*HP HDX DRAGON Owners Lounge, Part 1*

So you got your HDX back working then? Sweet. Glad you found the TV driver too. I think it's stupid they consider that a void of warranty, but if you needed a repair you would just need to use the CTO recovery DVDs to reinstall the Vista it had on it before then. This is why I'm thinking it may be best to install Windows 7 on a separate hard drive so in case you need a repair, and they wont format everything (which they likely will do anyways) you can just format the one hard drive and instead of having to redo both hard drives..? Otherwise either way you have to expect them to reinstall the cto Vista OS, or will expect you to do so before you send it to them..I believe if they get it with Windows 7 on it they will return it to you so you can do it yourself BEFORE sending it to them. Their reasoning is it needs to be as it was from the factory otherwise it COULD be that the thing you changed caused the problem, and they of course don't support anything other than what it came with and were "trained" for.

 

That's one main reason I kept it as a dual or triple boot retaining the original OS so that I just either tell them that and work within the original OS or just not tell them about the difference in OS, change the subject when they ask or something, and just go along with whatever they tell me to do to fix it. It's not like Windows 7 is RADICALLY different from Vista. Now that my warranty ran out recently it doesn't matter what I do unless I extend the warranty which I likely wont do. I'm thinking I'm either going to still try to find a cto HDX with an x9000 and extend that warranty on it, or else just upgrade this one with an x9000, possibly try a 3700, 2 TBs of hard drive space or 1TB and an SSD, and maybe a Blu Ray burner, though I may keep that as an external drive knowing how finicky the HDX is already with it's own Blu Ray drive. I'll also maybe want to upgrade the front touch pad part because even though the rubbed off paint is shaped like an ixthus, and looks cool (which I didn't intend), I think it takes away from it's look.

Question for 2.0 or anyone:
If you do a dual boot with Vista Ultimate 64 bit and Windows 7, which OS is best to have on the first hard drive or does it matter?

 

Shouldnt matter at all.

no matter if they're installed on separate HDD's or the same one you can always switch around the order in msconfig boot section.

You can also use Gparted on a bootable cd to just resize your vista partition, then use the new space to have a 7 partition.

Here's my setup.



C is Vista, and ignore the Partition label of 7077, I'm running 7600 but did the upgrade instead of fresh install so didnt need to format partition, been running 7 since December in it's different version, been running 7600 for about 3 months, Activated as well

 

The reason I ask is because if you install XP on the second hard drive it perpetually wants to install things to the first hard drive, especially Windows Updates and such, which I don't want happening when doing a Windows Vista and Windows 7 dual boot. I want each to install on their own hard drives, so I'm thinking to install each OS with only one hard drive in at a time for each OS installation and assume the OS on the second hard drive won't install stuff to the first hard drive. But I think you're right that Vista and Windows 7 behaves in that regard..and that you haven't seen that problem occur? I can't figure out though if I want to do it that way or install both OSs to the first hard drive and just use the second for only storage in case the first drive crashes..

Anyone know a good HDMI to Coaxial solution? I have only one port left on my Slingbox and was thinking of connecting my HDX to that port to stream it anywhere. I can't seem to get the QuickDock working in that regard just yet.

 

You dont get that with 7, it installs to whatever the OS is running on unless you specify otherwise, I install a lot of programs to my data drive.

All my installs on 7 default to the Z Partition.

I've been dual booting Vista and 7 for almost a year now with no problems.

 

does anyone know what the maximum password length is in the bios (8 characters?)? are there limits to what kind of characters (in other words does it allow special characters like tildas and any other keyboard characters)?

since the password field when you enter is masked, i don't want to try it and realize that it didn't take special characters and instead replaced them with the other character on the keyboard....or that i entered too many and then i type password to find out that it is overwriting characters passed a certain length.

 

Nice thanks How come you chose to keep OSs on the same hard drive over separate ones, if I read what you did correctly that is.

 

Why??!!

 

How does one get into the BIOS? I've only ever been able to just see the system information by pressing F1 on the HP boot splash screen.

 

BRIGHTNESS CONTROLS.

I have Windows 7 installed on my 9494nr for sometime now. Just yesterday though I noticed that the display seemed significantly darker than usual. I started poking around the control panel and Mobility Center and have found that I have no Brightness Controls. I have tried reinstalling the mobile display drivers that I have downloaded off of the Nvidia website as this is a suggestion that I have read and it did not help.

