Whirlpool

I'm starting this thread as the "Compaq C710TU $550 bargain! Feedback :)" is getting a bit messy with people talking about both the C710TU and the C731TU
/forum-replies.cfm?t=870109&p=-1#bottom
If you can't find what you need here, try there, then post it here :)

I picked up my Compaq Presario C731TU from office works, North sydney, paying
$649.00 on the day.

by price matching Harvey norman

for the next 3 days Harvey norman $647 [ as seen in the Sydney telegraph 11/01/08 ]

pic of Harvey norman add as taken by my SE k750i
img150.imageshack.us/img.../dsc00832mx2.jpg

the "Compaq Cash Back Avalanche" will be coming to the party sometime in the next 90 days with $150.00 cash back h50025.www5.hp.com/ENP5/...367&pageID=1

giving me a Compaq Presario C731TU for <$500.00 WOOT!

it comes with vista home basic, but I'm moving on to XP pro sp2

you can find many of the needed XP drivers here:
/forum-replies.cfm?t=870...270723#r14270723
User #34221 276 posts
barywhite
Forum Regular ] and a bit of a super star :)
:( :| :) :D


I bought a Compaq Presario C731TU and installed XP. Just had a chat with someone from HP. Have to try it out tonight...

HP: These are all the driver available for your notebook.
HP: Here is the link for the Video Graphice driver:
HP: downloadmirror.intel.com...in2k_xp­ 14311.exe
HP: Here is the link for the Chipset driver:
HP: downloadmirror.intel.com...eng/Chi­ pUtil.exe
HP: Here is the link for the Realtek Lan driver:
HP: ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/sof...0500/sp30156.exe
HP: Here is the link for the wireless driver:
HP: ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/sof...3500/sp33404.exe
HP: Here is the link for the Touchpad driver:
HP: ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/sof...5500/sp35444.exe
HP: Here is the link for the Quick Launch driver:
HP: ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/sof...22-1/sp33258.exe
HP: Here is the link for the Media Card Reader driver:
HP: ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/sof...4000/sp33604.exe
HP: This model of Presario has an audio controller that supports the high definition audio. You need to have Microsoft Universal Audio Architecture (UAA) Bus Driver for High Definition Audio installed on the computer before installing the audio driver.
HP: Here is the link for the Microsoft Universal Audio Architecture driver that need to be installed before installing the audio driver:
HP: ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/sof...4000/sp33867.exe
HP: After installing the UAA driver from the above links you have to restart the notebook and then install Conexant High Definition Audio Driver from the following link :
HP: ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/sof...4500/sp34200.exe
HP: Installing Audio drivers may result in an error. But continue with the following steps to get the audio driver installed correctly.
HP: 1. Click on Start and select Run. Now type devmgmt.msc and press enter.
2. Right click on "Audio device on High Definition Audio Bus" and click
Update driver.
3. Select "Install from a list or specific location"
4. Click Next. Then select "Don't search, I will choose the driver to
install"
5. Click Next and then select "Sound, video and game controller" from the
list.
6. Click Next and then click Have Disk.
7. Click Browse C:\swsetup\sp34200 folder and select the .inf file and click open and Continue with the onscreen instructions.
HP: Similarly install Modem Drivers:

Conexant HDAUDIO Soft Data Fax Modem with SmartCP drivers:
HP: ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/sof...4000/sp33890.exe
HP: Installing Modem drivers may result in an error. But continue with the following steps to get the Modem driver installed correctly.
HP: 1.Right click on "Modem device on High Definition Audio Bus" and click
Update driver.
2. Select "Install from a list or specific location"
3. Click Next. Then select "Don't search, I will choose the driver to
install"
4. Click Next and then select "Modem" from the
list.
5. Click Next and then click Have Disk.
6. Click Browse C:\swsetup\sp33890 folder and select the .inf file and click open and Continue with the onscreen instructions.
HP: Here is the link for the Webcam driver:
HP: ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/sof...5500/sp35414.exe

XP problem driver wiki:

I will update the wiki as problems are found / fixed

status:

initial problems 6

fixed 0

problems outstanding 6

1. the hot keys to control the sound volume don't work. but the on screen display comes up and moves as it should.

