*HP dv8 Owners Lounge*

I don't know about your GPUZ questions, but when you made the recovery disks, were they verified? Perhaps one or more of the recovery disks are corrupted. . . There is a way to trick the DV8 into allowing you to burn another set of recovery disks. I can't recall the exact instructions but it involves deleting or renaming a certain file that is normally hidden. I have done it so I know it works. If you google for it, you should be able to find the instructions on how to do it, that is, if you decide you need to burn another set of recovery disks.

 

Peter:

Thanks for the info. Actually, I don't need the hidden file hack at all. With Clonezilla I was able to get everything back and the system even popped up once asking "Do I want to run Recovery Assistant- Now, later or Never". But, I don't want to go thru the hassle of burning. Going to take it up with HP to see if they can do something about it.

Good point though.

Thanks.

 

hello everyone. i was looking to get this laptop and read through about 100 posts. i want to do hd video and photo editing, flash web design and play some games.... Is everyone here satisfied with this laptop? what are u guys using it for mainly? whats a good price to pay? Lowest i read here was 1099 that included the i7 and blu ray drive. Any tips or anything before i buy? thanks alot and i appreciate everyones posts and i have learned alot.

 

Apart from this component, ccfl lamp (backlighting) will not last for three years.

 

It will on mine. I hardly ever use the built in screen. I mostly use an external monitor and keep the built in display turned off, except when traveling.

 

Glad you were able to get a partial credit, Ben. It freaks me out that they offer these promos and but don't automatically apply them to existing, unshipped orders. Reminds me of DirectTV who does similar ads continuously it seems but they apply nothing to existing customers.

Regards,
- - Phil

 

They don't allow you to use those coupons with Bing cash back anyway. If you try to use a coupon together with Bing cash back, it may look like it's going to work when you place the order but the BCB will eventually be canceled, or so I've read.

 

Because my DV6000 Series Board gave out just a after a year old. And in fact, A TON of DV Series Notebooks had the same issue.

 

is this laptop good for editing hd videos, web design, photo editing ect..... or should i go with a mac book pro.....?

 

Thinking this may help others, here are the steps to create recovery discs after the first set is created:

* NOTE *

The files are hidden and system files, so you will not be able to see them unless you change the explorer options so they will show up.


1. Open D:\ (the recovery partition) on your hp laptop computer

2. Find and delete a file named hpdrcu.prc in D:\ drive root folder. It is present in three locations. Search and delete hpdrcu.prc.

3. Navigate to the windows folder at C:\Windows\SMINST and delete another file with the same name HPCD.SYS

4. You can now create new sets of recovery CDs or DVDs


@Undervolt:

May or may not be relevant, but RW discs are incompatible and although you can use -R media HP recommends +R. Maybe this is your culprit? Regardless, I think a call to HP with your recovery issues will net you a free set of discs. (HP has become very lenient with this practice lately imo..)

From HP:

The following is a list of features and important information about the Recovery Disc Creation program:

*Recovery Disc Creation software creates a set of system recovery discs using blank, writable DVDs (DVD-R or DVD+R). HP recommends using blank DVD+R discs. Use a name-brand label from a manufacturer you trust, as these recovery DVDs are very important. You need approximately 2 blank DVD+R discs. The Disc Creator software program states how many discs are needed at the beginning of the process.*


NOTE:Only DVD-R and DVD+R discs are compatible with the Recovery Disc Creation program. The following disc types are not compatible with the Recovery Disc Creation program:
o
CDs
o
DVD-RW
o
DVD+RW
o
DVD-R DL
o
DVD+R DL
o
DVD-RW DL
o
DVD+RW DL


Good luck

EDIT: (Adding HP Source)

Creating the Recovery Disc Set in Windows 7 - HP Customer Care (United States - English)

 

I don't do web design, but edit hd video / photos on practically a daily basis. I don't know how a mac book compares personally, but the DV8 Quad is a very powerful underrated machine imo...The graphics card (I think all will pretty much agree) could have probably used a boost, but with 8gb ram paired with i7 processor and win 7 it does the job impressively. The 1080p screen and blu-ray drive make for some impressive viewing too...

 

That is really useful information. Any time we can gain some insight into the ubiquitous and mysterious "Recovery partition" on our Dv8, it is really information I will salt away in a safe place. Thanks a lot for posting it!

