TCS - HP Recalls Memory in 900,000 Compaq and HP Notebook Computers

HP Recalls Memory in 900,000 Compaq and HP Notebook Computers

by Ira Wilsker
Golden Triangle PC Club
From the August, 2004 issue of the I/O Port Newsletter

Hewlett-Packard (HP) recently announced the recall of the memory modules installed in 900,000 notebook computers. While there are no safety hazards involved in the recall, the defective memory could result in other problems. These are described on the HP website Under certain conditions, these memory modules can cause the notebook to experience blue screens, intermittent lockups, or memory data corruption.

The notebook computers themselves are not the primary subject of the recall, only the memory modules in some of the following models is subject to the recall:

Compaq Evo Notebook models: N610c, N610v, N620c, N800c, N800v, N800w, N1000c, N1000v

Compaq Presario Notebook models: 1500, 2800, x1000, x1200

HP Compaq Business Notebook nx7000

HP Pavilion Notebook zt3000

The HP website states, At no charge, our customers will receive a replacement memory module for each affected memory module. This program delivers a simple and flexible solution to customers with notebooks containing these memory modules. Orders for this program must be received from 25 June 2004 through 31 December 2004. In order to speed the process of identifying and replacing potentially defective memory, HP has released a free software utility, downloadable from the HP website or available on CD, which will detect affected memory modules, provides a simple ordering process, and confirm receipt of your order by email. As an incentive to install the replacement memory, and return the defective memory in a prepaid mailer, HP is offering a free 32meg USB flash drive to those that participate in the memory replacement program. Detailed replacement installation instructions are also on the HP website.

Full details can be found on the HP website, www.hp.com, at the bottom right corner link Replacement Programs and Recalls.

Other notebook manufacturers, such as Dell, produced notebook computers with the same memory modules and chipsets used by HP. According to media statements available at press time, Dell is looking in to the problem.



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Tulsa Computer Society 8/01/2004
Don Singleton, President