*HP dv8 Owners Lounge*

Here's the entire sequence (not just my reply out of its context):

Then, I was lost, and still am, by this:

When I installed that entire update (long before you were involved), it did NOT update my driver from 4.0.2.1 to 4.0.6.1 yet you seem to say it will.

Lastly, after following your procedure, to the point where I have driver 4.0.2.1 and software 3.10.1.7, pointing the driver update to the accelerometer.inf file in the extracted sp48272, the system returns "you already have the latest version of the driver" and leaves it at 4.0.2.1 and will not update it.

When I run the accelerometerST.exe command, it returns no error, in fact, leaves just a blank screen with command entry line. Means what?

 

There's no reason for me to respond individually to your quotes, I reread what I had posted yesterday and I will admit I definitely got waaay to ahead of myself. I was excited that it worked and wrote that out all too quickly and did contradict myself in several places. That said, let me try again:


Like I said in the earlier post, my theory is the newest driver 4.0.6.1 is not compatible with the newest software 4.0.5.1. In fact it won't even run for some unknown reason unless nothing has been altered which is the case on my personal dv8t - I have both the newest software/driver and 1 primary hdd from HP with all partitions in original state so I am excluded for whatever reason....

The problem seems to occur after something is changed - whether the partition is altered, the hdd isn't primary, etc. This was the case on the dv8t I had in my office, his was doing exactly the same as yours. I figured out that his worked and showed supported on either drive (only 1 drive, but I could even change the 'supported' drive whether I picked the primary or secondary). I'll just recap what needs to happen as I said earlier I see that I contradicted myself.

SP47282 DOES NOT contain the correct driver, my apologies. You must obtain that driver yourself, it is 4.0.6.1 - I have it if anyone needs it, but it is readily available several places. You do however need the old software 3.10.1.7 for this to work (or have a chance to).

1.) Uninstall everything with driveguard. Restart
2.) Install the software version 3.10.1.7 Restart
3.) I removed the driver only (after disabling) on his machine and rebooted again, but this may not be necessary, idk. In any case you have to manually force the driver upon the old software. To load it, just go to device manger > right click > update driver software > Browse my computer for driver software > Let me pick from a list of device drivers > click have disk > Browse > navigate to where the driver is saved (notice how it auto fills in .inf) and it should load and state the drive as supported.

^ This is exactly how I got his to work.

 

I have the newest driver (4.0.6.1) and the newest software (4.0.5.1) and my primary (and only) drive (HP installed and never re-formatted) shows as supported so the conclusion I draw from that is that there is no "incompatibility." That said, the steps posted by Woods3336 may still work.

I just wish I knew what the magic thing was that makes a drive appear as supported so I could help those of you who can't get it to show up as supported.

 

Now I think I understand better. I'll give it another try later today. Believe it or not, I appreciate your taking time to respond to all this. I know when I'm confused and so I just respond to yours to explain why and hope you come back and explain better. THANKS!

 

Are you saying to disable the Mobile Protection Device in the Device Manager? I noticed that I did not have an option to disable this device (via device manager) on my machine. When I uninstall it and reboot, Windows automatically reinstalls drivers for the device. Is this supposed to happen in the scenario you described?

 

That's certainly what happened for me, too. After rebooting twice, I went ahead and updated the driver to 4.0.6.1 but my drives are still "unsupported" in version 3.10.1.7 of DriveGuard.

 

My experience with HP printers is limited to the Officejet series of ink jets, but I have quite a lot of experience with them. Overall, they work quite well - good quality and I have not experienced paper jams, etc. They consume ink at about the same rate as others, neither high nor low. They tend to be pretty cheap, especially with perpetual sales, promotions, coupons, etc. I actually think their basic software for printing, scanning, faxing, etc works pretty well, but all hell can break loose if you are using a wifi connected printer that is malfunctioning (see below).

Note: do not get the j4680 series of wireless printers. They just plain suck, for so many reasons, I can't begin to list. Stay away! They lose their connections to the router daily and then the software stops working and it takes hours to reset and reinstall. It cannot be fixed, just re-done each time.

I have had very *good* experience with the 6500 series, wireless and wired. My only complaint with these is that they are noisy. Not so noisy as to interfere with talking, but irritating if you are trying to think/work in peace and a long print job is running.

