*HP dv8 Owners Lounge*

Wow, get this. HP came through.

Emailed Tech Support and was told (in short version):
"Yes, the dv8t is supposed to ship with DDR3 1333mhz. We are sorry that you received ddr3 1066mhz. Please contact HP Shopping (?) and they will fix this issue for you"

 

They are terrible.

My first and last thing i buy from HP.

 

Great News! I called HP support, got a great guy named Ralph, he was able to confirm I have the wrong speed Ram. Had me download an application called SIW.EXE, much better than cpu-z by the way. It confirmed I had the wrong ram. They are sending out a replacement Fed-EX.

Just a side note, he first had me open the pc and read the part number off the ram, it is the correct part number sticker, just on the wrong ram. Be warned. I took the chip out and read that is said PC3-8500, that is when he had me download the program to confrim.

Again that program is SIW.exe, shows tons of info, form all hardware to software, check it out.

GOOD LUCK!!!!

 

NICE! glad they're fixing the issue for you too. Guess there IS someone with a pulse at HP. lol

 

Wow. I hope they're taking care of this for you.

Thanks for that info about the program, it has TONS of info!

 

Great program. Definitely useful to put on my keychain USB flash drive. Never know when I'll need it! REP POINT for you!

 

Well if anyone is curious about HP's repair process so far all is well. They received my 'defective unit' tonight so hopefully they can start fixing it tomorrow and sending it out Monday. Fingers Crossed. I'll post when I get it back how the whole thing went. Hopefully that will help the next guy nervous to send in his laptop to HP for repair.

 

Just curious, has anyone tried linux on this laptop?
I had it on my other laptop, and liked it very much and am thinking about making a partition just for it.
Not sure if I'm going to go with Ubuntu, or LinuxMint.
I like linuxmint because Ubuntu was a pain to try and get it to work on my old laptop (hardware compatibility issues), and linux mint worked right away.
I haven't been able to find anything about anyone using it for linuxmint, but I'm about to check out Ubuntu.

Just thought I'd ask here too.

 

Actually i'm trying to get support by mail from HP.

If anyone understand french and wants to laugh, i can send a copy of the mails.

After 5 mails talking about Digital Persona :

HP support : The Digital Persona version 4.11.3826 you have installed is not the right one. You must install the version 2.1.0.2 A (and they give me the link to the finger print driver)

I have allready explained wich version of driver i'm using and wich version of digital persona i'm using but they like to repeat the same things.

I'm not realy sure on who's replying, a human or just a stupid machine...

 

Anyone has tried the hard drive WESTERN DIGITAL Scorpio Blue WD10TEVT, 1.0TB?

I can't find a review with benchmarks to compare with my actual Seagate 500GB 7200.

Actualy i have my 128 GB SSD and the 500 GB Seagate but i need more space.

I would like to know the performances and reliability of this Western Digital hard drive.

Any feedback?

 

Well apparently HP fixed my computer the same day they received it. It shipped out today. I really hope that they actually fixed it.

 

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that hdd is too big to fit. I thought I remember reading somewhere that certain size 2.5" drives were slightly bigger than the standard size?

 

I just got notice my laptop shipped this morning; 11 days ahead of schedule! The printer I ordered with the laptop is on the truck for delivery, so I'll have to go to FedEx tonight and pick it up.

Anyone have an idea of when I should expect to see my laptop, given that I live near Portland, OR? I'm hoping it'll be here by next weekend...

 

Does anyone know where it says on HP's site that the RAM in the dv8t is 1333MHz? I just received my dv8t today; it arrived with DDR3 1066MHz flavored RAM. I called HP and they just seemed confused. I started looking for the specs on their site to point out to them what I was talking about, and I couldnt find any specs for the RAM on their site. Now I'm starting to think I imagined the whole thing.

 

The 1333MHz spec RAM shows up on my shipment confirmation:

YOUR CUSTOMIZED HP PC

dv8t quad edition
• Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-720QM Processor (1.6GHz, 6MB L2 Cache, 1333MHz FSB) w/Turbo Boost up to 2.8 GHz​

It also shows the same spec of RAM if you go to HP's website and look at the specs for the laptop.

I guess the RAM is one of the first items I will be inspecting when my laptop shows up...