Regards,
- - Phil

 

You're welcome Phil

 

Thanks for all your replies. Anybody can assist me on the GPU-Z results (OpenCL and PhysX disabled) - Could be a driver issue? and also on the Nvidia SLI?

Btw, the stock wireless card (Intel 6200AGN) is having issues when running under several linux variants. I'm planning to get a Mini USB wireless N adapater ( TRENDnet | Products | Wireless N Speed Adapters | TEW-649UB) or any other best one that gives me full 300Mbps on wireless N. Also, wanted to make sure it doesn't overheat as I have been reading in other forums. I'm no gamer at all just need it to browse the internet or watch/download media/data stuff.

Please help.

 

Re PhysX: . . . Are you running the latest nvidia driver which is forceware v. 258.96? If not, I recommend updating to it. It will provide the latest physX (as well as Cuda) driver as part of the package. It's also the best DV8 display driver currently available, imo of course. Then simply open nvidia control panel, go to the physx section and make sure Physx is enabled.

It's available on nvidia's site or on the DV8 driver page here on NBR at [Drivers] HP dv6 Gen 2 / dv7 Gen 3 / dv8 / HDX16 / HDX18 (INTEL) (in the nvidia section, obviously).

Can't offer any help with the other issues.

 

I've been looking around for ages for a high quality laptop with a large screen with the right amount of umph for video editing and it now looks like I have found one. Ordered it this evening direct from HP at a price cheaper than anywhere else in the UK with free delivery and a free printer (another printer for the loft) thrown in. Should be here in a couple of days and I just can't wait.

 

Congratulations! I really love mine and hopefully you will feel the same way about your new machine.

 

Certainly seems like the Dv8 will be the right choice. For over 7 months now, I've been using mine for video editing (Ulead) and image editing (Photoshop) and have never found it lacking in any respect! Enjoy !!

Regards,
- - Phil

 

I "third" the motion! This computer is the best kept secret in the market, and an awesome value if you buy when HP is running huge promotions, $400-500 of list plus some free or cheap upgrades. The thing about these, they have just about every feature you could possibly want for general computing, multimedia, photo and video editing, etc. It is also one of the few that has truly every port and slot you really want to have, even if you rarely use some (eg, I won't buy a laptop without an ExpressCard slot or eSATA port and you don't even have to ask if this has them.)

Only downside for anyone is if one is an avid gamer and wants high frame rates and settings for modern games. I wouldn't know from experience, but I've so often heard that the nVidia GT230 in these play many games quite well, but not the bleeding edge ones (definitely no DirectX 11) and not at nartive resolution.

Plus, this is an awesome forum. Lots of really smart, knowledgeable and helpful people (i only fit one of the three, but I'm mostly here for comic relief ) Advice: avoid debates about software, security, backing-up, drive imaging...hmm...did I miss any? That is, unless you know a lot and like to engage in spirited debate!

Seriously, you'll love the computer (I've had mine 8+ months and the only problems were self-inflicted) and you will enjoy the forum, and learn from it.

Tell us your configuration.

Best,

Jeff

 

Well said, Jeff! I'd add that they're offered with hardware (CPU, memory, HDD, SSD, etc.) that fully supports Windows 7 in all 64-bit versions so they run really well and have plenty of power for whatever you want to run under Windows 7. As stated, though, some caution is advisable if gaming were your objective as it's video is not the top end needed by some categories of games.

Regards,
- - Phil

 

Sorry I'm so stupid but mine is on auto select and I have a choice to put it on "cpu" or Gforce 230M..... which one should I choose?

 

Autoselect.

 

thanks peter

 

I have a feeling this has been discussed but I searched and couldn't find anything... sometimes my dv8t will freeze at the login screen at startup, and also freeze with a blank screen upon wake-up. i don't have time to lookup my driver & bios versions, but I think I have the second most recent bios... will post more detail later. Thanks, Falesi

 

Get the most recent bios.... just going by memory I think thats what was addressed recently... it may not be your issue but unless your running flawless... always have the latest bios.

Post # 4066:
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Just a sideline note, I'm having a kick in the pants playing with pda.net on my HTC incredible phone.
I've managed to get connected via usb tether and bluetooth tether.. works perfect!

