*HP HDX DRAGON Owners Lounge, Part 1*

hdx9010nr
Toshiba dvdw/hd ts-L802A hp 21

Well my dvd drive has stopped writing, I can't figure out what else to do. I've got what I think is the latest firmware (sp36277.exe). I've tryed movies/data at the lowest speeds dvd's and cd's.

(Clue 1) It does read discs that were created from other drives, and it does burn audio cd's.

(Clue 2) when I flip the disc over, it has the shaded part of where data was written but when I try to read the disc in the hdx's drive or any other drive it doesn't see it and says "prepare this blank disk".

(Clue 3)I once had the notebook on my lap unknowingly with the cd tray open and my leg really gave it a good push. I though I had to have bent something but it opens and closes fine. I can't recall if that's when the problems started. I didn't think to test it back then.

I think it's the drive since I have no problems with my external dvd writer.

First, do any of you have any ideas of what I can try?
Second, anyone know where to order this drive from?
Third, If it can audio cd's, shouldn't it be able to write movies and data on dvd's?

I tryed hp's site (Canada) but can't find anything.

I know I could just continue using the external drive but it kills me to have something not working on the computer.

Thanks

 

LOL. More like 15 min x 4.

 

Hello all.

New poster. To start I want to point out I have read this entire thread since I got my DRAGONe, from the original owner last December of eBay for $860 - I don't condone stealing but I couldn't help myself -all in with ALL the original items including exterior shipping container in perfect condition, and bookmarked several important pages because I want to focus on the more technically important details and avoid rehashing the existing info.

I bow respectfully before the masters in my pursuit of knowledge; I submit my self as an advanced pupil with a degree in telecommunications, CCNA, pc ownership since 1988 (my first - an Epson 286 laptop), having owned many dozens of pcs, privately operating presently 6 in a residential environment, personally & professionally built 100s/serviced many 100s/sold & supported Ks.

My DRAGONe is an refresh/update model 9200 (the newer mb with WUXGA & lesser component options - ATI, HD-DVD, 2x250 5400 HDs) ; I am not a gamer however I do appreciate reponsiveness, and so I am looking to upgrade the OS to W7 and a HD (replacing one with a Vertex Turbo 60).

I am asking for any information from those that have made these improvements for aditional items needed, best practices, glitches that occurred, mods needed/sugested, pitfalls to avoid - any information/suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

THX

 

+1 for acronis, except i don't image from withing windows. i use the boot disc to create an image.

 

You could try googling "ts-L802A" for other firmwares. That HD-DVD drive is notorious for problems. And it's obsolete in the worse way.

You could try using a different drive. You can search this thread for a Blu-ray replacement that can write blu-ray discs. Or you could get a supermulti DVD-RW for it if you want the most trouble-free experience.

The supermulti's part number is: 448157-001

As for where to get it, best bet is to google that part number for a list of sellers. Expect to pay $150-$250US.

Also, you can try an old school fix. Take a Q-tip or something soft like that and gently tap the optical head in the drive. Additionally, you might want to give it a clean while you are at it. Qtip dipped in alcohol may yield results.

 

The OCZ Vertex turbo is a fine choice. I'm using the non-turbo version and love it. It is the best upgrade one can make for the HDX.

Go to http://www.ocztechnologyforum.com/forum/index.php for tricks and tips on setting it up, benching and tweaking. Basically all you have to do is turn off defragmentation and indexing. But see that forum to a complete rundown.

Also, when you go to win7, don't install the Intel Matrix Storage Manager. The drivers win7 installs is all you need and allow for win7's TRIM function to work.

BTW, what CPU do you have? You might want to consider updating that if you're handy with such endeavors and it's underpowered.

RAM: if you're less than 4GB, update to 4GB.

Win7: See computrekkie's guide. Do a search of his posts to find his guide. There should be a link to it about 10-12 pages back.Not much you have to do as most things work after install. Only a few drivers are needed.

Once you are underway, come back if you run into a bit of trouble and someone here will likely get you all sorted out.

 

Imagining from within windows works just as well. I always do it that way and have had to use the image to restore a few times when I got new drives. But I always restore from a boot CD. Mostly because you sort of have to.