 

The tracking information is finally showing up on FedEx's website, and it's scheduled for delivery next Thursday! I think that's pretty fast, considering it's coming all the way from China. I can't wait to get it!!!

 

Thanks SHOpar. That’s what I thought too. There was a language barrier between myself and the person I was speaking with, and he seemed to think that figure (1333MHz FSB) was irrelevant to the RAM. He just kept saying DDR3 was correct over and over. A “case manager” is supposed to be calling me back within 48 hours. Hopefully I get somewhere.

 

I wonder what bios you get with the new and improved laptop.

 

lol mine came back with a dv6 board and F.13 bios. i still dont know what to say about that

 

You are correct. The 1TB drive will NOT fit.

 

I checked yesterday puting a regular drive and a piece of plastic to make it 12mm and it fited (without the caddy).

Maybe you can't put it with the caddy but without, i'm sure you can.

I don't use the caddy for my SSD hard drive. I just taped it with double sided tape (for carpet) and i don't have any problem doing like that.

I taped (with the same double sided tape) my keyboard too because i didn't like how it moves when i push some keys...

 

Well, hurry out and buy that drive and tell us all how well it works!

 

This is what i was asking. How well it works and some feedbacks about reliability.

 

I received mine today. Shipped on the 25th with a promise date of today. Left Shanghia to Anchorage, Alaska to Newark, NJ to my house in the North East. You being on the west coast may see a day sooner than I did.

I just fired it up and began making system image and recovery disks now.

 

Don't be surprised if you get it on Tuesday. Mine shipped on a Friday with and estimated Thursday arrival. I received it on Tuesday.

 

Did anyone get the HP 90W Air/Auto/AC Adapter? I bought one to use as my travel power supply. In the bag with the power brick, there are two red plastic and brass pins that have square bodies and round ends. They are a little over 1/2" long. Does anyone know what these things are? They are not in any of the documentation that came with the PS.

 

That is the FSB, not the ram

 

Btw, the Mobile Core i7s we get don't have a front side bus =D it's faster than a front side bus will ever be- we have DMIs(Direct Media Interfaces) instead

 

Hey there, after reading all the 223 pages and searching the web for a solution, i'm still in the dark.

I got this laptop beginning of December. Core i7 720, 8gb 10600, 1TB 7200, BD rom, w7 home prem 64.
The problem:
Since day one, with the laptop in its original configuration, I have a darker portion of the screen when I play any video files, any DVD or BD with any video player (wmp, media smart DVD, media player classic, winDVD9 etc..).I see a darker stripe on the top part of the screen, horizontal and from side to side of the player. This area of the screen is darker when the player (regardless which) is in full screen mode and the background is of light color, such as a light blue sky (I see it all the time but particularly with those colors), on the reduced size I do not notice the area so much. The laptop display is not effected, all the windows, desktop, anything is clear (also in the bios). I can see perfect picture with whatever comes from my camcorder, HD or SD as well. It looks to me that I have some sort of windows 7 video codec corruption, what do you think.
I wrote to HP support about this, don’t even ask…
Those are the steps taken so far:
1. Reinstall video driver
2. Update bios to F15 (not sure why I did it but hey…)
3. Upgrade video driver to Nvidia 8.17.11.9562 (195.62)
4. Remove all hp media smart SW and replace with the same downloaded from the web site
5. Checked in the bios (just to be sure it’s not HW related) and the problem is not there

What I think? This machine was shipped with somewhat defective windows video codecs. The following files:
c:\windows\system32\iyuv_32.dll Microsoft Corporation OK C:\Windows\system32\IYUV_32.DLL 6.1.7600.16385 52,50 KB (53.760 Byte) 14/07/2009 07:06
c:\windows\system32\msrle32.dll Microsoft Corporation OK C:\Windows\system32\MSRLE32.DLL 6.1.7600.16385 15,50 KB (15.872 Byte) 14/07/2009 07:18
c:\windows\system32\msvidc32.dll Microsoft Corporation OK C:\Windows\system32\MSVIDC32.DLL 6.1.7600.16385 37,50 KB (38.400 Byte) 14/07/2009 07:18
c:\windows\system32\msyuv.dll Microsoft Corporation OK C:\Windows\system32\MSYUV.DLL 6.1.7600.16385 24,00 KB (24.576 Byte) 14/07/2009 07:06
c:\windows\system32\tsbyuv.dll Microsoft Corporation OK C:\Windows\system32\TSBYUV.DLL 6.1.7600.16385 14,00 KB (14.336 Byte) 14/07/2009 07:06

I downloaded these DLL’s from the web and tried to replace in folder system32 but the OS won’t let me. Didn’t know that What is it, a violation of copyrights? Anyway, got the message that I need authorization from TrustedIstaller (??)
OK, I’m in the dark, anybody there really competent with some better ideas?