Bluetooth was a bit tricky but as with anything else not bad once you've done it once.

My internet went down yesterday but I'm still running via my 3g connection on my phone right now!

Pretty stinkin nifty!... No more worrying if hotels have wifi connections for my laptop!

 

Sounds great, Alan. Does it involve any extra charges or phone service issues with your cell service provider?

Regards,
- - Phil

 

Thanks guys for the replies.
Now to another slight concern:

I noticed this several days back:
The USB port available on the right side of the notebook chassis is not holding devices (flash drives, Wifi adapters, etc) as tight as I see with other USB ports. For example, the USB port close to the power slot is holding the same flash drive or the Wifi adapter very tight. I have been heavily using the USB port (the not very tight one) by attaching and detaching several times every day. Did this cause this to lose its grip slightly? Do you guys see the same issue on your dv8t notebooks? Please try it and let me know.

Is this cause for concern as over a period of time might become a useless USB port and it can no longer hold a device securely?

I'm concerned.

Thanks.

 

I use Verizon... I've read some provides put a 5 gig limit to thier "unlimited" use.


Some folks even use thier laptop as an access point for others "haven't figured out that one yet"...

But Whether you are on your phone browsing or laptop, I don't think most providers care of enforce much except for major abuse cases.. such as heavy gaming "too slow for awesome gaming anyway" or servers or something silly.

I plan on using it when I travel and thats about it... cool to think I can be anywhere in the middle of tim buck too and use my laptop out on the side of the road somewhere!

There have been rumours of crackdown, but until it becomes a real issue I don't think they care.

I love the blazing speed of cable so I'm an addict.. but I certainly see how teenagers or kids who can't talk their parents into getting cable could abuse the privilege.

I am amazed at how much faster the browsing can be with a powerful laptop and a good browser compared to what the phone itself offers with the same signal though.

 

new here and i just got my dv8 3 days ago but noticed that the volume is not as loud as my old nx9600 (which is still running strong btw )

and also with the treble and bass all the way down and the volume at max im getting some rattling (seems to the speakers are rattling the case)

which is annoying :/ to say the least

is anyone else having this issue with there dv8's? or is this something that i should be contacting hp and resolving?

thanks in advance!

hp die hard

 

I am sorry to hear that. I go through 5 gb pretty fast - too quickly to afford using my cell for an internet access point.

It's not very difficult ... I believe all you have to do is "share connection" over the Wi-Fi on the laptop.

Regards,
- - Phil

 

I would DEFINITELY imagine Verizon, ATT, etc will charge you for going over the cap. Of course they do. If you haven't been charged, you haven't gone over.

Anyways - that's why I got the HTC Evo. No caps. Plus you can always get creative and use verizon's network if Sprint's 3G is slow in your area (or if you don't have 4G)

 

Exactly - it's all tracked on their server computers so there's nothing discretionary involved with it.

I can't tell from your post about different phone makes and models whether the ability to avoid caps is a phone feature or a way to dodge caps using a different service provider like Sprint who offers HTC's EVO? How does this work?

Regards,
- - Phil

 

Hey guys-
I'm looking to order the dv8 ASAP TONIGHT. Where can I get the best discount from? The only thing I'm seeing is the Logic one for $150. What's this bing discount everyone's talking about? How do I get it, how much is it for?
Thanks!

 

I got the EVO too! Such an amazing phone. This is my first android smartphone (coming from Windows Mobile 6.5 Touch Pro 2 also on Sprint) and I am very impressed with it so far. Is your EVO rooted or are you paying for the hotspot?

Sprint offers an unlimited "hotspot" add-on for this phone ($29.99/mo.) allowing up to 8 devices to connect simultaneously over 4g or 3g. The EVO requires a special $10 add on that sprint calls "premium data" which, among other things, eliminates the 5gb cap. It is really a nice feature to have and it is blazing fast from my experiences....

 

The $50 Logic Buy coupon is all I can find too. You have to enter that code from logicbuy.com once the laptop is in your cart. The $150 is an instant discount from HP. It appears that the Bing cash back offer is no longer valid. HP is offering a free blu-ray drive upgrade too...

 

Any idea as to if/when a bigger sale will happen? I need to order ASAP, but if I knew I was going to save a few hundred bucks, I could wait for a little bit until that happens....