 

BTW, If anyone is interested in a free ON SCREEN VOLUME DISPLAY:

http://www.freewaregenius.com/2008/10/02/3rvx-stylish-hotkey-enabled-volume-control/

Works better than that HP rubbish and doesn't cause issues with games.

No bass and treble display, but how often does one adjust that?

And don't worry, you don't need .Net since it's built into Vista and Win7.

 

Wait, so how do I turn the other one off and run this new one instead?

 

yes that is what is a plus about acronis, running it from windows, but i use it from boot disc so that i don't have to install it on a particular computer in order to make in image.

been using hwmonitor 1.15(latest i think), just because, but i still don't get how if i go from not using it, to starting it, that the dragon gets quieter cuz the fans ramp down. it seems like with hwmon running, the fans never go high the same as without it, even though i'd be running the same tasks. i just don't get it, i'm wondering if it's a good thing, but then i look at the temps(assuming it's accurate) and it's fine. so i say, "huh"?

i think "the german" explained it once, referring to polling, etc. etc., but i don't get how given the same exact activity, without it...fans CAN run high(which is good i assume to expel excess heat) when doing certain things; but with it running...the fans never get that high???

oh, btw, it's easy enough to start manually through a shortcut, when windows starts, but how did you set it up again, 2, to start when windows loads? are you still doing that/using it, btw? thanks. (running vista hp 64 bit)

 

Cool ok thanks. Do you/anyone know where to get the Sony version of the UJ 220?

 

Haha ah ok. Hmm... I'm looking at the service manuals.. Maybe I can do this stuff, but I hate the idea of not being able to get a warranty, especially since I'd only have one more year to get one anyway.. To get the X9000 or not.. I do some video editing and would love the power for that and other things..:/ Hmm..

 

Does it work like a recovery dvd then? Like when it fully runs it sets the HDX up with all the drivers and that's it?

 

It takes a snapshot of the partition(s). <---keyword. Which answers more than the question you are asking.

Best pratice is to do an Acronis image right after a clean install with all drivers, software and updates installed. Keep that image as a master recovery. Then do periodic additional images as time goes by.

But Acronis can do more than that. Have a look at their website.

Best way to back up using Acronis is to another harddrive. It's significantly faster. Making DVDs takes forever and restoring from them takes forever.

 

What does the X9000 do? It saves a few seconds/minutes off video editing work over what you have now. If you had a T8100, it would be worth risking your warranty and cost of upgrade. If you could overclock the X9000, it would be worth it even more.

You have it built up in your mind that the now obsolete X9000 (which is part of the now obsolete first gen Penryns) is going to somehow save the day over what you have now (T9300).

Prices for the X9000 on eBay are around $500+. $500 for an obsolete, nearly imperceptible, placebo boost of ~10% over a T9300(2.5ghz)? If time were money, as in you would make the $500 back, plus some extra in gained productivity, then it would be rational.

Next gen i7s will be out soon. Current gen 15"+ notebooks with i7 720QM (which are quad core) currently available that run for ~$1000 blow away an HDX with X9000. Especially for things like video editing work and encoding.

Forget the X9000. It's many months past its prime (as is all dual core Penyrn processors). Spend the money and thought energy on an SSD. Something which will have a significant boost in performance and that you can transfer to a new computer in the near future.

 

Fans running high are unnecessary and wear down the fans quicker. HWmonitor forces the ACPI to look at the temps in shorter intervals and make adjustments sooner.

Fans can and do run high with HWmonitor running but only when they need to. You'll hear it while gaming.

Yes, I run it fulltime from windows boot. But I use HWmonitray so that it runs minimized as a tray app.

 

In start menu search box, type msconfig.
Click the startup tab.
Uncheck HP quicktouch onscreen display.

Then install the 3rvx program. In its settings, check run on windows startup.

 

ahh yes. thanks. i know we talked about this pages and pages ago, but how is it start at windows boot?

i got the hwmontray which i put in the same folder as hwmon, but it does not actually do anything...nothing in the system tray i AM running a portable version of hwmon (but i didn't think it was a problem, because i believe you said you were as well?) so i cannot get the hwmontray to do anything when put in the same folder as hwmon, and i run hwmontray (yes to admin priveleges...which if i can get it to work, begs the question, how do you bypass the prompting at boot time)?

