Common HP Pavilion Laptop Defects

Written by: KateG • Edited by: Eric Stallsworth
Published Jun 30, 2009 • Related Guides: HP

If you are wondering if the problems that you are encountering with you HP Pavilion laptop is a known factory defect, or just bad luck, then this piece can help you. This piece covers some of the most common issues that the HP Pavillion laptops.

If you bought an HP laptop in the last few years, it is probably because it had the right mix of features at an affordable price. You thought that you were getting a great deal. You may have gotten one or, you may have gotten a lemon. It all depends. Several different Pavilion models have been experiencing widespread problems. This piece will help you to figure out if the problems with your laptop are unique or part of the pandemic. Once that is done, we will talk a little about HP’s responses and how you can get help.

Power Issues (all models)

Many of the HP Pavilions are having issues with their power supply. This power supply issue stems from two places. The first problem occurs when your laptop will not acknowledge it’s power cord. The easiest way to recognize this is to plug in your laptop and look at your power icon. If after a few seconds you are still seeing the battery icon, then your card has not been recognized. (Note, before you contact HP you may want to try to unplug and replug).

The second variation of this issue is more insidious. Your cord is recognized, but the battery is not getting a charge. This one is a bit harder to recognize. If you are lucky, you will get a warning message. If you aren’t, you will find out when you plug in your laptop and the battery still dies for want of power.

No WiFi (6000 and 9000 series)

You just had wireless connectivity yesterday. You are in the same place and your network is running perfectly. If your iPod touch is getting Wifi but your Pavilion notebook is not, then you may have encountered a laptop that is failing to recognize its card. This problem is frustrating because it is random. Your wireless can work fine for 6 months or a year. Then suddenly one day everything will change.

HP's Response

If you look at HP support forums you will notice a pattern. Once HP recognizes an issue, they will suggest a few home remedies for the user community, like updating your bios. The odds are that this remedy will do nothing to help. Once a sufficient number of users report it ineffectiveness, users will have to call in on a case-by-case basis.

How to Get Help?

What do you do with a problem that is not solved. You call HP of course! They give you a defective product and they should fix it. When you call in, they may try to blow you off. If you want to reduce those odds and get the help you deserve try this:

Step One: Explain your problem to the tech.

Step Two: Explain that you are aware that this is a systematic problem, and not only with your laptop.

Step Three: Wait for the spiel of the things you have to do.

Step Four: Either do them, or if you have done them already explain that you have.

Step Five: Do not allow them to disregard your issues. If need be, start over with a supervisor. If no supervision is available, call the corporate offices.

awaddell7 Nov 1, 2011 11:50 AM

RE: Common HP Pavilion Laptop Defects

My laptop (HP Pavilion) is more than 1 year old but was working <br>fine. Then about couple of months back, there appeared ONE vertical line on my <br>screen and I was told that I might have to change the screen!! So I ignored it <br>and continued to work on my laptop. In the past week though there have been <br>more lines appearing and its about 27 on last count. 27 on last count.

Frank Oct 6, 2011 7:13 AM

I have an HP Pavilion dv6 laptop it its always giving me a code application two error report when i boot it up or some times when i am busy working. I thought it had a problem with the BIOS i download a BIOS for its model but it dosen't want to instal it, it gives me a report that this BIOS is not for this PC. Well today it give me a new report " Runtime Error!
Program:
..... on Toolbar|1.4.19.19\BabylonToolbarsrv.exe

This application has requested the Runtime to terminate it in an unusual way.
Please contact the application's support team for more information.
Please help
Thanks for your support.

Romano Jul 3, 2011 3:12 AM

dr2200

screen shivers every so often, and la[top shuts down on its own once every couple of uses. bad scene man! Runs really hot too. Have to put a pencil under it to make some ventilation space...

Susan Jun 23, 2011 9:58 PM

HP dv6-2066

My computer is a year and a half old and it has been plagued with problems. First the battery died. I replaced the battery and it died. After the 3rd battery I just use it plugged in. My 2nd issue is it loses the drivers to all my usb ports the dvd player. There's no way to even back it up with an external hard drive. HP is no help at all. NEVER AGAIN WILL I OWN AN HP ANYTHING!

