*HP dv8 Owners Lounge*

Tricky? Moi? Now THAT would be unprecedented!

Regards,
- - Phil

 

I've been thinking about your offer to help my memory...... what was her name again "Ginkgo Biloba" or something???

 

I'm not sure I recall, Alan. While it's still available at GNC, it's been largely discredited as far as its effectiveness is concerned so you should probably look for something else. Good Luck!

Regards,
- - Phil

 

Playback as far as the preview window within Vegas? You're best off previewing in draft for 'fluidity' because anything else previewed comes off slightly choppy. Yeah thats how it goes, brutha.

 

Now there's an avatar I could drink tea together with!... LOL!

 

Friends,
Although my problem is with a computer that is not my HP dv8, I consider this forum to have more expertise about the use of TRIM on SSDs than anywhere else, and my searches and research left me without any clear advice.

I recently acquired an HP Elitebook 2740p (Core i5-520, Intel HD graphics, 4GB RAM, 160GB Intel X-18 G2 SSD. Windows 7 64 bit Professional. I want to use TRIM to keep the performance of my SSD as snappy as possible. My problem is that nowhere in the HP documentation (or on their web site) can I find any reference at all to TRIM, and when I consult the Intel and Windows 7 sites, I get so confused that my eyes roll.

Is using TRIM such a complicated procedure, or is there a reasonably straightforward of installing software or firmware to make it automatically do its thing on a regular basis? Your assistance is greatly appreciated.

Jeff

 

If you have a trim drive thats great, but if not, quit pulling your hair out.
Trim does automatically what you can basically do yourself.
I just run "FreeSpaceCleaner v0.5" every 3 months or so and it keeps things running like lightening.

Lots of opinions about the best way to keep the SSD running at its top.. but this simple little program does the trick... just run it with the "FF" option ticked.

I can't find the download link right now "even though I've posted it before" but if anyone wants it I'm happy to toss it your way via email if you PM me.

------------Edit.....
Nevermind... I had such trouble downloading it last time, I made a note to record the address.... and it still works...
Here it is.... http://www.ocztechnologyforum.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=12488&d=1257418520

 

Hey there guys, first off I wanna apologize in advance if this question has already been answered but this issue is driving me INSANE. I am no means a complete scrub with a computer/laptop, but I've been scanning pages on this forum and I couldn't seem to find an answer to the following issue:

- My touch sensor bar goes insane on me X_X. The treble/bass bars would pop in and out and the bar intervals would go insane. I promptly downloaded new drivers but it still happened, so I just disabled the hp tone control in general.

HOWEVER now my Wifi is going insane cutting in and out. I was considering calling up HP but looking on HP boards and such it appears that owners with my issue can't find a fix even after sending it back in. This youtube clip I found shows generally what happens: YouTube - Hp laptop dv8-1000eb wifi button problems .

I honestly can live w/o the touch sensor bar in general. Would doing a clean OS system install disable it? I was thinking it wouldn't because it appears that the touch sensor bar is actually part of the keyboard - meaning the wifi/volume control would still activate X_X? I've gone through msconfig and disabled any services/startup having to do with HP but some parts of the touch sensor bar still works. Any help here would be GREATLY appreciated.

 

That video has no sound.
I'm still using older volume control drivers since they remain stable.

 

Just download CrystalDiskInfo from Crystal Dew. Run it and it tells you whether you have TRIM, Jeff.

TRIM IS a BIG deal! The GOOD news - If you have it, you DON'T need to run ANYTHING to make it work.
Good luck!

Regards,
- - Phil

 

Just a quick thought...

Bought my DV8T same date last year and I am AMAZED at how the price didn't even dropped one penny!

Awesome lappy, still in love.

Cheers.

 

Hi, All:

Just an update for everyone on my quest to replace my DV8 "letterless" keyboard with a backlit one (using optional backlit keyboard part for HDX18). I completed the effort last week and I now have backlighting on my keyboard! Yeah! It works GREAT and I like it!

I used thinner wires and slightly different wire routing than that described by "doglaptop" in his excellent post on the HDX18 website. With the different routing, I did not end up with any raised bumps or deformation to any exposed panels.