2. the internal microphone is not working / registering.

3. inserting headphones in to the headphone jack [ TRS ] does not mute the onboard speakers.

4. wifi button activates the wifi circuit but does not change colour to show it's on.

5. no on screen display when changing brightness

6. bios the "-" button fails to work v.21

My people, I've had a change of heart; we're looking at this as if it were a Technical Problem.

It is not, it's H.P / compaq buckling to microsoft demands to force people to use "vista" so microsoft can claim huge vista uptake numbers.

in the process compaq / H.P are selling a computer that does not support the biggest / most popular operating system on the planet XP

screwing us, the lowest of the low (you'll buy what we tell you too and like it)

so what I'm asking all of you to do is get the message to H.P / comapaq

that they have not got a choice, if they want our money they have to do our support us.

what can you do to help?
go here ipgweb.cce.hp.com/psgna/...ang=en&cc=us

start a chat , say I need XP drivers for my product it is a

Compaq Presario laptop
model: C731TU
s/n: add yours
p/n: here too

lets go people the sooner we start the sooner we will have what we paid for!

Odiumm reports a possible fix for problem 1

has anyone shared his success?

I've really got to say, over 2,000 people have been through this thread.

less than 5 people have posted chats from H.P support.

thats pretty weak, even given only 250*, less than a quarter of the 2,000 plus hits are probably Compaq Presaro C731TU owners { * at a guess}

this problem will not be fixed by one man acting on his own, it's a shere weight of numbers issue.

H.P can quite happly ignore the odd customer asking for drivers, but with hundreds posting failed support chats, that sort of thing brings bad ink, not many companies will bring that on themselves.

I don't mind doing the heavy lifting, but one man is easy to ignore.

what can you do to help?
go here ipgweb.cce.hp.com/psgna/...ang=en&cc=us

If anyone works for H.P / compaq or just has a copy of the corporate directory please send me a whim

in short, this is your fight, fight it or lose.

wiki updated 07/02/08

ive no what the point of this thread is?
what are you trying to say here?!

all i see is a whole lot of HP: blah blah blah blah

the point of this thread is you can now get a brand new laptop, the compaq presario c731tu for under $500!

Although the specs of this laptop aren't great, by installing windows xp2 (soon to be xp3) on it and upgrading the ram to 2gb ($55 @ msy) you can get a very capable machine

Here are the specs for the C731TU:
* PROCESSOR – Intel Celeron M processor 540 1.80GHz
* MEMORY - 512MB DDR2 (1 Dimm)
* HARD DRIVE - 80GB 5400RPM
* OPTICAL DRIVE - SuperMulti 8X DVD±R?RW with Double Layer support
* COLOUR DISPLAY - 15.4" WXGA BrightView widescreen display
* RESOLUTION - 1280 x 800
* VIDEO – Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100, up to 64MB total available graphics memory
* TV-OUT PORT – S-Video output
* CAMERA - Integrated HP low light VGA webcam
* LAN - Integrated 10?100 LAN; 802.11b?g WLAN
* MODEM - High speed 56K modem
* SPEAKERS - Altec Lansing speakers
* CARD READER – Integrated 5-in-1 digital media reader
* USB PORT - 3 USB 2.0
* SOFTWARE – Windows Vista Home Basic, Microsoft Works 8.5, Roxio Creator Basic, Muvee AutoProducer Basic Edition (with 20 day trial full version), Adobe Acrobat Reader 7, Symantec Norton Anti-Virus (60 days live update), Symantec Norton Internet Security (60 days live update), Compaq DVD Play, HP Games by Oberon Media, HP PhotoSmart Premier, SoftThink HDD Recovery
* WEIGHT - Approximately 2.9kg
* WARRANTY –1 year warranty
* CONTACT NUMBER FOR WARRANTY, SERVICE & SUPPORT – 13 10 47, Option 3
* CASHBACK WEBSITE - www.compaq.com.au?cashback

wat helmet writes...

full specs of the c731tu?