 

I'm running version 1.0.9 of HW monitor. I reports more accurate temps. But the following will work with any version.

Create a shortcut to HWmontray to put in startup.

Then set both HWmon and HWmontray compatibility to run as adminstrator. Simply right click each executable in the directory and select the compatibility tab.

 

I stymied...HDX Dragon (non Blue Ray). Who is manufacturer and model number of DVD? Clean install of Win7 Home Premium and now won't record with any programs. Need drivers (if available). Has anyone posted a Win7 driver upgrade page like page 100 in this forum. Hassle trying to find new drivers. Thanks people, appreciate your help...David Gerard

 

will try that. i believe they are both set already as admin. i was just wondering why when i start hwmontray manually, that nothing appears to be happening, nor in the system tray. i guess it's just for boot load up.

did you try 1.15 (latest)...just wondering, cuz otherwise if you say 1.09 is better/more accurate, then 1.09 it is.

the changelog lists improvements since then, and i wonder if any would be beneficial since 1.09.

i assume you tried 1.12 or 1.13, and just stuck with what worked 1.09, but just wondering if 1.15 is gtg vs 1.09.

 

I use these things: small metal 4" fans on all of my major electronics.

There is one behind my television, one blowing across my router and cable modem, one behind all of my computers, and especially one sitting to the left of my Dragon blowing across the back and the panel that is between the touch panel and back of the 'laptop'.

Does a GREAT job of keeping dust out of the machine (and I am a smoker), and my internal fans only ever come on when I'm running a game. I don't overclock my GPU, play games with max settings across the board (Mass Effect 2 runs soooo smooth!!).

Despite what the price is showing there on Amazon -- the local Target stores (like Wal-Mart -- but a step up..... sort of.....) sells them for $9, and three or four times a year they have them clearance priced at $3.

Fans kick in at low speed when gaming. That's about it. Even then, everything is still cool to the touch.

Speaking of graphic drivers -- I'd like to update mine. I'm using the ones from HP's site. *EVERY* other driver I try always tells me I don't have a compatible graphics card.

My card is the nVidia 8800M GTS. PhysX installs fine, however. I've followed links on here -- and I still can't get around the "you do not have a compatible graphics card for this driver". Anybody offer a VERY quick "go here. download 'X', install. reboot." -- type of instructions, please? I did this once about a year ago with LV2G's stuff, but I had to mess around with an .INF file.

Again, I guess "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." -- or in my case, "if it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!"

Thanks folks,
--Alex

 

I have a HP HDX18t-1200 running Microsoft Windows 7 64-bit and I am chasing an esata driver to suit.
I'm having issues getting the esata port that is built into one of the USB ports to connect to my external HDD. The external HDD is new, and I have never used it with esata before, however, I am currently using it with the USB cable with no issues. As such I thought it would be best to try installing/updating/upgrading the esata driver on the laptop first. Anyone know where I can get an esata driver to suit? There is none listed on the HP website for this model.

 

That's what I was thinking of doing, with the drivers, then one with installed software because I want the option of having less of a headache having to update all the software or just have the option of installing it for the first time. So save an image to another hard drive, then how do you get it to restore? Double click it and it will take you there step by step?

 

I figure I'd have a higher ceiling on pushing video editing, where it won't start breaking or corrupting stuff if I push it too much, and/or just bring the video and audio out of sync. I was planning on getting an SSD anyways which I realize will help in a very obvious way. I'm waiting to see what kind of deals come up. Speaking of the future, with the iMacs and their large screen, and now Gscreens coming out, with their clones, I wouldn't be surprised if a 24 inch notebook doesn't show up at some point in the next year or two. Now THAT with top specs would be pretty sweet.

 

Yes, tried them all. The "problem" starts with 1.10. 1.09 is the only version that agrees temp-wise with various temp monitoring programs when it comes to the CPU's temp.

