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Technology Tuesday
15Apr
HP admits Presario V6000 laptop fries itself, and will repair mine for free
Tuesday, April 15, 2008 
Compaq Presario V6310I immediately knew my computer was in dire straits. My laptop -- a Compaq Presario V6000 series -- began having problems several weeks ago. Out of nowhere my wireless connection stopped working. The switch for the wireless adapter is turned on, but the computer shows no wireless connection. The switch usually turns the wireless on and off. When it's on, the led light is blue. When it's off, the light is orange. The problem is, the switch is on, but the light is orange and the computer says there is no wireless adapter.
I did a quick Internet search and read some tech forums. Evidently the problem is being reported by many people. It appears the problem is a hardware issue -- the computer's temperature runs too high and then fries various components, including the wireless adapter, graphics card, and motherboard. The malfunctioning wireless card is unfortunately the beginning of the end. Owners are reporting all sorts of additional issues including the screen becoming permanently blank or the computer failing to even boot up.
Subsequently, HP has extended the standard warranty by two years and will replace the V6000 free of charge (including all shipping costs). HP also has an updated bios version that you can download as a preventative measure. But if your computer is already experiencing some problems, this new bios won't help. You need to turn in the laptop to be repaired.
HP is sending me a shipping box. They say it'll be in the repair shop for 7-10 days. I spent a couple hours backing up my data, since HP is replacing part of the motherboard. I'll be updating the post with new developments.
Update on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 by
Chad Wiebesick
Chad Wiebesick
Well, I received my laptop back from Comaq. It took them about 7 days from the day I shipped it to the day I got it back. The wireless connection is working fine again. The only change I notice is that the fan constantly runs at a low speed when on. Not a big deal since it is quiet. My hard drive was wiped clean as expected. Everything seems back to normal...I'm pleased with Compaq's prompt service (though disappointed that the computer broke in the first place).
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Reader Comments (7)
I have the same laptop and my battery has stopped charging for the second time in 5 months. The first time it was under warranty so I had battery replaced. Now my warranty has ran out and I was wondering would this issue be covered under the extended warranty?
Hi Anthony, thanks for the comment. Sorry to hear about the problems you're having with the battery. I haven't had any issues with mine. I'm not sure if HP's extended warranty covers the problem you're having with the battery, but it's certainly worth it to look into it. HP was responsive to my problem, so hopefully they'll take care of you.
it's me again, send my v6310 in again for wireless issue.hopefully they'll fix it for good this time!
Hi Anthony, that's really frustrating. Since HP repaired my wireless card, the only change I've noticed is that the fan is constantly running. The means the battery doesn't stay charged as long as it used to. Not a problem, just shorter battery life. Good luck with the repair and keep me posted.
Chad Wiebesick
I think I'm going to have problems getting my wireless repaired because they took upon themselves to fix other issue that not under the warranty
Just got notebook back, they gave me new systemboard now wireless is working
and battery charges.But the question is for how long?
Oh thank God I found this post! I was about 24 hrs from buying a whole new laptop. Mine crapped out on my less than a year after purchase and it was going to cost $300 to get it repaired. I checked HPs site and found that my product/model number is a match and now I'm getting the thing repaired for free.
You just saved me the cost of a new laptop! Thanks!