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?
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.
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.
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.