 

Or do you think that you get a BETTER deal by calling HP directly?
Thanks!

 

I have no idea. HP is in the process of 'refreshing' some of their products (i.e. dv7) so there is a possibility the dv8t could get a refresh and you could see a significant price reduction. This probably won't happen in the time frame you're talking about though imo...

I don't think they will budge. You'll start at the same base price whether calling / online purchasing...Maybe someone on here has bought direct from HP by calling that can chime in....

 

Is my DV8T dead , I was using it then all of sudden I get these colored boxes
I turn off and on I get green , red then shades of gray screen
I swapped ram and reinserted battery , same thing , is the VGA replaceable on these models . I had it since Dec .


Thanks

 

Can you guys tell me if this comes with a Media remote control- so I can control windows media player & DVD by remote?

 

FYI- just called HP Direct and spoke to a Rep there. He mentioned that after the next 1000 units sell, they're not making the DV8t anymore. He says they're not going with an 18" monitor anymore, and focusing efforts on the DV7 series. I thought that was interesting. Any ideas as to why?

 

Additional FYI- Bing Cashback is shutting it's doors July 30th 2010- will not be offering the program anymore after that on ANY purchases, no just HP.

 

New coupons come out frequently, about every 3 or 4 weeks or so (some offering discounts from HP of several hundred dollars), but they are only good for a limited number of uses, (e.g., 1850 uses). If you can wait and check out this coupons site every day to see when something good first shows up, you can get a better deal from HP's direct online store, especially if you can combine a good coupon with some free upgrades and instant discounts that may be concurrently on offer. I see that as of this writing, there is a stackable coupon for $200 off HP Pavilion notebooks above a certain price point that should work for a loaded DV8. Sometimes there are even better coupons for $300 or even more off. I got the config shown in my sig below (including the base lightscribe optical drive but not counting Windows Ultimate which I got for free from hosting a Windows Launch Party ) for about $1200 which I thought was pretty good.

Btw, I wouldn't necessarily trust any info received from an HP rep over the phone, although anything is possible. If that info is correct, which I have my doubts, a possible reason might be that it is getting difficult to source the big 18.4 FHD displays at a good price.

 

Awesome. How do those stackable coupons work? I've tried MANY coupons out there- all except the Logic50 one don't work. Additionally, HP's site only allows me to enter 1 coupon during checkout. I can't enter multiple- am I missing something?

 

BTW- just tried that coupon NBG351962 for the $200 off and it's invalid, as are most of them...

 

I think Peter (pae77) was saying at the time HE bought his dv8t he got it for around $1200. They call the coupons 'stackable' because they can be combined with the instant rebates.

None of the coupons listed are valid anymore. Most likely (as Peter mentioned) they have already been redeemed the maximum number of times. The only one that is valid is the $50 logicbuy one. But his suggestion is spot on, check that site (or google or whatever) daily until there are new coupons and jump on them asap...

 

Yes, you got that right. Thanks for clearing that up.

 

Well, ordered from CostCo. They take 7-10 days. Even tho I could've got an additional $50 off from HP & LOGIC50 Coupon- I wouldn't get my laptop for an additional 10 days. I need this ASAP for work. PLUS- CostCo has the 90 day return policy. I figure I'll use the one from CostCo, and keep an eye out for any BIG discounts offered online for the next 90 days. If I have to, I'll return it to CostCo and Buy with Big discounts (although, it will have to be a DECENT discount to make me want to clean the HD, reinstall the the apps/docs into a new machine, etc etc. I'm excited to get it!

 

That's exactly what I did. I got my first DV8 from Costco. Then I watched for and got a great deal from HP direct and returned the Costco unit after the one from HP arrived and checked out OK. Worked out great for me. Only thing I missed by returning the Costco unit was Costco's two year warranty. But I got an extra year on the warranty anyway by using my Amex credit card, so I still have 2 years. But Costco is much better to deal with, imo. But they couldn't match the great deal I eventually was able to get from HP.

Oh, I didn't have to reinstall everything. I just cloned my Hard drive from the old DV8 over to the Hard drive on the new machine using Acronis True Image Home 2010 and my ESATA external Hard Drive Dock (costs about $30 from Amazon or NewEgg). Took only about 20 minutes to clone my hard drive and have everything working as before on the new machine. Very smooth and easy.