I discovered the difference when comparing temps between my two HDXs. Couldn't figure out why there was a difference until I realized that I didn't update HWmonitor on one. Then to figure out which was reporting the correct temp, I loaded on different temp monitoring programs.

 

Two ways to do it. Yay, three.

1. Use a boot disk (CD/DVD) that Acronis gives you the option of creating that loads Acronis from boot. When the program loads, it then lists all your images that you have stored on external and/or internal drives.

2. Run Acronis from windows and select which image to backup from internal or external drives.

3. Run Acronis from a bootable USB stick/drive and it will list all your images to restore from.

Best method and easiest is #1. I've used a number of times on all my systems. I bought a Mini DVD/RW (30min) to use as a bootable DVD for Acronis.

 

Never. Ever. Going to happen.

No one is going to be dumb enough to think if 20" failed, Hey! 24" notebook would be a success.

 

There are no drivers other than for Lightscribe. Generic windows 7 driver is all that there is as far as the drive's operation.

So that means it's some other issue.

Likely it's the software you're trying to record/burn with. What are you trying to do and what software are you using?

 

Ordinarily I'd say if it ain't broke don't fix it. But the improvement with updated drivers can be dramatic depending on the game. I'm currently using 186.91. It is from Microsoft. I find it better than the 186.81 from Nvidia. I'm passing on the 195.xx drivers until they fix the brightness issue and the occasional lock in 3D mode while not using 3D or in desktop which raises the temp.

You can find links to the drivers here: http://www.rage3d.com/BOARD/showthread.php?t=33952123

In any event, you may need to use the Have disk method. you can find a tutorial here:

http://forums.laptopvideo2go.com/topic/11997-have-disk-method-for-windows-7-vista/

 

As 2.0 said, there is no "newer" firmware, and none on HP's site...go figure It's an LG make, GSA-T20L model drive. I had several problems with this drive once I started messing with Win7 beta, which continued to my full retail 7; wouldn't read certain discs, wouldn't record, blah, blah. Anyway, I could get it to do something temporarily by cleaning, but ultimately got a new one. Wife had same problem with a different LG drive in HP lappie.

Got us both a Sony Optiarc AD-7950-A here: http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Optiarc-AD-7590A-01-Slim-Drive/dp/B001TOD5GM/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_2

I can't say for sure, but it seems that anyone that starts to have issues with certain LG drives, never really get them back to working well, if at all. Believe me, I did exhaustive research on this drive trying to find a fix. Didn't sweat it on wife's when hers went bad, just jumped right in to the Sony.

Good luck with yours, but if you decide you need to get a new one and don't need to go Blu-ray, I highly recommend this Sony drive. Pops right in, bezel fits perfectly, and loads right up. And it is quieter, smoother ,and faster than the stock one.

 

@dv7t

You do not find this version? (HW Monitor 1.09)

Here is a link for the 32bit and 64bit.
I confirm the exact temperature readout compared to newer versions.
(about 3 degrees C higher and thus identical to, for example, CoreTemp)

Nevertheless, I continue to warn against the improper use.
In certain environments can lead to overheating of the GPU and CPU.
This has nothing to do directly with this version, special affects all versions.

I often tried to explain it, my English is enough for this but not enough.
HwMonTray automatic start is only possible with UAC turned off.
This is not recommended for everyone.

And here's a link to other older programs of this page.

To clone the way, I use the Paragon Hard Disk Manager, and the third way. Best results by HDX9200 to HDX9300. Only the TV tuner would not work then (other hardware).
This was on DRM, and was quickly fixed.

The third way at this time because I had problems with the BD drive.
Luckily, I had but a boot from Paragon system to USB.

 

thanks for input. so can you confirm, 2.0, that it only works at startup with uac disables?

also, what he is saying about not safe in all environments, can you explain this to me 2.0, thanks a lot.


lastly i went to find older versions for download on their site, but could not find them for download.

i am looking for portable version (standalone) for 1.09
also 2.0, edit....hwmon works when i manually click it so forget what i said about it doing nothing.

 

I told you sent the link!
This is the portable version (standalone) for 1.09.
Here again individually 32bit and 64bit. EDIT: In Internet Explorer, confirm the download in the information bar.

2.0 you can not explain the warning, he took me to this day do not understand themselves.