I also was able to make all connections without any permanent modifications (like soldering) to my MoBo. i used the same source of power (USB port power plug) as DogLaptop did and that works great. Like him, I accepted that backlighting comes on at power up and cannot be turned off while the lappy is on.

Keyboard cost was less than $20 and 18 inches of wiring was free - taken from old segment of RG6 network cable.

i remain BAFFLED by HP's reluctance to offer this simple and easy (during manufacturing at least) provision that adds so much to the enjoyment of this great laptop!

Cheers!
- - Phil

 

That's really great news Phil and excellent work! It would nice if you could post some photos illustrating exactly what you did to make the backlighting work.

 

Good job!... I'm too chicken to try..... I'll stick with the firmware updates!

 

Thanks, Peter. The procedure required three or four hands so I had no way to take photos. I would have had some taken if I had someone available to do so. I would refer everyone wants to see photos to review the post by "doglaptop" on HPHDX forum and PM me for details of slight differences between his method and mine.

Regards,
- - Phil

 

I doubt that you should feel chicken, Alan! IMO, I think you are the most courageous (or foolish) person I hear from on the Drivers forum! What I did was easy by comparison to the unnecessary risks you seem to take with each firmware and driver update. Since I didn't modify the original Dv8 MoBo or solder anything to it, my project was far easier, simpler, and less risky!

The only thing required in this effort was some visual acuity and manual dexterity with steadiness (all three are getting much harder for me at my age) along with some normal care not to pull too hard on the plastic pieces so as to avoid breaking them during dis-assembly while following the HP service instruction manual for "replacing keyboard."

Since no soldering was done to the Dv8, it was never exposed to any risks comparable to those you seem to take over and over again (sometimes with problematic outcomes ) with application of driver and, particularly, firmware updates ...

Maybe you should give it a try - -

Regards,
- - Phil

 

Well if you have the patience to write a "how to" list with links of where to buy, and special tricks you ran across, I'm sure almost all of use would love to try.

While I may seem foolish, I learned a balance.
If your too safe, you learn little.
If your too presumptuous, you pay dearly.

I learned what I have about computers from first knowing how to hit "cancel" instead of "ok" as I explored around!.... Lol!.
From that, the rest is history!

I'm pretty good at knowing when I'm over my head verses when I just have a challenge.

Playing it safe with a good ghost "or otherwise" backup allows tremendous advantage for taking chances because you always have a failsafe.....Its only software.

on the other hand, maybe I trust firmware updates too much.... I've never had one go bad.

With some good notes, it would be a fun challenge!

 

As I wrote to Peter (PAE77), the entire procedure was described on HPHDX with a link to photos and procedure discussed here about a month ago so I see no reason to rehash it again here unless someone gets into it using "doglaptop's" method and has some sort of questions about that for me.

I should have said some of what you do unnecessarily to your DV8 seems foolish, Alan ... In no way did I intend that it apply to you personally and regret if ianyone took it that way.

Certainly that depends on what the issue is, etc., etc., but I see very little to be learned from installing drivers to see if they work or screw up your DV8 as you have reported here that you experienced. Clearly, if you have a fresh clone before you start the driver update, there's no risk but if you do it without that preparation, it seems foolish to do it unless there's a known benefit to your system from success. Most of the updates I review do not even fix anything, much less fix something that's wrong on MY machine!

No comment ..

LOL! The action with highest risk versus payoff that I can think of! In fact, that was what my previous message was aimed at mostly! Compared to my retrofitting of a backlit keyboard, installing unnecessary firmware updates is like trapeze performers without a net! Ha-ha!

You know I wish you only the best of continuing good luck with your firmware updates ... just remember all those who bricked their machines earlier this year moving from F.06 top F.13 (I think) ...

Regards,
- - Phil

 

Hey guys.. here is an exciting thread...

For those of you who enjoy the speed of an SSD card and the power it brings to internet browsing.

Looks like Flash now works for 64bit browsers!
I intend to check it out for FF.
Solved 64 bit flash player - Page 2 - Windows 7 Forums

Adobe previews 64-bit Flash Player 'Square' - Page 2 - Windows 7 Forums

 

i presume you saw my previous post to you below?

I noticed that Flash had become available for 64-bit IE and installed it a week or so back. I have been using it just fine fand recommend it!

Expected it to come out for FF but wasn't aware that it had become available when I d/l-ed it for IE64.