Here is the specs from DSE www.dse.com.au/cgi-bin/d...duct/View/XC4230

Compaq Presario C731TU NB
$150 Cash back

Features: PROCESSOR – Intel Celeron M processor 540 1.80GHz
MEMORY - 512MB DDR2 (1 Dimm)
HARD DRIVE - 80GB 5400RPM
OPTICAL DRIVE - SuperMulti 8X DVD±R?RW with Double Layer support
COLOUR DISPLAY - 15.4" WXGA BrightView widescreen display
RESOLUTION - 1280 x 800
VIDEO – Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100, up to 64MB total available graphics memory
TV-OUT PORT – S-Video output
CAMERA - Integrated HP low light VGA webcam
LAN - Integrated 10?100 LAN; 802.11b?g WLAN
MODEM - High speed 56K modem
SPEAKERS - Altec Lansing speakers
CARD READER – Integrated 5-in-1 digital media reader
USB PORT - 3 USB 2.0
SOFTWARE – Windows Vista Home Basic, Microsoft Works 8.5, Roxio Creator Basic, Muvee AutoProducer Basic Edition (with 20 day trial full version), Adobe Acrobat Reader 7, Symantec Norton Anti-Virus (60 days live update), Symantec Norton Internet Security (60 days live update), Compaq DVD Play, HP Games by Oberon Media, HP PhotoSmart Premier, SoftThink HDD Recovery
WEIGHT - Approximately 2.9kg
WARRANTY –1 year warranty
CONTACT NUMBER FOR WARRANTY, SERVICE & SUPPORT – 13 10 47, Option 3
CASHBACK WEBSITE - www.compaq.com.au?cashback

I found the sata driver you will need for XP "f6"

h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsu...wItem=ob-54270-1

hmm its not bad notebook. i wouldn't mind getting it if i didn't already have one that needs to play games, because the x3100 is a good card.

for 500< which is a hp branded notebook is a bargain

Dear Wenyi Zhang, (this is not me, I guess their getting hammered with people ditching vista for XP)

Thank you for contacting HP Email support. My name is Adam and I will
be assisting you regarding your HP Compaq Presario C731TU Notebook PC.

From your email, we understand that you need drivers of windows XP in
the Notebook.

Wenyi, regarding the installation of windows XP in the Notebook, I need
to inform you that this notebook is designed for the Windows Vista so
the exact drivers are only available for the Windows Vista at HP web
site. Also HP does not recommend windows XP for Notebook, as it is not
tested over the Notebook. Also I need to inform you that may be you will
not get the full functionality and features of Notebook in windows XP.
However on best effort basis, I am providing you the drivers of windows
XP from the base model of series of Notebook. I suggest you to
download and install the drivers from the below mentioned web links:

[NOTE: In case the web link does not open up, kindly copy and paste it
into the address bar of the web browser on your system and click on
go]

Check how it goes and let me know the result.

If you need any other technical assistance with the same please feel
free to get back to me with the below mentioned details, I will be more
than happy to assist you further.

1. 10 or 12 digit alphanumeric Serial Number: (like CNF4340GVR or
7227JYHZ0167) of the notebook.
2. 6 or 7 digit alphanumeric Product Number: (like Q2460A or DC577AV)
of the notebook.

[Note: The Serial Number and the Product Number of the notebook kindly
see the sticker at the back /reverse side of the notebook]

If you need any further assistance with the same from my side please
feel free to get back to me, I shall be more than happy to assist you
further.

Thank you and have a wonderful day.

Yours sincerely,
Adam
Regional Customer Contact Centre
Live Chat and Online Support available at:
www.compaq.com/AsiaPacific/support
----------------------------------­ ------------
Please include the following identifier in all
future correspondence relating to this ticket.

