HP Announces the Recall of Notebook (Laptop) Computer Batteries
by Ira Wilsker Golden Triangle PC Club
From the November, 2005 issue of the I/O Port Newsletter
Hewlett-Packard (HP) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
recently announced the recall of 135,000 notebook computer batteries. These
batteries were either included as factory installed in HP and Compaq branded
machines, or purchased separately. An internal short in the battery can
cause it to overheat and melt or char the case, posing a burn hazard. The
batteries were manufactured, and included or sold between March 2004, and
May 2005, and were included in many Compaq and HP models. The CPSC has
posted the recall information on its website at:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml06/06007.html and includes photos
on identifying the recalled batteries.
According to HP and the CPSC, “Consumers should stop using the recalled
batteries immediately and contact HP to arrange for a free replacement
battery by visiting the Battery Replacement program Web site or by calling
HP. After removing the recalled battery from their notebook computer,
consumers should plug in the AC adapter to power the notebook until a
replacement battery arrives.”
Users of HP and Compaq computers should check the CPSC website listed to
see if their batteries have been recalled, or check the HP recall website at
http://www.hp.com/support/BatteryReplacement. Users can also call HP at
(888) 404-7398 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.
Recalled batteries will be replaced at no charge.
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