Thanks for posting that, Alan. Sorry you haven't tried it out yet. I'll jump right on it to d/l and install it and report back AFTER I put it through its paces. I'm sure Jeff will be very interested in it (whether it's good or just okay).

Regards,
- - Phil

 

Just downloaded and installed the Adobe 64-bit Flash plug-in"Square" and the 64-bit FF called "Minefield". All works fine and looks good. too early for speed comparisons but it seems fast enough and renders smoothly on Dv8 and GeForce 230M.

One warning - do not use the latest build of Minefield as it has stability issues!!!! Go to the "Nightly Updates" site and get the version of 10/1 as it is stable and "Square" installs and works well with it.

Enjoy!

Regards,
- - Phil

 

Do all the "add ons" that work under the 32 bit version work with the 64 bit version?

 

Hi...

Has anyone fitted a TV tuner card in a DV8 that hasnt got one factory fitted (its not an option here in UK :O( )... Im guessing that the antenna cables or the antenna socketwont be sitting there waiting for me either... I know I can get a USB tuner, which is what I will do if its a big headache fitting the internal one...

I've been meaning to get a DV8 for ages now, and HP have got a deal on the DV8 1250ea so I'm gonna order one...

Also does anyone know what the difference between the UK model variants are (DV8 10xx 11xx 12xx) ,,, Theres no way to do a comparison that I've found and when I rang HP they were pretty much useless...

The one I can get is i7, 4gb, 2x320gb etc...

One final thing... is a replacement due anytime soon... would bug me if I bought a DV8 and a replacement was just around the corner...

Thanks ...

Adi...

 

Sorry, no. "All the add-ons" is too encompassing and not specific enough for me to deal with, Peter. I don't have many 'add-ons' installed under the 32-bit version and screen pop-up indicated that those seemed to need updating.

I have only confirmed that the Flash 'plug-in' works fine with the 10/1/10 version of 64-bit FireFox (aka Minefield) I installed. Perhaps that's enough to warrant your downloading it and running tests of other things and then reporting back here what you found worked (or didn't) as I have.

Regards,
- - Phil

 

I don't know whether the 10xx 11xx 12xx designations mean much since they are CTO. Read the various pages here and you'll find spirited and informative discussion of various options and their merits.

AFAIK, Adi, there's been no credible indications of impending replacement of the DV8 with a more capable model. Nor has HP indicated any such plans.

Wish you the best with your DV8. If you get one, you'll find it to be a super machine that performs well and has a great display. Plus, in the rare event that you encounter any issues that are not resolved during the "return/exchange" period, you'll find a lot of knowledgeable people here who are ready and able to help you with them.

Regards,
- - Phil

 

Hi,

Its been a while since I posted a question here. I own a dv8t-1200 (Core i7, 8GB RAM) and since last month, I have been having this concern:

On the keyboard, some of the characters look dirty and it looks like the letter/number print has slightly faded. Hopefully, i think the fading is caused by my dirty fingers. How do I fix it? Is there any spray that I can buy that will wipe the keys clean and bright? Since I learnt a lesson now, I wanted to cover the entire keyboard with a neat sticky sheet. Is there a one that exists and which is the best brand to buy?

Thanks.

 

The DV8 has had a history of "fading" keys on its keyboard. HP has been replacing them when complaints are made during warranty. If you convince them you want to replace it yourself they have been know to just send out a replacement keyboard. Mine began to develop this issue after 10 months of use so I replaced the keyboard with the backlit one from the HDX18.

"When life hands you lemons, make lemonade!"

Regards.
- - Phil

 

You would have to order three components and a plastics kit to accomplish this. I'll give you the part #'s you need, but it's a major project and pricey. You're better off getting the tuner internally upon your initial order if at all possible imho.

Components:
1.) NTSC/ATSC/ANG TV tuner module P/N 482899-001
2.) (Since you're in UK) TV tuner external antenna cable: With PAL jack P/N 482900-001
3.) TV tuner module cable P/N 496891-001

Plastics:
Base enclosure P/N 577005-001 (So you'll have the tv tuner adapter plug on right side by power supply plug).

That's everything you'll need. I'll tell you what, if you decide to get a usb one from HP, PM me and I'll give you a discount code.