Has anyone here experience this? Do I have to reinstall again from scratch to get my brightness controls back? I have even played around in the power settings ares and I can't find anything that works. It's almost as if Windows stopped recognizing that this machine is mobile.

 

install this: ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp44501-45000/sp44777.exe

 

Thanks for the speedy reply. I downloaded the file and installed it, but it didn't seem to restore the Brightness controls. Is there something else I need to do to configure it? I restarted the machine after it finished installing as I was instructed to do so. Any other ideas?

thanks!

 

Sorry that was old. Get's addictive when you are waiting around for rendering, etc. Not sure if anyone answered my bios question. I may have to experiment.

 

hp latest oct09 idt audio for Windows 7 (not yet tested on hdx 20):
ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp45001-45500/sp45101.exe

 

NEWSFLASH!!!! For anyone looking to purchase a decent spec HDX Dragon, Ecost.com has two open box dragons available by searching 9494NR. These are the Nvidia models w/ decent specs. I bought mine factory recertified a few months back from them and love it. Ever since, I've been checking back with them for a friend, but the idiot decided to cancel his order when he found out that the ones posted there are open box and the bluray drives are faulty (they tested w/ different drive and were functional). Instead of replacing the drives, they decided to slash the price down to $799 which is so cheap it makes me wanna cry! Anyone interested could easily take out the old drive, if unfixable, and replace it w/ a bluray burner for the $$$ saved!

 

So cheap! 2 left when I checked a minute ago.

CJ

 

I kept that link in my favorites from a wile ago because my original plan was to get my Dragon from ecost. But when I was ready to order they had ran out. I know a few ppl that want one very badly (since seeing mine ) and I know a few auctions on ebay for the blu-ray player that fits the Dragon. So hopefully they can get them before they run out again.

 

Moans that I have to uninstall Sigamtel drivers first (I'm running the 6.10.5607.0 drivers)

Uninstalled, but didnt reboot (this is probably why) but it still moaned about me havin to uninstall em.

Here's the device lists for it, it matches the ones i'm runnin so should work i suppose, guess i'll have to do a reboot to see.

If i try an update via device manager it says it's installed but with errors, but it obviously hasnt because when i go to check my driver version it's the same as the old one.

Code:

# stwrt64.INI
[Models]
HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_111D&DEV_7603&SUBSYS_103C1520=B-01A1.INI
HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_111D&DEV_7603&SUBSYS_103C172A=B-01A2.INI
HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_111D&DEV_7603&SUBSYS_103C172B=B-01A2.INI
HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_111D&DEV_7603&SUBSYS_103C7007=B-01A3.INI
HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_111D&DEV_7603&SUBSYS_103C7008=B-01A4.INI
HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_111D&DEV_7603&SUBSYS_103C1521=B-01A5.INI
HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_111D&DEV_7603&SUBSYS_103C1722=B-01B.INI
HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_111D&DEV_7603&SUBSYS_103C1726=B-01B.INI
HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_111D&DEV_7603&SUBSYS_103C307E=B-01B.INI
HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_111D&DEV_7603&SUBSYS_103C1725=B-01C.INI
HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_111D&DEV_7603&SUBSYS_103C1729=B-01C.INI
HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_111D&DEV_7603&SUBSYS_103C3081=B-01C.INI
HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_111D&DEV_7603&SUBSYS_103C1723=B-01D.INI
HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_111D&DEV_7603&SUBSYS_103C1727=B-01D.INI
HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_111D&DEV_7603&SUBSYS_103C307F=B-01D.INI
HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_111D&DEV_7603&SUBSYS_103C1724=B-01E.INI
HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_111D&DEV_7603&SUBSYS_103C1728=B-01E.INI
HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_111D&DEV_7603&SUBSYS_103C3080=B-01E.INI
HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_111D&DEV_7608&SUBSYS_103C7011=B-02B.INI
HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_111D&DEV_7608&SUBSYS_103C7012=B-02B.INI
HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_111D&DEV_7608&SUBSYS_103C7013=B-02B.INI
HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_111D&DEV_7608&SUBSYS_103C7014=B-02B.INI
HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_111D&DEV_7608&SUBSYS_103C3653=B-02C.INI
HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_111D&DEV_7608&SUBSYS_103C3634=B-02D.INI
HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_111D&DEV_7608&SUBSYS_103C308A=B-02A.INI
HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_111D&DEV_7608&SUBSYS_103C308B=B-02A.INI
HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_111D&DEV_7608&SUBSYS_103C308C=B-02A.INI
HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_111D&DEV_7608&SUBSYS_103C308D=B-02A.INI

 

As I said, I haven't tried it here. Besides LV2Go version above, I found this on HP site (again not tested):
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/...ob-75352-1&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&lang=en&os=4063

 

Just fight her: makes her happy (I did, she beat the hell out of me...)