Final point: regardless how you feel about HP Computer Support, the Printer Division (entirely separate) is about 5 levels WORSE than the home/ho computer division. I eventually got them to replace a clearly defective printer (the j4680) under wtty, (with a brand new 6500 series, which is working fine) but in the end I decided: no more HP printers unless I am prepared to donate them to charity and get new ones if ever they should break! I will not call HP Customer/tech support, ever. Truly.

 

I've had pretty good luck with a Canon all in one laser printer, scanner, fax, copier. Nice to have all those functions in one compact device. The monochrome models provide a lower per page printing cost, if you can get by w/o color and don't need a photo type printer. The laser printers have lower consumables costs than the ink jet type.

 

Can somebody confirm or deny if the Dv8 has an s/pdif output? I've seen that most spec sheets say it has 'two headphone jacks', but some say it has 'two headphone jacks, one with s/pdif'.

 

I see no indication of S/PDIF ports on my Dv8t. Here's a link to a useful guide for Maintenance and Service - it shows most of what's actually in one of these laptops:
http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c01910942.pdf

 

The SSD that came with my DV8t is the Samsung MMDOE56G5MXP-0VBH1 which has the firmware VBM1AH1Q. This firmware does NOT support the TRIM function in Windows 7. Samsung released an updated TRIM capable firmware but since this is an OEM machine that firmware wont work with the DV8t. So considering the poor driver support from HP on this product I decided to contact them via email to find out if they will be releasing the new firmware. Below is their response:

" At this moment I would like to inform you that, the HP has release TRIM firmware update for HP Business Model notebook. However, HP also planning to release TRIM firmware update for Entertainment and Consumer Notebook. Once it released they will notify through Emails and HP alerts on the notebook."

So there you have it.

 

Well, even though their grammar is deficient, at least they are planning on making the update available. Btw, it might be possible to install the update for the business models on the DV8. I don't have an SSD so can't say for sure.

 

I thought of that too and I haven't been able to find it on the Business Laptop Support site...still looking.

 

My Samsung SSD has the same model number and its firmware is version VBM1801Q.

I found a guide for performing the Business firmware upgrade to allow TRIM to work under Win7. Haven't studied it enough to see if it will work on a Dv8t. Here's the link:

http://www.samsung.com/global/busin...flash/ssd/2008/down/FirmwareDownloadGuide.pdf

Firmware download is at:
http://www.samsung.com/global/business/semiconductor/products/flash/ssd/2008/down/DSRD_2_1_0.zip

 

I installed the Crystal Disk Info utility and as part of the hard drive info it shows the functionality the drive supports. If a feature is not supported then its grayed out, and "TRIM" is.
http://crystalmark.info/download/index-e.html

 

Yes, I found that also when I was looking into info on my SSD yesterday. The Guide in the link of my previous post answered my question about which firmwares support TRIM and which, like mine do not.

http://www.samsung.com/global/busine...nloadGuide.pdf

Perhaps, using the links in my previous post should provide the tools that will let us change the firmware and allow that "TRIM" support to un-gray that "TRIM" indicator.

Tomorrow, I'll try updating my SSD firmware to version VBM1901Q that will support TRIM.

 

Using the firmware thats on the Samsung site is tricky and hit or miss. See comments in this forum http://forums13.itrc.hp.com/service...47627+1271482011385+28353475&threadId=1411167

Also, my understanding is that Samsung provides the firmware to HP who then has to make tweaks, test etc, to ensure it works properly.

 

I wish I knew what the 'magic' thing was too, I'm still stumped on that part...

 

Yes, Windows will auto install the driver, but it is a moot point as you're going to update the driver manually anyway...

To disable go to Control Panel > Hardware & Sounds > HP 3D Driveguard > Options > Disable

 

You're welcome PMorgan, I'm sure trying to help. I do want to apologize again for my confusing steps - I know I probably made it worse for everyone

Try it again and see where you get, I hope it works for you. Like Pae77 was saying, I'm still looking for some 'magic' thing to tie it together - but there doesn't appear to be anything in the registry which is where I thought it would be for sure....

 

Yes, I think your concern is justified. Caution should be the watchword here.