It doesn't warrant much of a comparison. I would try and get an 1100/1200 model just for the newer intel wifi card installed in those. The other differences are not drastic.

 

Hi

Cheers for that...

In UK there isnt an option for a TV tuner :O(... I was gonna order one from HP USA , I can get much better spec for less than a base model costs here with an inbuilt tuner, free 6gb ram upgrade etc...but I get conflicting opinions from HP whether the warranty will apply... I got one of the US salespeople to mail me that it will be covered here in UK, but HPUK say that Pavillion is a domestic model so no international warranty...

Whats the HP USB tuner like... I got a Terratec XS Diversity one which is ok...

Its not a deal breaker having it internally, but would have been nice cos of the little cardslot remote...

Just ordered the laptop.. 1250ea, 4gb, 2x320, with 2 years warranty for £999 all in... think a new model must be due as they are discounting the DV8 now...

 

Thanks Phil.
I didn't know about the history of fading keyboards on dv8t. I wanted to do two things:

a. Replace the fading keyboard with a backlit one from HP. Is this possible?
b. I bought this in June 2010. Am I still under warranty?
c. What is the best silicone cover for the dv8t quad series? If I add a silicone cover, will the keyboard become hot since it is completely covered by the silicone material?
d. Is replacing the keyboard difficult on my dv8t quad? I have never done that before.

Thanks.

 

I guess it was covered back in March or April of this year. Not much since then.

Yes, check this link by DogLaptop on the HP HDX forum for how he replaced the DV8 keyboard with a backlit one from an HDX18. I followed essentially followed his method but used different routing so I wouldn't have to do any soldering to my MoBo.
dv8t Backlit Keyboard Mod (HDXer's Please Help) - Upgrades & Mods - HPHDX.net
Feel free to PM me with questions after you get into it?

It should be covered for a year but it may be different if you live outside the USA.

I can't recommend a cover but would not expect it to become too warm. Cooling of DV8 is done underneath where the cooling intake and heat exhaust vents are located.

Instructions are in the DV8 Maintenance and Service Manual (available from HP online in pdf format). I can't make that assessment for you - I don't know your vision, dexterity, or mechanical capability. I suggest you take a look and see if you would be comfortable tackling it. I found it quite straightforward but I've been doing it for 30 years

Regards,
- - Phil

 

Hi Undervolt,

I bought a silicone cover for my keyboard from eBay in the US - it was around USD$2.50 and fits perfectly. The downside is it is a milky white color and not totally transparent, but it still does the job perfectly. The only other issue is that sometimes the key presses don't register because the cover has prevented the key from going all the way down, but if you apply enough pressure it is a non-issue. Small trade-off for still being able to read the keys and having crap find its way under the keyboard, as far as I'm concerned.

Being silicon it does collect the dust a bit, but I simply remove it once a month and rinse it in warm soapy water and then air dry it.

The link is here: Keyboard Skin Cover Protector HP Pavilion DV8 DV8T 18.4 on eBay.ca (item 160413536534 end time 10-Oct-10 11:38:25 EDT). Mine arrived in New Zealand from Hong Kong about 3-4 days after ordering.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,
Richard

 

Hi Phil,

How did you manage to convince HP? I tried calling them just now and was told the replacement keyboard "was not in the list of shippable parts and was not user replaceable" and they could not "set up the service order to ship the item to me". I would have to send the laptop in to get it done. EDIT: I spoke to my good friend (detect the sarcasm...) Abhay G online who advised of the above. When I mentioned to him that other users had keyboards shipped to them and referred him to the HP forums, all I got was a record of the activity ID for the chat and a message advising me to let them know when I have shipped the machine back to the USA.

What is the best way to get around this?

Also, do you know if the replacement keyboards have the matte finish on them like the other models do (rather than the glossy finish like the current DV8 ones)?

Thanks and regards,
Richard

 

In my reply to the OP(UnderVolt), Richard, I referenced what others have reported here on this forum. When I got to a point of seeing significant fading, I didn't contact HP about it so maybe those who have had success with HP will chime in and respond to your circumstances and experience.

