I have my niece's Pavilion dv6700 laptop that crashed with no hard drive detected in BIOS. I bought a used HD (SATA, same specs) and got Vista recovery disks from HP matching the laptop. The reinstall begins with "Windows Loading Files...", then starts Recovery Manager, which freezes every time at 23%, eventually reverting to blank blue screen. There are no error messages or further activity. I spent a day on this, then called HP. Because the new hard drive self-test passed, they said it must be the hard drive connector, requiring motherboard repair (out-of-warranty, $250, haha). Is there any way I can fix this myself? I can't afford a new laptop right now (my own Pavilion ze2000 is also in its death throes, with a damaged mobo and good hard drive that won't turn on).
I've searched all over the web but haven't found anything on this particular issue.
Thanks in advance!
- Follow via:
- RSS
- Email Alert
Question
0
Votes
Vista reinstall failure on laptop, HD connector?
24th Jun 2011
Answers (5)
0
Votes
Out of warranty? Oh boy.
The HDD adapter on the board is bad. That model seems to have major issues. I sent two people back to the vendor with this problem, both experienced the failure within a month or two of purchase. They were handed new units over the counter immediately.
Are you certain the device is out of warranty with the store you got it from? (If you didn't get it direct from HP.)
I don't know exactly what it is that fails with the adapter, so you may be able to have an electronic repair shop fix it.
Are you certain the device is out of warranty with the store you got it from? (If you didn't get it direct from HP.)
I don't know exactly what it is that fails with the adapter, so you may be able to have an electronic repair shop fix it.
24th Jun 2011
Replies
Definitely out of warranty. I am hoping I can replace the adapter myself. Thanks for your reply 
dstn321@...
26th Jun 2011
0
Votes
What did you use to test the HDD with here?
Is it still showing in the BIOS?
If it is I would test with the Drive Makers Testing Utility available free here
http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=287
If the HDD is working correctly I would look at the RAM as a possible issue here.
If there is more than 1 RAM Module Fitted here test the RAM with MemTest 68 available on the Ultimate Boot CD which is available free here
http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/download.html
Just make sure that you download the ISO File near the bottom of the page and not the add on the page.
If the RAM Tests OK remove all but 1 RAM Module and then try reloading the OS again.
If there is only 1 RAM Module fitted try a different Module and then try reloading again.
Col
If it is I would test with the Drive Makers Testing Utility available free here
http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=287
If the HDD is working correctly I would look at the RAM as a possible issue here.
If there is more than 1 RAM Module Fitted here test the RAM with MemTest 68 available on the Ultimate Boot CD which is available free here
http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/download.html
Just make sure that you download the ISO File near the bottom of the page and not the add on the page.
If the RAM Tests OK remove all but 1 RAM Module and then try reloading the OS again.
If there is only 1 RAM Module fitted try a different Module and then try reloading again.
Col
25th Jun 2011
Replies
Yes, I tested the new HD with the self-test in BIOS and it passed with flying colors. I will burn that ISO file and test the RAM, thanks for the reply; no one suggested RAM as a possible issue before!
dstn321@...
26th Jun 2011
Argh, the one PC I have running is another Pavilion dv6000,-with a broken CD-ROM drive-so I can't burn any of these diagnostic CDs today...
dstn321@...
26th Jun 2011
0
Votes
The Self Test for the HDD isn't good enough
You need to use the Makers Testing Utility to get a accurate answer about the HDD. Many times the drive can test OK but it's been overheated and in the process of failing. When it's like that for instance it will test OK but not work correctly.
You need to use the Makers Testing Utility to get exactly what is going on with the drive.
Also if it fails the first test remove it fit to another computer and retest. If it still fails the test the Drive is on it's way or already reached Silicon Heaven but it it passes the second test the Power Supply Data Lead or M'Board is faulty in the first computer.
This HDD Makers Test can be used to test the original computer as well as the HDD.
On the up side many of the HDD Makers Testing Utilities are available on the Ultimate Boot CD so if you are downloading that you will have the more commonly used HDD Makers Testing Utilities. However if your HDD Maker's Utility isn't included you should use their Testing Utility it just gives a better result and is far more accurate as to the actual condition of the HDD.
If you have one of the HDD's Makes who do not have a Diagnostic Test use Seatools from Seagate, while that will not be 100% accurate as to what is actually happening with the drive if it's not working correctly it will give a very good guide.
Col
You need to use the Makers Testing Utility to get exactly what is going on with the drive.
Also if it fails the first test remove it fit to another computer and retest. If it still fails the test the Drive is on it's way or already reached Silicon Heaven but it it passes the second test the Power Supply Data Lead or M'Board is faulty in the first computer.
This HDD Makers Test can be used to test the original computer as well as the HDD.
On the up side many of the HDD Makers Testing Utilities are available on the Ultimate Boot CD so if you are downloading that you will have the more commonly used HDD Makers Testing Utilities. However if your HDD Maker's Utility isn't included you should use their Testing Utility it just gives a better result and is far more accurate as to the actual condition of the HDD.
If you have one of the HDD's Makes who do not have a Diagnostic Test use Seatools from Seagate, while that will not be 100% accurate as to what is actually happening with the drive if it's not working correctly it will give a very good guide.
Col
Updated - 26th Jun 2011
0
Votes
Try a clean install
Hi,
I would like to suggest trying a clean install of Vista than from the recovery disk.
just download a copy of vista installer and use the key given at the back of your laptop.
Once you are able to use them one of the recovery cds also have drivers which can then be used.
The recovery disk hangs at times when the hard drive or any other component changed.
Hope it works for ..
Ashish
I would like to suggest trying a clean install of Vista than from the recovery disk.
just download a copy of vista installer and use the key given at the back of your laptop.
Once you are able to use them one of the recovery cds also have drivers which can then be used.
The recovery disk hangs at times when the hard drive or any other component changed.
Hope it works for ..
Ashish
27th Jun 2011
Replies
I looked and couldn't find anything like a vista installer? What do you mean?
Thanks!
Thanks!
dstn321@...
27th Jun 2011
0
Votes
Vista Installer
I mean you need to download a copy of windows Vista if you already dont have it.
This is not the recovery disks but a regular windows Vista.
Thanks,
Ashish
This is not the recovery disks but a regular windows Vista.
Thanks,
Ashish
28th Jun 2011