It seems the principal issue is finding a machine which can properly perform the firmware update and many machines won't work and, presumably, some leave the SSD inoperable.

I suspect that HP is not working on tweaking the firmware itself (their current firmware on their SSD is not custom for HP) but, rather, needs to make their "version' of a firmware update package so that it will perform the upgrade on their Dv7 and Dv8 laptops.

In my case, I have at least 3 other PCs with sata support to try this on and I believe that, if I get it updated, it will work properly in my Dv8t.

 

Bios version F. 21 was released today.

 

Yep!
I saw that on the Drivers thread but it was unclear whether it was for Dv8. Justin only answered a few minutes ago and confirmed it was for Dv8.

Do you know what it is supposed to address?

 

The Bios update has something to do with a fan diagnostic and message at startup. I took the plunge and installed it . . . w/o incident (fortunately).

My Mighty Bright LED light for illuminating the keyboard showed up today. It's very cool and just about perfect for this application. It's also a great little light, like a mini portable desk light that looks like it will be very useful for other things as well. The thin adjustable "goose neck" it has is very flexible and stable so it can easily be perfectly positioned to throw light across the keyboard without creating any unpleasant glare. I got the one that was bundled with the optional AC adapter since it was only an extra ~$5 if purchase together. I can't wait for it to get dark tonight so I can experience no more squinting at the keyboard and having to guess where the keys are! I again thank the person who recommended this solution several pages back.

I decided to order a Zalman ZM NC2000 (silver) laptop cooling base for ~$55 with free shipping from Amazon. This mostly aluminum unit is designed to handle notebooks up to 20 inches, has extremely favorable reviews, has continuously adjustable fan speed, is powered by USB, and is supposed to be almost inaudible, (especially if not run at the highest fan speed). I mainly got it so that the noisier internal laptop fan won't have to come on so often. But it also should help extend the longevity of most of the internal components.

 

I had considered getting the Zalman but my DV8t runs so cool that I don't think I'll need it after all.

 

I just bit the bullet and upgraded to F. 21. No issues. Except I didn't know I could hold my breath that long!

 

Glad it went well. Thanks for the info. Fan diagnostic sounds potentially worthwhile.

You've been a busy boy! Glad the light works for you - hope the cooling base meets your expectations.

 

I have downloaded it but haven't gotten up the nerve to do the upgrade. Not convinced it's worth the risk.

 

Naw...Hope others find it easier now that 'we' have sorted it out for them...

I've said it before but it bears repeating. I think it's something like an encrypted drive ID string in a file in the HP Tools partition somewhere.

 

Without diverting this thread, the problem I had was that the scanner would not save settings, it always went back to defaults.. forcing two scans with each and every sheet of paper if you needed to scan at any other setting or resolution than default.
Seems many others had the same issue with no resolution that I found..
I was within one day of my 14 days and I gave up and took it back.

Now I'm looking for another.. possibly a
PIXMA MX870 Wireless or


PIXMA MP990

I like the
HP Officejet Pro 8500

But I'm nervous the software will be a cousin to the 6500 and have the exact same issue.

 

I've been on the road today... and worked all day yesterday.. just getting caught up on the last 4 pages...

Phil.. do I gather you guys figured it out?
It wasnt' clear as to whether you hdd is not recognized or not.

Also, Did you upgrade your SSD firmware?

I think mine already has trim..... I can't remember the command to type but I did it last week and it reported mine as working.

Not sure what firmware I'm running for my SSD.

I am interested to know if and how you got your hardrive to be recognized by the 3D software.

 

I know what you mean. They do run pretty cool, especially considering the quad core CPU that's in there. But what I don't like is how noisy the internal fan gets that when the temps warm up with any modest load that kicks the CPU temp up to somewhere around 64-67 (forget exactly what temp atm). I'm probably overly sensitive to it and what bothers me probably wouldn't bother most people. But the internal fan is nice and quiet when the DV8 is idling at its normal ~62 or so, and I'm hoping that the Zalman (with it's allegedly almost silent fans) will enable the DV8 to spend more time below the threshold temp that causes the internal fan to speed up and get louder.

So, hopefully, it will help keep the machine running quieter for me.

 

I guess you have just scanned the topics ... not read them carefully as the results are in there - prego!