Mark May 1, 2011 8:14 PM

HP garbage comp.

I read the article in response to my original post.
No, I am not making phone calls from Brazil with it's notoriously bad telephone network to telephone N. America at my cost.
What I will do is speak the truth about HP and as I replace both of these computers now I will not purchase HP again if I can help it.
I will also speak the truth about my experience with them from this day forward. I have learned a lot in the last few weeks from a couple of technicians I trust.
HP designs are poor quality.

Anonymous Apr 27, 2011 4:18 PM

@anon who said "get dell or compaq"

compaq is owned by HP.

I, myself, had a graphics card issue (integrated graphics; pavilion dv6-2066dx). Got the motherboard swapped for 50 bucks (not by HP obviously), but I was also told that all HP laptops with integrated graphics have an epicly high chance of failing.
I figured it's the cooling, so there are 2 mistakes I'll try never to make again.

a)have a laptop's ventilation grills close to ANY surface (soft or hard)
b)buy an HP.

Carol Constable Apr 25, 2011 7:37 PM

Black Screen on my HP dv6 issue

Well, let me tell you. I thought I was buying a great laptop when I bought my HP Pavilion dv6 2175 and started having issues with it two months after. I kept getting the vertical lines and flickering screen. I contacted HP through e-mail, live chat and by phone over the course of the 1 year warranty and was given the well do this or do that or download this and download that with no fix! The problem kept coming back. So, two months after warranty, I go to use my laptop and there are the lines again. I go to HP website to see if there is an update for my laptop and there is. I download the update and click to install and the dreaded black screen of death! And needless to say, tech support would not talk to me so, this is my suggestion to any one who is having issues with their laptop and support is not going to help you. Contact the Better Business Bureau and file a complant. This is the only way to get their product of the market. And, the only way you are going to get the solution you are looking for. Good luck!

Mark DuPriest Apr 19, 2011 1:37 AM

Stay away from HP

My HP TX1019au has just died again last week, I do not think I will fix it again.
I paid US$1,800.00 new June, 07, Worldwide Guarantee 2 yr's.
2 motherboards, 1 WiFi card, repair the infamous heat problem, new hard-drive, new keyboard, dry solder joint.
Over $1,000 in out of pocket repairs.
This computer was in the HP Authorized Repair Service centers for 8 months for these repairs
The latest HP tech tells me not to waste anymore money on it.

My HP DV 6375us has just died again this week, I am investing another $75.00 to see if it is worth fixing again.
I paid US$1,200.00 new Oct, 07, Guarantee 1 yr.
1 motherboard, 1 WiFi card, repair the infamous heat problem,

Over $500 in out of pocket repairs.
This computer was in the HP Authorized Repair Service centers for 6 months for these repairs.

I have spoken with a friend that owns a computer service center (authorized HP amongst others) and he tells me that the heat problems have not been resolved & that HP consistently produces a sub-par quality laptop.

I do not intend to buy HP again for several years at least.
Additionally I am very angry to learn of the Federal Class Action Lawsuit against HP that I did not learn about until 1 week after registration closed.

I registered with HP when I bought their products, they have been aware of these problems and could have contacted me. They did not. I will not continue to buy from them anymore. They do not respect their customers.

BTW I never ever ran my laptops without a sub-base of (3) cooling fans. Still had all these problems. Shut down over night, no sleep or hibernate.
I am not looking for help or sympathy. I am going to publish this over and over. HP is crap and I do not appreciate wasting my hard earned money. I expect a laptop that I pay $2k for too last 5 years. I take good care of them. But if they are crap does not matter how well you treat them.