 

that one moans about needing to uninstall the sigmatel ones first as well.

Will give that a go later on.

 

I installed the latest from LV2Go last week. Had issues because:

A. It didn't have an installer, so I had to "have disc" install over the 5607. No biggie and it installed fine.

B. Only problem is it doesn't detect internal speakers when I unplug my headset. There are differences in the WRT_M8-1.ini (which is for our setup)and STWRT.

I have tried various tweaks to this and other drivers over the last couple of months to no avail. Even had Pieter over at LV2Go give it a try a couple pf times.

I can get most HP specific drivers to install, I just can't get either all internal speakers to work, or the bass to work. So it's always back to 5607.

As for the driver kindheart linked to on HP site, it is for the IDT 92HD71, which although close, it is not the same as our STAC9271. Likely, it is similar to, if not the same as the other one we are trying. I haven't opened it to check driver version.

I got frustrated and had other things come up lately, but I intened to figure these .inf's. It pisses me off to not be able to work it out...not because we really need it, just because I hate not being able to figure something like this out.

 

You'll never get it to work properly because the STAC9271 does not natively support a subwoofer output on other than SPDIF out. How HP wired it up is why only their driver works. And that part of the driver is not contained in the inf. It's a DLL. And since all the drivers are signed, you can't substitute DLL from the5607 into another driver as it will crash if you try.

Some HDX's which are using a variation of the STAC9271 can work with a few other drivers. But they are rare since they were only produced for a short period of time when apparently Inventec sourced the fungible part when they ran out of the ones they were normally using.

 

2.0, do you know about my bios question? i just don't want to get "stuck" by trying combinations.

 

I wouldn't use more than "_" or "." as far as special characters. As far as the length, don't know but the max length should be something you can test for by inputting characters until it stops you from adding more.

There's nothing in the HDX manuals that address BIOS passwords other than how to reset it by taking out the RTC battery for 5 mins. A process that requires removing the motherboard. A design oversight. There should have been a panel to access it from the bottom.

 

Why do you want to do that? In case someone steals it or hacks it and tries to mess with the BIOS or something?

 

I would call this a good security-minded design, making life a bit more difficult for unauthorized users trying to access the machine.

 

Yeah, that's a good way of looking at it.

 

well of course security. why else? you make it sound wrong or something. would you like if there was also no windows logon user/pass screen.

ya, i would rather someone not be able to turn my computer on, pop a disc in and run some stuff or whatever. i don't know why i have to justify wanting to set a bios password, and possibly a secure one at that???

i believe it is good practice, don't you? or you think it's paranoia? well personally you can leave your house unlocked and all...i'll stick to mine.

 

Somewhat off-topic, but it looks like anyone wanting to use XP Mode in Windows 7 is going to be forced into attempting the dreaded BIOS flash.

 

I was just curious. I didn't remember anyone asking about it in the forum, so I didn't know exactly how it worked. Wouldn't it be enough to have a password with fingerprint login, which I have? Or I guess they'd just push the button for the BIOS and there they could change the password or something? I was planning on having Computrace software on my HDX if I got it cto'd because from what I understand, when it's cto'd they embed it in the HDX, as opposed to just having a software installation after the fact. I take it it's a distinct password from the Windows one then, and you only deal with it if you want to make changes to the BIOS.

 

Yea HP techs suggested I do it to rule out that as a problem I've been having with the Expansion Port and Quickdocks via video and audio outputs on it...I was glad to have my warranty run out so I could upgrade components, but I'm thinking I'll renew the warranty for a year so I can possibly do the firmware update..:/

 

DV7T has a point. And no, having a password with fingerprint scanner is not enough. One of the services I provide (usually moreso to help me when customers drop off their computers and forget to give me a password) is password removal. I can usually have it off inside of 5 mins if it's just a Windows password. Fingerprint reader or not.
That's not to say that BIOS password can't be beaten either, but 95% of people that do get a stolen laptop don't know as much as the people that frequently post here, or know someone like them. Playing to those odds, a BIOS password, with the Windows password and the fingerprint reader (and facial recognition software.) will keep most anyone off your laptop.