Thanks in advance, cheers
marco

 

Download a copy of windows 7, links are on previous page of this forum, reinstall it and use your windows7 serial on the bottom of the laptop. That would definitely clear up any defects in windows 7,

 

That's gonna be my very last resort. I was wondering is there was a way to refresh the windows video codec. Anyone?

 

Try using VLC player. It use his own codec to play medias.

Just to see if it's a question of codecs.

I think that the best thing to do is a clean install.

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

I just fixed my issue with my finger print reader... using drivers from... Acer.

What a joke.

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


*** To delete or modify a file owned by trusted installer you have to become the owner of the file.

Just right clic on the file, properties, security, advanced, owner, edit. Then change the owner and close the advanced security settings window, clic on the edit button (properties, security) and change the user rights).

Now you can delete or edit the file (or folder)***

 

check out xdntweaker, you can add the option to right click > Take Ownership

 

I had a different experience. My RAM is DDR3 1066MHz. After 3+ hours of being transferred, re-explaining, and being disconnected, my options were to exchange the dv8t and wait another month (my first order took a month to process) or accept an $80.00 credit on my credit card. They couldn't guarantee which speed RAM would be installed in my system if I exchanged it, so there was a chance I would wait a month and get the same thing back. I took the $80.00 refund. They specify 1333 FSB, but they don't specify the RAM speed, technicalities. RAM speed seems to be luck of the draw. I could not get them to send me replacement RAM because the RAM I received was "not defective." A disappointing experience for my first personal HP purchase. If you manage to get your RAM echanged without returning the laptop try to get that tech's direct contact info and let us know

 

Thanks for the advise, i changed the file attributes and substitutues the 5 dll of microsoft video codec but nothing. back to square 1. now downloading VLC player, if I find that stripe there i really wouldn't know what to think. it's not HW, it's not the codec, what is it Ill give you my feedback after the test. Anyway thanks you all for the answers, so far i'm learning new ways of screwing with my laptop

 

damm!!!!!!! I see the stripe in VLC as well!!!!! So, recap:
no stripe in the bios, no stripe in external monitor, no stripe in reduced size player (just in full screen mode)-
The stripe is an horizontal discoloration darker area that, in full screen mode it presents its selfe just following the disappearing of the player control bar from the screen (like the upper part of the screen is sentive to what the bottom part is doing) and i said screen but i mean the player screen. it's like the video driver cannot resolve the color/contrast/brightness in that particular portion of the screen in full view.
IDEAS please

 

this link brings me to a media center lunch button fix (??) Mayve i can try that for my problem, you never know with this machine

 

First off: $80 off is pretty generous. Most times when you CTO, if there is an option for 1066 vs. 1333, the difference is usually $25 or so.

Next time something like this happens: the RULE is always - call back and talk to someone else. Also, the big thing is to make sure they check their parts section which lists ONLY 1333mhz ram. (another also) - You should email tech support and get a service ticket number first (imo)

Yesterday I ordered a new dv8t and figured it would have the 1333mhz ram. However, I figured I should call in myself and get the ram just in case. Took about an hour, but they're shipping it out to me and will be here in a couple of days. I just have to send back the other ram and they took my cc info down as collateral.

The reason why I started to look into all this was:
1) When I ordered, I was told it would be 1333mhz and not 1066 mhz.
2) If you check the parts website, it only lists 1333mhz
3) I haven't checked it yet, but I'd bet the dv7t and lower use 1066mhz.