First thing I suggest is call in again and try again. If they assert that the keyboard is not "user replaceable", become familiar with their Service and Maintenance Manual that shows step-by-step procedure for replacing it, then refer them to it and ask them what step they feel is beyond the capability of a user with a screwdriver (note my sarcasm). Then, if you have no success after a couple of tries, ask to discuss this with their supervisor. It can't hurt to call at a time of day when calls are handled by representatives in US. While I referred people to read the reports of those who posted here back in March and April, this summarizes how they approached the issue. Make yourself a nuisance without becoming abusive.

Sorry, I have no idea. When I got to the point of dealing with "fading keys", I trashed the original keyboard and upgraded to a backlit HDX18 keyboard ($18 including shipping). FWIW, the backlit keyboard was semi-gloss finish.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
- - Phil

 

Well Phil, I finally broke away from my old Ghost version and burn't the Hiren's CD 10.4 I've been saving on my hardrive to a CD.
Rebooted my computer and booted to the CD.

It has to be the finest compilation of items I've ever seen.

Also I"ve never dealt with anything so streamlined in a "non windows" environment... it was a pleasure to use.

Worked slick as a whistle too.

All I've used on it so far is Ghost but that ran without a glitch.

BTW.. for anyone who is curious.
All the windows backup is . is a glorified form of system restore.
Its basically a "system restore" file browser where you can pick the whole thing "like in regular system restore" or pick and choose what files you want.

Only problem is.. if its a file that didn't get backup up.. you don't get it!

I was playing with my browser and managed to delete my favorites. The windows backup does not store firefox places.sqlite "where Firefox favorites are located".

There is nothing like a Ghost image!.... I have 55gig on my C drive and after making an image, my image file is only 26gig in size and I just used "normal" mode... not compressed etc.
While it looks the same when using the interface, this version seems to be superior to my old one.

I certainly appreciate you bringing to our attention the availability of the Hiren's CD.

 

Congrats, Alan! Glad you got it made and found it to be a great set! I always use it in "mini-XP mode" and have never used it in a "non-windows environment. I'm glad you found it worked so well that way, though.

BTW, if you like v.10.4, you should go download the 'Restored' v. 11.0 (brought to the forum's attention by Peter) and make the CD from it. It provides updated utilities as well as retaining the contents of Hiren's BootCD versions 10.1 to 10.6 so it offers an even more comprehensive set of utilities.

You're preachin' to the choir now, Alan!

My pleasure! Thanks to you for your report on your use and satisfaction - I'm sure that it will cause many others to give it a try and use it to practice "safe computing" by protecting their systems with "quick swap" backup clones of their system drives.

While I don't endorse commercial softwares as it might raises potential "conflict of interest" issues, I am more than willing to endorse free distributions (including Hiren's BootCD, Revo Uninstaller, Battery Bar, SpeedFan, and Acronis' Seagate Disk Wizard backup) since they are well written and folks here can make long-term use of them at no expense.

Glad you're enjoying your experience with Hiren's BootCD.

Regards,
- - Phil

 

Cool!.. I'll try that to see how it works... I"ve always used it either from a floppy boot disk or CD, "or" ran it from windows which in turn then boots to a dos environment... only problem with the latter is that its great for backups but if you ever screw things up bad enough you can't get back into windows, you then need a way to access Ghost and your image file without going into windows.

However the Hiren's CD solves all those issues as it simply creates its own environment... I suppose Linux?.... at any rate it works great.

 

Hiren's BootCD offers at least three boot options from the CD - you can boot into "mini-XP" (my preference), Linux, and DOS. Other options allow bypassing the BootCD (so you can leave it in the CDROM drive) and boot into the OS on whatever HD is next in the BIOS boot-up sequence.

Gone yet to get the Super Hiren's "Restored v. 11" BootCD?

Regards,
- - Phil

 

I just spent an hour looking for it.. I don't want to register and I don't want a bunch of .rar's.

Can't find a clean download anywhere.

 

Sorry, Alan. I agree with that "not registering" but .rar's are normal for such large d/l's. Rar's are rather easy to deal with, IMO. If I find a nice URL, I'll let you know by PM.

For others, Hiren's BootCD v11.1 was released about a week ago.

Regards,
- - Phil

 

Here is the best link I've found so far.... only two .rar's to download... 30 min limit between each download "takes that long to download anyway" and you don't have to register.