 

Pfft... Security?!

I just set my unit to: intrusion self destruct.

 

I hears what chur sayins. Sounds like a good idea. It's just one more line of defense against theft to protect your info and data. Maybe someone could post how to do that for the rest of us at some point?

 

Well it was thanks to HP that we were finally able to meet Barry B. Benson (the famous BU graduate)... I have just learned this (about HP involvement) and it's quite exciting!

 

definitely extra layer of security. always good. it's easy you just press F10 at boot, and go the the security tab and set a password.

 

no problem.

yes but for some reason my fingerprint reader does not work come up. i cannot get the software or whatever that asks to register a fingerprint to load. i will have to do a system recovery at some point. it's been a year or so.

 

that'd be a cool feature

 

although i have not done it with a fingerprint readied computer, i'll assume the fingerprint reader does not matter. that being said. i can and have done the same thing. if you do not have a password for the bios, someone can boot from cd (you can change the boot order/disable) and run software to remove the windows password OR even (as I have done many times) grab passwords for all logins.

that is why the bios should be locked down.

Having said that, I haven't had a need to do so as my hdx has rarely left the house, and physical security at the house is let's say...pretty good. 2 dobies (dobermans) and a hell of a lot of firepower (read firearms, with at least someone at the house at any given time), I might think is safe

However, I am taking my laptop out more, and I will want it locked down as I have indicated.

I'm really surprised I'm the first to bring up the bios password in the forum!!!

Now, mind you I have the latest F40E bios, so if someone like 2.0 can speak for F39 which I assume he and some others still have, can tell me the following (out of curiosity), that'd be cool.

I have done alphanumeric and I found (to my very big surprise because unlike every single other desktop and laptop computer i ever had/seen) that you can set the bios password longer than 8 characters.

I didn't do any kind of extensive testing...just tried password combination i would use, and I could create a password that's AT LEAST 35 characters long alphanumeric. I'm sure perhaps i can create 60+, but I'm wondering why in the world I have never seen this on any computer before (I've seen a lot). Usually bioses max out at 8 characters.

Either way, it's a good thing.

 

Hey all, do you guys know why after installing the Service pack 2 for VIsta64, the windows experience rating for HD transfer went from 5.1 to 5.2? Should I guess the Microsoft developers have some sense of humour after all?

 

you mean primary hard disk rating in windows experience index? if so, mine is 5.5 and my computer is bone stock.

 

My Rating was 5.1 under Vista SP1, but it went up to 5.5 in Windows 7. I never figured out the reason for the jump. I do know that it was for the primary hard disk rating.

 

Ya. I don't have windows 7, just vista x64 sp2. not sure what it was before (sp1), but it's 5.5, and i have the stock HDX 9494NR.

 

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp45001-45500/sp45183.exe (IDT/Win7 - very latest)

 

what is this to? hd audio driver? for windows 7 only? experimental? did you try this, or did you want others to try it and report?

 

Yeah, I agree, it is kind of strange to post things you haven't tried or use yourself.

What's more, is that it won't work on the majority of HDX's. No driver other than 5511 and 5607 will fully work. But I guess hope springs eternal...

 

You one bad mutha-shut-chuo-mouf

Same with F.39.

Though with uppercase, lowercase, and a mix of numbers, toss in a period or underscore, and you won't need more than 8 chars. With that mix, you're looking at greater than 250+ trillion combinations. One would not be able to do more than class A attack on the BIOS of trying to get at the password which would take them >700 years if that is all they did 24/7.

 

i just try to post those idt versions that are meant for hp notebook models with a subwoofer (though none is explicitly intended for the hdx20) and/or for the dv3000/3500 notebooks as drivers for this particular latter model series work perfectly well on my hdx including bass reproduction and Stereo Mix (Recording). reason i posted this one is really to help corrosive (see a few posts backs), who had tried other recent versions with no (reported) success...

 

i don't like when you do that. i think you had a habit of that in the past (correct me if i'm wrong) and "warned" about it.

Please put your post to direct links especially (and perhaps other links) in some kind of context. Tried this on my vista x64, and froze and slowed the thing down to a crawl. Was a bittch to get rid of/reinstall.

Nice work...I thought you were kindhearted.

DO NOT post direct links to executables or such things, especially without giving context.

I spent the WHOLE LAST hour waiting for windows to boot, etc.