up vote 3 down vote favorite
share [g+] share [fb]

After having my previous question answered by the HP technical support, I now have a HP laptop that does not work properly. HP recommended that I replace the motherboard and processor for a bargain price of $733 US dollars.

I originally purchased this laptop back when the Windows Vista was released back in January 2007 for about $2,000 US dollar, but now is an very expensive paperweight.

What are my options for this laptop? Do I try to revive it on my own....

What are your suggestions?

link|improve this question
60% accept rate
feedback

3 Answers

up vote 1 down vote accepted

http://laptoprescuer.com/ worked for me, I think you will get a better price buying the service through ebay, they are in Santa Clara, California, near the San Jose airport. The will do component level repair, they fixed a laptop of mine that another shop had said needed a new MB. Fixed or you don't pay.

link|improve this answer
@Ronald - I will give these guys a try. It will only cost me shipping to get the computer to CA. I am already $50 in the hole just making a phone call to HP, plus they want over $1000 to replace the motherboard, processor and graphics card.....what a rip off! – Michael Kniskern Mar 2 '10 at 15:59
I heard back from laptop rescuer last week and they going to replace the video card chip for $260 US dollars. I should get back by next week. Thank your for the suggestion. – Michael Kniskern Mar 22 '10 at 16:22
feedback
up vote 2 down vote

I would certainly try a fresh install of the operating system. I might suggest a trial version of Windows 7 as it seems to have better driver support Windowes 7 Enterprise Trial. I have had techs report failed main boards and other hardware as it is sometimes an easy way to resolve an issue. Easy for them, not so much for you. I had an older Compaq system that needed a new mother board but worked great after a fresh install. Recently Dell replaced RAM, Processor and Main board under warranty but we were finally able to determinethe issue was a bad Firewire card. At least worth a try as your system is realtively new.

link|improve this answer
I reinstalled Vista multiple times and it did not resolve the issue. I still was experiencing video card/driver issues. – Michael Kniskern Mar 1 '10 at 18:15
Understood. Personally found Windows 7 handled this better on systems I have worked on. Especially video drivers. Just thinking cost is your time to download and run the install as opposed to $$$ – Dave M Mar 1 '10 at 18:57
I will go ahead and give Windows 7 a try. Let you know the results. – Michael Kniskern Mar 1 '10 at 19:31
I just installed Windows 7 and it is demonstrating the same symptoms as before...I think I just might have some bad hardware...ugh! – Michael Kniskern Mar 7 '10 at 4:30
feedback
up vote 1 down vote

If you believe that the motherboard, card and processor are not to blame...look for excessive heat. I remember reading articles about nvidia chipsets & hp laptops having heat issues but I can't find them anymore (just articles on battery recalls)...still it's worth a shot.

Other options: Give a Linux distro a try. The nv and nouveau drivers will access your hardware somewhat differently than the binary only nvidia driver (which will behave similarly to the Windows one) so give them all a test if you can.

link|improve this answer
feedback

Your Answer

 
or
required, but never shown
discard

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.