivers installed even the default Microsoft drivers you should be able to right click on the speaker icon in the lower right of you screen and choose “play back devices” from this menu you should be able to configure the bass/treble and many other options. This is the default behavior of Win 7. Let me know if you need more detailed instructions and when I get home I will take some screen shots.

The “Intel Rapid Storage Technology” driver unfortunately is not auto detected by that utility.This version lets Win 7 pass the Trim command to the SSD which is very important. I also get my highest SSD scores with these drivers over the default Microsoft drivers.

For the most recent version (9.6.4.1002) go to here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/hp-...v6-gen-2-dv7-gen-3-dv8-hdx16-hdx18-intel.html

and choose the first link under "Intel Rapid Storage Technology (SATA AHCI)".

If I remember right if you do not install these Windows update will find the newest version and give you the option to install them.

Feel free to ask any other questions you may have.

FYI,

I just verified that all the links and info in my Win 7 Install guide is still valid. If I were to do a fresh install today I would follow those instructions myself. There are a few drivers that Windows update will find newer ones for afterward, but if you follow the instruction there I can be curtain that the combination of driver versions installed in that order will work.

There is just one note I would like to add about the TV Tuner drivers. In order to get the driver to properly install I had to download the driver from the HP website and then run it in Vista computability mode. Oddly I could not so this with the driver that was in my SWSetup folder that came with my computer. I would add this to the instructions but since the thread is closed I cannot edit it.

 

INDUBITABLY; thank you for all your efforts.

As an Irishman I must admit to a WEI bit of envy on my part. HARDEE HAR!

The only above KB items I absolutely must have working are the Theatre Mode, Mute (including turning yellow), and the Eject buttons.

Too true.

I am working in the freshly restored V HD at the moment, however as I recall in 7 it was the same as I see it now - no Bass/Treble adjustability in any area of the popup tab menus. I believe I read in previous forum post that there is a step up from original driver, but not all the way to current HP provided driver.

WORD!

SO, only a polite invite for chipset driver and not functionally necessary in 7?

I will smoke the SSD and begin again as Finnegan using your process and updated commentary.

 

Also, wipe the extra 100MB partition. The less partitions on a 60GB the better. Don't let the 'hack' of the below link title scare you because the 3rd method is the best and unintrusively legitimate method. I doubt it helps speed significantly, but my SSD WEI is 7.8-7.9 (AS benchmarks near 450 @ clean instal)

Hack to Remove 100 MB System Reserved Partition When Installing Windows 7 My Digital Life

 

Another gentleman scholar is evident - THX. My wager would be that you WEI, WEI, WEI, all the way home you, you, you little piggy you (an obscure quote of analyst Robert DeNiro). What all are you freakin' tweakin'?

All in attendance, what's the best method to clean/secure erase a SSD HD - HDDErase, or other program, just violate the part, ...?

 

No worries, I'll edit it sometime later today.

 

Thought I'd toss in a tidbit I found out today while investigating some options.

454311-001 In stock
VGA graphics memory board NVIDIA $275.50 at HP Parts Store

 

Dear experts...

Need help. My dragon suddenly conked out on me last night.

Specs: HDX9494nr stock model. No upgrades or anything.

I was playing WoW (for less than 5 minutes since bootup) and then the monitor screen just turned black. A blinking cursor on the upper left portion appeared that looks like a _ (similar to where the keyboard cursor is when typing) then nothing else.

During bootup after a reset, there's barely anything on the screen, except when the Microsoft Vista bars come out (which is semi garbled and white streaks of lines appear), then it flashes the Vista logo (semi garbled, but perfect for a split second) then go completely black. I slide my finger in and I hear the sounds that indicate proper login.

I then tried connecting an external monitor. It works there. (albeit it turns increasingly bright white from time to time then I have to change resolutions to get it back to normal)

Pressing the FN-F4 makes the dragon screen blink, show the mouse cursor with the wait symbol, then nothing again.

Sounds, touch buttons, dvd, etc function perfectly as before.

Now what do I do?

Is it the graphics card? Is it the inverter? Is it the monitor screen? How can I fix it?

I plan to backup all my files first while I can still see with the external monitor tonight. Then... I don't know... I really love this dragon and would hate to replace it.

Thanks for any help! Sorry but I can't browse through over 600 pages of text since I last posted in case this has been solved before.

 

Many thanks once again!

 

It's the video card. It needs to be replaced.

 

Thanks! Uhh.. any help where I can order one? HP parts?

I just hope it won't be expensive. I originally planned for this to last for 5 years.

 

Yes. Just a few posts up...

... and the service manual and service videos are on page 1, post #1.

Also I believe the card comes with Shin-Etsu thermal compound. I'd recommend getting Arctic Silver or ceramique. The thermal compound HP used could have dried up and shrank. Going forward, use a temp monitoring program like HWmonitor.

BTW, did you overclock your card?