Sure, it's hit or miss. It will also probably cause a "backlash" effect of sorts, and they'll probably stop doing this. Make sure you're not saying "I 'want' PC310600 ram" and instead (after you email and get a reply back) - "I wasn't sure about my ram speed, so I emailed tech support. I know other places like sony include the better ram. I found this out by going to HP Support Assistant, Clicking on troubleshoot and then specs. I verified this by opening up the back, and seeing "Samsung PC38500." I just wanted to make sure instead of wasting your time. A friend of mine has the same computer and when we checked his, it says "Samsung PC310600." We checked the parts website, and the only model you have for the dv8t is in fact the PC310600."

(something like that)

Be VERY patient. They don't have anything like this straight away in their system. Also, the person you'll be talking with will be a level 1 tech most likely, and they all see ddr3 as being created equal. Go slow, and explain. I found it better to go straight to tech support when I called in then to sales, who are even more clueless. The lady I spoke with last night was extremely helpful (slow, but very helpful) - talked with sales for me. Talked with her friend next to her to research which ram I was supposed to get. Called over a supervisor to okay the order, etc. I didn't get her name though (got off the phone at 2am).

Try if you want, be very nice, and see what happens. If it feels like you're not getting anywhere, try calling again.

 

Sometimes, you can change thousand of keys in the registry, you can update everything and the problem still.

In this case, the only thing to do is a reinstall. It take maybe 1 hour to save your files, 1 hour to reinstall windows and 1 hour to reinstall all your programms and files. But hopefully, your issue is fixed.

Then you'll have a clean install and will be very happy to run your computer faster.

 

Thats my signature, this is xdntweaker
http://xenomorph.net/?page_id=336

 

It almost sounds to me that you are describing a letterbox mode where a normal 4:3 picture is stretched to fit the width of a 16:9 screen. Can you post a sceen capture of what you're seeing?

 

i received mine with f.13

I got something like that for my phone, as it's a world phone (can be used in other countries and has a sim card slot eventhough it's on verizon).
Those I believe are the other plugs for like europe and other non UnitedStates countries.

Or use the attachment I provided.
It's just some registry entries. In the rar I have included the install registry .reg file, and a delete one.
here's exactly what's in the install reg, and the delete just deletes the same registry locations:

There's tons of tweaks like this at:
www.lifehacker.com
www.howtogeek.com

 

Ram speed:
I've just checked the DV8 bought here in the UK (via Amazon UK) and it's DDR3 1066MHz ram, not 1333Mhz. I used the SIW tool to check.
Having had disasterous relations with HP here in the UK, I'm not going to bother with trying to get it swapped. It would take me hours on the phone (charged per minute) and probably still only a 10% chance of success - is 1333Mhz so much better as to be worth all the hassle?

 

hmmm. that's different though. If you bought it off Amazon UK, I highly doubt HP would change anything about it. Those are mass produced (vs. CTO)

 

the f.13 bios is there because they put a dv6 mobo in your lappy

 

How can you know for sure there is a DV6 mobo in there. I have a new laptop with f13 also.

 

heheheh, sorry mate, very new to forum i go check that out

 

nop, tried but i cannot see the decoloration stripe on the screen print. But it's a native 16/9 though, for instance, ironman, blue ray. I'll have to go for a clean install but i live in maldives, they donàt have anything here and I have a very slow internet connection. i'll see what i can do.
however, just let me say that you all have been much more helpfull that the official channel and i thanks you for your time. of course, pop your thoughts if you have ideas, i'll stay tuned and let you know what happen after the clean install.

 

I don't think that is true. I had my board replaced because of the f15 bios failed. When I got mine back it looks like its an dv8 board. At least is says that in the bios.

Once thing strange on my memory is the speed. I read a lot of people mention the 1066 vs the 1333 memory speed. When I do a check on mine it shows I have 1333 memory installed, but the timing spped is set to 667mhz with PC3-10700(667mhz). The bios is really locked down and does not really show anything. I got the speeds from using siw.exe. and cpuz. Is this what you guys see?

 

Let's do a quick lesson in ram:
ddr3-1066 --> I/O Bus clock 533mhz / data transfer rate = 1066MT/s / peak transfer rate is 8533MB/s (thus, PC38500)

ddr3-1333 --> I/O Bus clock 667mhz / data transfer rate = 1333MT/s / peak transfer rate is 10667MB/s (thus, PC310600; also seen as PC310666, also as PC310700 possibly, depending if the manufacturer rounds up, down, or displays it as is)