To recap - The software and drivers are now compatible. Still have to find what is lost when the drives are reformatted since that prevents the driver from seeing the drive as an HP-drive (so it'll tell the 3D DriveGuard that the drive is supported) as I originally stated.

I decide to hold off on the update for the firmware - read the links in several responders and found the current odds of success are very low - about 1 in 5 with risks of 'bricking' the SSD about 1 in 3. Too dangerous for me to risk my expensive SSD!

Get CrystalDiskInfo online and install it. It provides you with Firmwares, Serial Numbers, Model Numbers, Standards supported (like TRIM) and performance behaviors. Then you can confirm your firmware and support for TRIM.

 

Thanks Phil for giving me the meltdown.. sorry don't have a ton of time this eve...at a hotel with the wife!

 

I understand ...

 

Hey thanks for the info, i appreciate it!

 

Phil, Am I reading this correctly? Did you solve the 3d DriveGuard problem? Is your drive now showing as supported?

 

FWIW, most people consider our dv8's to be hot runners. Not hot enough to shut themselves down under even moderately intense gaming, but always hotter than is good for the entire internals, much less the cpu and gpu. If you are gaming or watching hi def video for an hour or more, your cpu and gpu on the dv8 will get into the hi 79s to low 80s (if yours don't, please let me know, and I will find out what's wrong with mine!) and while that's well below their threshold (100), the radiant heat inside the machine will cook everything else and, from many articles I have read, take potentially *years* off the life of the notebook - ie, major component failures, too expensive to replace.

I had the Zalman and loved the quality, but it has a problem for the dv8: air vents end before the hottest part of the dv8 - bottom back left - so much a problem that if you look up the cooler on Youtube, you can find how-to videos on sawing off the legs of the Zalman, then reversing it (so the air hits the back of the computer underside) and propping something under the "back" of the Zalman, which is the former front, lol, just so you can get the airflow and slope, but in reverse because most of the airflow out of the Zalmans is towards the front of the bottom. Truly, I think this is nuts, and pretty comical - it's not *that* good a cooler to go through all of that!

Choosing against the "mod" I refer to above, I switched and got better cooling than the Zalman - 10-15* C vs. 5-10 (on cpu and gpu) from the Zalman. I have been using a Targus chill matt AW 19 http://www.amazon.com/Targus-AWE19U...p/B001V9LQ9I/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics and, though a bit noisier than the Zalman, and plastic, so not as long lasting, it has all the same features (4 USBs, three speed switch) and costs 1/3 as much. No one would choose it over the Zalman on appearance or durability, or even noise, but it sure does a great job of cooling, has adjustable "legs" in the back to give you the slope that is good for typing and also creates great airflow under the machine, and you can buy 3 for the price of one Zalman.

(Sorry for the diatribe, I have a thing about coolers. I'm getting better though, lol!)

 

My bias tells you to try the Pixma and report back. However, there *is* a way to save individual scan settings on the 6500 and have them stay for re-use - I do it all the time, though I did struggle with it for a while before figuring out the trick. It's moot for your 6500 if you returned it, but maybe not if you want the 8500 - I'll be glad to give you specifics if you want to go that route. I would suggest the Cannon anyway. I hear they are good printers, but a little more complex to set up than HP's. Good luck!

 

I may do just that I'm gonna wait till I'm back from vacation so I don't needlessly waste and burn up days to test before I can't take back anymore.

My DV8T doesn't run hot....its just not "cool" in thea left upper corner.
I expect it to have some heat because there has to be some heat.

I guess If I clocked up my video or something else, I would want the fan running constantly, but I really don't see an issue.

I think there must have been issues in the past, otherwise I can't imagine people complaining.

If youre playing heavy games I could see not wanting the heat to get out of hand.

As far as the printer, I"ve had HP printers for years, but I would certainly need to know a definate fix before I went and got another. The tech support is a joke.... I knew better than to even bother calling based on others reports.