 

Couldn't tell you since I never ran UAC on. Perhaps therein may be your answer.

No, can't satisfactorily explain it since I never encountered a single problem on both HDX's running HWmonitor since June 2008. Not even with overclocked GPUs for more than a year now. And as you know, my HDX's have always been trouble free.

If need be, the fans will kick into high. HWmonitor does NOT prevent them from doing so.

The good news is, you can always check your temps during or right after stressing the system and can audibly listen to the fans to see if there is any issue. You will find that there is none.

Ricki linked to them. The first link in his post.

 

@2.0 and dv7t

Others work with the UAC and do not know their system to 100%.
And that's where the problem is before I warn.
UAC should work for most users, however, remain on.

The overheating can not occur with you because you have UAC turned off.
Including works HwMonTray "hardware monitor" so constantly on your system and boot from. Here's an overheating is not possible.

Will gladly give a detailed explanation in German. For English it is too complicated. (just like Powermizer)

 

@2.0
Hello 2.0
You Used IE8?
If so, can you confirm that after last Windows Update of IE8 "on the menu bar of IE8 Alt key (left)" is no longer accessible?
(only brief flashes)

The fixed setting on the toolbar control does work.
Other programs like this do not seem to be affected.
For example, Explorer (not IE) Media Player and LiveMessenger.

 

Left Alt key to display/toggle menu in IE8 works fine on my systems. HDXs, DV5s, TX2500.

All systems fully updated.

 

Strange ....
I also here and in all three systems the same error.
However, these all run on Vista. Perhaps it has to do with the OS.
Thank you for your quick response!

 

That could be it because I'm using 64bit Win7 on all systems.

The test was 32bit IE8, BTW. Just tested with 64bit IE8 and it works the same as 32bit.

 

Thanks Much 2.0 and hovercraftdriver...seems to be intermittent problem, thought bad discs at first, then it worked fine with external DVD. I'm taking Hover's advice and picking up the Sony DVD. For both of you...what do you use or recomend for software as I will have to buy a new program anyway to go with it. I know Win7 has a fair program and Nero and Roxio are expensive, any suggestions,...from anybody? Thanks, people of the Dragon

 

sorry thanks. it looked like a setup file. i'm being blonde blonde this week.

 

has anyone found an updated driver for the ATI Mobility Radeon 2600 series? I have checked ATI's site, and they say they don't update drivers for that series, and that it's up to the OEM.. and when checking HP, I finally located a driver, but it's dated 2007, same as my current driver.

 

Vista? Win7?

Assuming you have Vista since Win7 v9.9 drivers for HD2xxx series is on their website.

You can use mobility modder to mod desktop ones into mobile ones.

http://www.hardwareheaven.com/modtool.php

Or you can do a google search for "catalyst 9.9 Vista 32/64 HD2600". Likely someone has modded it already using the above tool. May have even modded v10.1 by now.

 

I don't use the drive that much and when I do, I use the avail win7 tools. Haven't had a problem with those tools or the Vista ones. But then again, I only burn iso or use DVD/RW like a hard disk for archival.

 

64bit Vista.. thanks for the tips

 

Cool thanks. Bookmarked. Thank you! A MINI DVD/RW? Why Mini?

 

If people can handle a 27 inch iMac and they sell well, a 30 inch retractable GScreen, Eurocom can make heavy powerhouse DTR notebooks (what they used for Avatar and what many graphic artists and engineers use), why not 20-24 inches especially if the screens are getting thinner, power efficient, and they can make them with lighter components possibly?

 

Why Mini? Fits nicely in my desk drawer.

 

Because it's not a notebook and is no more portable than a 24" All in One computer.

And specifically because large "notebooks" have ALWAYS lost money. Going larger is certainly not going to make it profitable. The hottest selling notebooks have been 14"-15". 17" -18" do sell but not nearly as well.

Also, the price and weight of a 24-27" portable computer (to call it a notebook is crazy) even with a lighter screen (which doesn't make all that much of a difference because the weight lost in the screen will more than be made up in the materials necessary for rigidity) would exceed the price of a more powerful ll in one or desktop computer.