Computer & Laptop Hardware

[#1]

Hello,

I have recently purchased the HP e9180f computer from Future-shop and I'm starting to experience some problems. The problem is that the computer seems too lock up at random occasions. A few times it has been freezing while playing COD WAW and Left 4 Dead. I have noticed that the video card gets extremely hot when I touched the DVI adapter on the back of the card. The computer locks up and causes the sound to loop repeatedly until I restart it manually.

I have called HP support about this problem and they are looking into it. Hopefully this isn't happening to anyone else. Anyone experiencing any problems with the HP e9180f? Hopefully, I didn't buy a lemon. If so, it's going back to the store.

[#2]

Working as a technician I love how so many people so quickly jump to the conclusion that their computer is a lemon just because they've had a problem with it.

You have a 1 YR warranty on the computer from HP. Future Shop technicians are authorized to diagnose and repair problems within that period so why not just bring it to them and have them repair the problem?

[#3]

Usually when you purchase a new computer then it should run just fine without locking up. I've had an IBM for over ten years and it's still running fine. But the HP is experiecing problems after a few days out of the box. I have decided to return the computer because it started to freeze a few minutes after starting up. Either the graphics card or the power supply is faulty.I don't have time to run around and have my computer serviced. I'd rather pay a premium to make a purchase from a quality manufacturer.

[#4]

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engiieDude wrote:

Usually when you purchase a new computer then it should run just fine without locking up. I've had an IBM for over ten years and it's still running fine. But the HP is experiecing problems after a few days out of the box. I have decided to return the computer because it started to freeze a few minutes after starting up. Either the graphics card or the power supply is faulty.I don't have time to run around and have my computer serviced. I'd rather pay a premium to make a purchase from a quality manufacturer.

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Yeah if you're within the return policy give it back by all means.

[#5]

I have encounter the same problem with the same computer.  I have no games yet but sometimes when I am watching youtube or myspace videos my computer does the same thing.  I am starting to wonder if it is a problem with Vista.

[#6]

Have you tried running both Windows Update and HP Update?

Perhaps there is an update to fix your problem.

[#7]

I also recently purchased an e9180f and also have a freezing problem, in fact the first one I bought was so bad I took it back after a few days.  The 2nd one only freezes within a half hour after the initial startup after the system has been off all night.  Mine also completely locks up requires a hard restart with the power button.  I also have my A+ certification and as far as I'm concerned this is completely unacceptable for a new system.  I've been supporting computer systems for over 20 years and this reminds me of the junk from Dell over a decade a go and to this day I won't touch their systems.  I'm now having second thoughts about ever buying another HP and will likely go back to custom built next time, I've never had any problems with those.

[#8]

I have a HP e9180f too and have been experiencing lots of 'lock-ups' and 'freezing' intermittently regardless of whether I'm in a program or not, I've also had a few blue screens, something I have not seen since my early Windows ME/XP days! I recently contacted HP support by e-mail and am awaiting a response from them. I have ensured I have the latest updates (security, windows) and also completed a complete system restore. I purchased my computer in early July at Future Shop so unfortunately I am beyond the 14 day return for refund period. Looks like you are not the only one with that computer who is having this difficulty.

I purchased an HP computer mainly because I have been using them for almost 10 years now without any problems. This is the first time I have had a serious problem with an HP computer. 

[#9]

Looks like all of them or at least many of them are defective? There should be a way to tell HP to recall all these computers!

[#10]

I can almost guarantee that the problem is that the power supply unit is not powerful enough for the computer.  Many computer manufacturers put in power supply units that simply do not match the needs of the graphics card.  This usually is OK because the manufacturers limit the graphics card's ability, but it seems that the system might be outperforming its abilities here (hence explaining the freezing during games or other graphically demanding tasks).

What you do from here is up to you.  You can see if you can get HP to send you a better PSU, or you can pick one up yourself, you can return the computer, or you simply contact HP support.  My guess is that if enough people call HP with the exact same problem, HP will simply replace the PSU with a stronger component, or create a BIOS update that better matches the abilities of the computer with the components it has.  A BIOS update is most likely and will likely happen the fastest.

If you haven't already done so, go to the HP support page and see if there is an updated BIOS there.