Hiren's BootCD 11.0 + Restored Edition FIXED

 

That one's easy enough.. but based on the size I suppose its pretty stripped.... can't see an itemized list of whats in it.
Hiren's BootCD 11.1 - kaldata.net - IT News, Software, Hardware, Games

Just based on what I read here, it appears they are trying to phase out Ghost.

 

That's teh same packaging as HotFile.com offers. Seems a good way to go if you want the new stuff as well as Ghost 11.5 in teh set.

Regards,
- - Phil

 

Was reading the list in the "fixed" version I'm downloading...
Just flat out blows me away what all you have at your fingertips... if you have a crash and can't find something to fix it... your really screwed!.... LOL!

 

Ghost was dropped starting in 11.0 and may be one reason someone applied one of the programs on 11.0 to add back the contents (of 10.0 to 10.6) that were dropped, to create the "Restored edition".

Regards,
- - Phil

 

Yes, your right... but of course people don't want to toss something that works so perfect they can trust for something that supposedly works better they don't trust yet "me included!".

I finally got it all downloaded.. was a bit confusing.. you after you open the two rars with winrar, you actually end up with two .iso's... one of Hirens boot cd #11.0 and the other with 11.0 "plus" all the added programs that was dropped hence the term "restored edition"
Looks like a difference of about 36mb.. with the "restored edition" being the larger.

Simply boot up with the CD in, hit "escape" button and choose "is it f9?" for boot options pick to boot from CD and then and pick Hirens cd for an alternative boot option and thats it.. its quite easy to navigate through the CD....

Edit... with 11.0 "restored" edition... you go to dos programs or pick mini xp to get to the utilites that backup your system.

An extremely powerful tool for any computer owner.

I would post all the things added but the list would be too long... for anyone who hasn't followed the above links yet to find out.. simply look here.

The list is quite mind boggling... and all for free!!@!!!! wow! thats the real kicker!

I know it may sound like this discussion is a diversion of the thread.. but knowing how to backup your system is sooooooo important, I feel no regrets for trying to make the process as easy as possible for those who have never done it.

Forget updating and tweaking and trying to maintain your system if you don't know how to backup your whole system!!!
Sooner or later you will install a real buggar or do a good enough screw up that restoring from an image file will be your only salvation....
Ask all the real professionals and super geeks who know 10 times more than most of us... even they make sure they have a backup.... wonder why???

I pity you if you don't have one!.... think of it as fire insurance that doesn't cost you anything!

 

Just tried my new disk.... seems the interface is a tad different.. to access Ghost and the other backup utilities you have to go into dos programs.
I did check out mini XP.. its really cool.. The only way I could figure out how to access Ghost was through the browser... didn't think to try a start menu, I normally never use that.
To me it was almost easier to navigate through the dos menu instead.

Amazing how it all works without glitching...... I'm used to things being buggy when I mess in a dos environment... whoever put that CD together was a sharp cookie!

 

Unfortunate quirk of human nature...

Yup! The website describes the download as "Hiren's BootCD 11.0 + Restored Edition FIXED | 557 MB" so it's clear that you'll be downloading both CDs. Originally they came separately so the restored version was only a little bigger. Guess they combined them to make people think it was larger difference because download was much larger.

Certainly my "safe computing" gospel! Glad you've become another happy convert! Only thing it can't protect against is a bad update to the BIOS.

Regards,
- - Phil

 

As you get more familiar with it, you'll wonder why you waited so long to get it made and put into use. Certainly there's a real lesson there for everyone who hasn't yet gone out and downloaded it!
Really a wonderful tool for everyone with a PC! Hoo-ooo-ray!

Regards,
- -Phil

 

Ok... my skydrive account only lets me put up to 50 meg files in it....
Here is a link to Hiren's 11.0 "restored".
I've never shared a link before... lets see how it goes... hopefully it will be much easier than what I had to do to get it..

Hiren's Boot CD 11.0 "restored"

Just move your mouse over one of the files "you need all 7 of them" and hit the download link it creates and pick "save file" (rather than open it) "then you have the file yourself to keep... seems like they download really fast!
Once you get them all install a copy of winrar and double click on the first file.. decide where to save it and winrar puts all 7 pieces together back into one file... you now have an .iso file.
right click on that file "in win7" and chose "burn disk image" and follow the prompts.