I may just try the cannon. Costco has the 870 and the 990 is supposed to be the cats meow.... humm

 

PAE: really glad the Mighty Brite worked for you. I love it - though not as much as a lighted keyboard, lol. As for the Zalman, if you already ordered it, please do post review. I was responding to someone quoting you earlier and went into my diatribe about coolers and Zalmans, but I didn't realize it was you they were quoting. I have a rather, ahem, strong view about laptop coolers - having tried like, 10! - but do note the issue of where the Zalman has air vents and where the dv8 gets hot. If you get good results, I'll try it again, because the Targus is cheap looking and a bit noisy. (Though I am convinced: more air current - more noise - better cooling) Good luck!

 

I'm sorry but I think you read it incorrectly. Woods3336 has been asserting that the latest HP 3D DriveGuard software was incompatible with the latest DriveProtection driver. To test that assertion, I rolled back the software and then updated to the newest driver. I had difficulties doing that and my post that you quoted was to report that THAT procedure was successful and the software and driver "played well together."

I reiterated my belief that my drive remains "unsupported" because of a file (containing a key to validate its HP origins) hidden on HPTools partition so readers would NOT think that getting the software and drivers working together, though necessary, was in any way related to getting my drive to be accepted as "supported". Your question shows that my effort to avoid that very misunderstanding was unsuccessful.

Hope it's clear now.

 

I echo his comment on the running cool behavior of my Dv8t. I have the SSD primary which generates less heat (about one quarter as much as a 500Gb mechanical drive) and I'm careful to ensure that the Dv8t has at least 1/2 inch clearance around the vents (underside) in the upper left corner.

With these two things, I run my Dv8t for 6-8 hours at a time (including software installations and running intensive benchmark software) and never see temps above 60C.

The Mighty Bright LED sounds very neat. Where can I find the detailed specs and photos of it?

 

I'm still wondering what the purpose of running "AccelerometerST.exe" from a command prompt was intended to show or do? Can you explain why you recommended that be run?

 

Has anyone been able to locate HP's version of the firmware update for the Business Model notebook? I located the Samsung firmware on their Business notebook site (and posted those links here earlier) but I haven't been able to locate the HP derivative so I can download it and review/evaluate it.

 

Here is the Mighty Brite selection: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=mighty+brite&x=16&y=25 I first discovered it made a great dv8 keyboard light after getting it for my Kindle.

I don't know how you get such low temp readings on your dv8! Mine goes routinely into high 60's to low 70s after 15 mins running video or games. With the cooler, It does fine. I haven't measured with the notebook propped up, but no cooler. The cooler I use (Targus Chill Matt AW19) is so cheap and lowers temps 10*C and also raises the back. But it aint quiet.

But what baffles me is how anyone can find the dv8 to be "cool" when virtually all Core i7 quad laptops run hot, but HP's are synonymous for running hot. I do see how replacing the 7200 rpm HD with an SSD could make a big difference. The entire difference?

 

But which one did you get and like for your laptop keyboard light?

 

I can't answer your question definitively. I noticed that many were lamenting the temps measured on their Dv8's and recalled that mine was running much warmer before I put a support under the middle of the hinged area to lift up the back.

After I did that, my fan ran far less and temps dropped to around 60 (or upper 50's) and thought others should be told that high temps are not universal with Dv8's.

No doubt it's a significant amount , IMHO, since SSD uses 1/10 of the power of an HDD and efficiently does most of the "heavy lifting" when software is loaded and the OS performs. Besides, whenever I open the "T" cover on the bottom over the drives, I notice that my HDD is quite warm while the SSD is not. I'm sure that the i-7 CPU is a major factor in thermal issues, the dual HDD systems are significant (and probably the reason that HP won't allow them to be used in RAID array when they'd both run at the same time).

 

Mine is called the "Kindle Version" It provides more than enough light to cover the entire keyboard deck. Their are others, with two separate lights, but I think that would be overkill and use more power. I'm not aware of any that run on USB.

 

That all sounds ok, except there's been a lot written about the quad core cpu in a laptop causing a lot of radiant heat. I have also heard that raising the computer to allow air circulation underneath makes a big difference. Outside of eliminating the HDD, it's probably the most important thing. Since I have the HdD for now, the cooler is taking care of the rest. Are u measuring temps inside the case or just of the cpu and gpu?

My overall sense is that HP notebooks have a long reputation for running hot and dying young, so I am trying to keep it running cool for as many of its running hours as possible, so it lasts me more than a year!