Nancy Apr 3, 2011 4:13 PM

HP Pavilion dv6

So i have HP pavilion dv6. the problem is that whenever i turn it on it says that my computer was put into hibernation mode but now its working in a normal condition and than it tells me to hi ENTER to start. When i hit enter the HP screen comes up n then Starting Windows but after that blank screen and than it turns off. i have tried so many things. like taking th RAM out n puting it back bt nothing works. n when i try to press F8 or F11 nothing happens. it doesn't even go in Safe Mode. i have no idea what i should do. Please help me if you can !!

Joy Jan 8, 2011 6:03 PM

HP issues

Talking to a supervisor gets you no where if you are out of warranty...in fact a tech won't even help you if you are out of warranty. HP just has really crappy customer service. And to make it worse you get stuck talking to someone in another country that doesn't understand English and is barely coherent them self..My opinion to solve HP issues...Throw them in the trash and get a Dell or Compaq.

neno Dec 11, 2010 4:23 AM

v4 display problems

dv4 laptop-A bright bluish line appeared from the bottom of the screen

Melissa Nov 13, 2010 2:14 PM

I got my HP for christmas last year. I use my HP laptop for school and the internet but thats it. It is a gamer computer and I barely use the computer to its full capabilities. On Tuesday, I had just started working on my computer and then the screen went blank. I went on the HP help website and did the steps that it said to do, but nothing helped. So I called HP and they said since I was out of my warranty by 4 days and that I would have to pay for any repairs that the computer needs. I have called them five times and each time I get a different answer to what is the next step. Finally I decided to send in my computer to HP to be fixed but it is going to cost my 400 dollars or so they say. Who know what I will hear next. HP always has a different answer to my problem and a different answer for the solution. I am very disappointed in HP and if they don't make things right, I won't be getting anymore of their products. Since I don't have a computer to use right now, I had to get a netbook and of course I didn't get a HP one because that one would probably break down too.

Umar Rahman Nov 8, 2010 9:41 AM

Blinking & vibration of my screen

I purchased HP pavillion DV5 one year ago, It was working nice, but from last few weeks the screen is blinking & black lines are coming on screen during the blinking & viration. Plz tell me how can i fix this problem

Shireen Jul 28, 2010 6:45 PM

HP DV2000 Artist edition

I am urgently looking for the empty box of an HP DV2000 artist edition preferably in Canada. Do you have one for me? 4sds@bmts.com

kumar thapa Jul 27, 2010 9:33 AM

about system video memory

i bought a hp pavilion dv4 with windows 7 installed but the system video memory is 0 mb
how can I increase this memory?

teja Jul 23, 2010 8:18 AM

i purchased hp pavillion dv4 entertainment series in june 2009.now i hav a problem with it.a green line is constantly visible on my task bar.even some of the page content is getting displayed there. can you tell me what the problem is. is it display problem?

Tim Jul 19, 2010 5:11 AM

Screen problems with HP Pavilion

To add to the log recorded here of potential probs with the Pavilion dv2175 (which I bought in Nov 2006 from PC World) for £1,149, with an extended warranty for £509), in Oct 2009 without warning the screen went dead. Luckily it was 2 weeks inside the extra3 year warranty period I'd bought! I lost all my files so I believe it was a harddrive problem. Then, after renewing my warranty for a further year - £104 - (again luckily!) in June 2010 it wouldn't power up. The laptop had had minimal use in the last 8 mnths as I'd bought a netbook by then. The power cable was ok - blue light on, but nothing appeared on the screen. The laptop just gave 3 loud beeps everytime one switched on. Repaired under warranty once again. This time repair much quicker (2 as opposed to 6 weeks). So, performance-wise not an impressive record, and like a previous caller I've switched to using a much cheaper £300 Eee netbook, which is hopefully going to be more reliable and runs oh so quietly.

captian Mazhar Jun 28, 2010 3:07 AM

hp disply and system boot issu

hi everbody i have Hp pavilion dv2000 Artist edition. 2 days ago i shut down my laptop and next day my laptop didnot start. Disply is not showing window. I tary many thing.
1- tray to conect with externel disply but not working.
2- tray to go to bios but still disply not showing.
3- CD, Hadrdis , ram and processar are working
so way my system is not working and wear is the problem. I am computer hardwear but i can cach the issue.
so please anybody help me . i will be very thanks full to you.
thanks and will be waithing for reply. on my eamil.
captain0094@gmail.com

Not happy Jan Jun 14, 2010 8:05 AM

Same problems

I sympathise with everyone posting on this forum, and the many more I know have suffered using Hewlett Packard products.

