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Question

Lots of issues with laptop, in need of advice.

by Jun 20, 2018 2:33PM PDT

Hi everyone

Almost two years ago I bought a workstation for school. But since day one I've been experiencing lots of problems.

1. The laptop gets really hot, I once burned my hand when I accidentally touched it. I never use it in bed and use a special stand with extra fan. Nothing helps.

2. Since a few days I can't connect my laptop using HDMI. I've tried everything.

3. I constantly get blue screens.

4. Windows won't install new updates. Whatever I try.

5. I always have to start up my laptop twice because it freezes the first time.

6. When my laptop is plugged in he buzzes and when I run my hand over it I can feel a lot of electricity. Once I unplug the laptop the buzzing and the weird feeling is gone as well.

7. He is very slow most of the time.

8. One time he started crackling like he was on fire. I was so scared I set it on the floor and backed away until the noise stopped. I thought for sure it would explode.

The laptop cost 2000 dollars and my extended warranty covering any damage was an extra 400 dollars, but it only covers damage above 250$ or I have to pay for it my self. I don't have any money so I'm afraid to take it to the repair shop. I also need it for school every day so I can't miss it...

Does anybody have advice what I should do? Is my laptop really damaged? Are some of these problems normal? Most of them started since day one. I feel like I've been ripped off.

Discussion is locked

14 Posts
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Clarification Request
Original charger or...
by James Denison Jun 21, 2018 5:33AM PDT
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Answer
No magic will fix this.
by Forum moderator Jun 20, 2018 3:11PM PDT

No make or model and you are not able to go without the laptop during repair. This is a rock and hard place issue so even trying a complete fresh install is out of the question.

My advice is to be sure all your stuff is on backups so when the day comes it breaks entirely you don't lose your stuff.

"Workstations", thousands of dollars does not mean trouble free or no time in a repair shop. Something you are learning now.

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Reset
by BrandonBayss Jun 20, 2018 3:17PM PDT

Thank you for your response. It's a HP workstation. ZBook 17. I tried a complete reset during a school holiday, but the problems returned. Should I wait until it "dies" or take it to the repair shop anyway during the upcoming school vacation. I wonder if I'd had to miss it for a long time and if it would be expensive.

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Since the problem returned it's most likely hardware.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jun 20, 2018 3:20PM PDT

But let's start with a basic question.

Are you keeping up with 1st of the month canned air to the vents?

I do this monthly because I'm cheap and don't want to take it to the shop counters. If I forget a month, no big deal. But I continue to run into owners that never knew and years later they have overheating and failing laptops.

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Clear air vents
by BrandonBayss Jun 20, 2018 3:23PM PDT

It's been cleaned only twice at the repair shop, for free, but I never done this myself. I'm afraid I'll break something if I try to remove the case. I also never use my laptop in bed or on a couch. I only use it at my desk.

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That's bad news.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jun 20, 2018 3:53PM PDT

Canned air to the vents is, in my opinion the simplest thing we can do to avoid repair counters. If we don't do this on a regular basis then the machine will c__p out in just a few years.

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Is it the cause of all my problems?
by BrandonBayss Jun 20, 2018 3:58PM PDT

Since they started since day one. I can't be the cause of all my problems, or is it?
I will buy canned air tomorrow and start doing it every month.

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Day one.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jun 20, 2018 4:06PM PDT

That's where you knew to return it. HP does have duds. Even I got one and it went back but HP never made good on the product. Long story.

Sorry but I missed it here. If it was bad from day one, and you kept it for years you are probably going to learn this lesson the hard way.

My brother and I populated his office with many refurbs from Groupon in the 128 to 299 USD dollar range from HP Probooks to others with Core i3 4GB to Core i5's and 8GB and so you can get good machines for a fraction of 2000 bucks.

You've been ____ed.

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My Last HP.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jun 20, 2018 4:18PM PDT

Full story at https://www.cnet.com/forums/post/e2f56129-a715-405f-a7fb-b59044e1165d/

HP laptop and very odd problems on day one. Remember that up till this machine HP to me has been a solid reputable company. I was a buyer for millions of their test gear in a prior job so it never dawned on me just how badly this company turned on their users.

I'm not the only one they walked out on. Won't be the last.

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I certainly learned my lesson
by BrandonBayss Jun 22, 2018 12:03AM PDT

Well. Next time, a thought I'll never buy an HP again, I'll send it back right away.
Thank you for your advice.

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Answer
Well they only charge you once they make
by Jun 21, 2018 9:55AM PDT

the fix. You should be able to send to them and get a quote to see if it's over 250. I never heard of paying 400 for a warranty and it doesn't cover everything.

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My Last HP.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jun 21, 2018 12:48PM PDT

Was just 3 months old, went to HP for repair, came back in worse condition and I spend the next 6 months (not full time) filling out satisfaction surveys, calling to see if they would change their mind about repair or replacement (the support line said they did all they could) and at 9 months along with other folk on the web it became clear the HP would never make good.

I've shared this story many times over the years and a few HP SocMe folk (social media) have asked me for more details, even when I shared the documentation they all found themselves powerless to correct HP's error.

This is not a company I'll buy again from. Or advise others to go near. Their service was non-existent and can make a bad situation worse. That is, this laptop functioned OK except for USB work and their repair made it hang up in 5 minutes. At least before it ran. Now it's dead. And so is HP to me.

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Insurance
by BrandonBayss Jun 22, 2018 12:05AM PDT

The insurance does cover everything, but now I heard the other story, I'm even more hesitant to send it in.

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Answer
Check support for recalls
by Jun 22, 2018 11:59AM PDT

You gave nothing in what your laptop model is, info is useful. Next, check support website for anything related to your model#. Some had battery issues or chipset, etc. problems. You should contacted earlier rather allow time to run out be stuck. Warranty, is just that use it. Alas, those sounds maybe the battery bugling ir the mtrbd. just can't take the heat. Since heat is noted, maybe a bad laptop from git or battery as i stated. Contact them before too late.

tada -----Willy Happy

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