I spent $1500 on a pavilion dv6000 in April 2008. The hard drive was replaced in 2009 (faulty, supposedly) and less than a year later it runs slower than a one-legged turtle, for reasons completely beyond me.

Discovering the problem prior to the hard drive being replaced was an issue in itself. As the call centre is in India the reception is terrible and I could not understand anyone that was trying to "help" me. The problem was not fixed, and I ended up waiting until the one year warranty expired so my extended warranty would kick in.

It has also given me third degree burns when it sits on my lap (a trait I believed all laptops possessed as this was my first one) which defeats the entire purpose of a LAPtop...

I have also experienced the "charging, but not charging" issue and it is so much louder than my Mum's cheap, entry level Toshiba notebook, it's almost embarassing!

All in all, I have to say what a complete waste of money. I will NEVER, EVER buy anything HP related again, and will be preaching same to everyone I know.

HP - shame on you for continuing to sell such a dodgy product.

Martin bauer Jan 9, 2010 11:09 PM

HP with Nvidia GPU problems

How come this isn't listed under your HP Pavillion common laptop defects. This is a huge problem bordering on consumer fraud.

Patricia Coleman Jan 7, 2010 6:17 PM

HP laptop

I could not get any satsifaction with HP I tried calling and contacting the support online. It has been determined that I need to replace my hard drive. the problem started the day after my warranty went out. HP no longer sells my hard drive they gave me the name of some company Impact. They pretty much told me if I didn't want to purchase a new computer I was on my own.

Tina Jan 4, 2010 1:23 PM

HP is not worth owning

I purchased two HP Pavillion DV2500 laptops in June of 2008. In May of 2009 the screen went out on one of the laptops and HP repaired it under warranty. This past week, the second laptop has experienced the same problem. There are known problems with this computer, but HP will not admit there is an issue, nor will they help. I actually had a tech support agent try to sell me a new computer that he guaranteed would not have a problem. The case manager has denied any assistance and has told me that there is no escallation beyond him. Where do I go from here? It has taken a week to get this far.

Keith Elton Dec 24, 2009 7:53 PM

HP Pavilion 9000 series not long after warranty expires power problem, wi-fi problem, laptop completely useless. Tech offers fixes that will not repair. Took it to proffessional computer service and they agree that it is HP quality problem and it will cost more to fix than buy a new one. Hp offers a fix for $330 plus "service fee"?

Michelle Oct 28, 2009 10:10 AM

How to Get Help? It will take years off your life...

Getting someone you can understand is the first task.. then I got the same thing told to me about 50 times..(read from a script) and at the same time the same reply was being copied and pasted into MANY MANY emails requesting this be taken to a higher level and after staying with it for many many hours days and weeks found someone who COULD actually send me a box to send in my DEAD hard drive. SO you can beet I KEPT that phone number.. sure it will change soon but give me a email address and Ill send it to ya...

Patricia Coleman Oct 19, 2009 7:22 PM

Hardware problem with HP

The day after my warranty was up my Laptop started having problems I have worked with the Chat line and then called to speak with a tech. The tech won't talk to me without a hig fee. I spent $700 for this laptop and I am so frustrated. It will start sometimes and when it does it works fine but mostly the lights flash on and off and I hear the fan whizzing but it doesn't boot up. It is a DV6700 Do you know how I can contact an actual person? Telephone, or e-mail? Thank you so much. I just don't know what to do and right now I do not have the money my husband is out of work and we are doing the best we can. thank you so much

Common HP Pavilion Laptop Defects

Power Issues (all models)

No WiFi (6000 and 9000 series)

HP's Response

How to Get Help?

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