***bad juju!

I just the drivers that were here, no good so I'm deleating the links

C731TU RAM = PC-5300 (667MHz) 200-pin SO-DIMM DDR2

I got Corsair Value Select VS1GB667D2 1GB PC-5300 DDR2 RAM for $40.00

very happy :)

Where is the best place to buy the Compaq Presaro C731TU for? I'm considering it over an Eee PC. Cheers. (Melb)

Awesome value IMO.

How did you guys go with downgrading XP?

Anything that doesn't work? Brightness keys? Hybernation?

I guess you won't get software for burnung your cds or dvds right?

mau1wurf1977 writes...

Anything that doesn't work?

Yes - Wireless.

I have installed all the drivers I posted earlier as suggested by the lovely HP support person. All but 2 worked - Wireless and the Synaptic touchpad.

Has anyone got wireless working (under XP) on the C731TU yet? If so how? Please share!! :)

Is it possible to install vista premium? Like if i have it? I heard Basic is horrible, can anyone confirm this?

I'm really interested in this laptop if i can get it for $500 after cashback.

I found a driver that works - no thanks to HP!

members.driverguide.com/...driverid=1080937

Download that.

It's a driver for:

AR5BXB63 (AR5006x) Atheros Communications - Network
atheros_v5_1_1_9.exe

Wireless now works under XP. The Wireless button turns it on and off but it doesnt change colour, just stays red.

What an ordeal...

Officeworks or JB HiFi have a little stock. (umm... selling fast)
Vista Basic lacks some MS Applications but Compaq have bundled lots of better (and working) goodies.

Look don't worry if you miss the boat. The cashback lasts to 15th Feb and the sales have bearly started.

barywhite writes...

I found a driver that works - no thanks to HP!

Beat me to it by 10 mins. Just discovered a similar one Wireless Lan Driver 802abg Atheros Ver.5.3.0.45.zip - 5.3.0.45

www.versiontracker.com/d...einfo/win/115677

The button on the laptop doesn't change colour but you need to use it to find the network.

Whats the average battery time everyones having?

I placed my order for one of these babies, picking it up on the 21st =]
Can't wait

chevson writes...

Beat me to it by 10 mins. Just discovered a similar one Wireless Lan Driver 802abg Atheros Ver.5.3.0.45.zip - 5.3.0.45

Cool, it's a newer version. Just installed. Still works ;)

I have made a zip file and uploaded it to www.megaupload.com, contains all the drivers you need to move to XP.

www.megaupload.com/?d=YVAEIQT8

"Compaq Presario C731TU laptop PC xp drivers.zip"
(124.88 MB) was uploaded successfully.

you may need to supplement my www.megaupload.com .zip with this Wireless Lan Driver

barywhite writes...

I found a driver that works - no thanks to HP!

Beat me to it by 10 mins. Just discovered a similar one Wireless Lan Driver 802abg Atheros Ver.5.3.0.45.zip - 5.3.0.45

www.versiontracker.com/d...einfo/win/115677

The button on the laptop doesn't change colour but you need to use it to find the network.

Just asking again, if i get this laptop can i install Vista premium over the top of basic? Would it be wise to do so?

I'm going to start a wiki style bit in my first post on problems with the move to XP

Please whim me any you have run in too.

Jastone writes...

Just asking again, if i get this laptop can i install Vista premium over the top of basic? Would it be wise to do so?

I guess that depends, why do you need Vista premium?

EmoKillaz writes...

ive no what the point of this thread is?
what are you trying to say here?!

all i see is a whole lot of HP: blah blah blah blah

first time with the english?, or just boooosting your post count?

Excellent thread but... has anyone tried to install LINUX on this baby?! If so what version, results etc?

You can get this Asus for $499. It's not really what I'd call a laptop but anyway. It runs a basic version of Linux (a modded Gentoo). And it uses a solid state hard drive (4GB).

Randomanizer writes...

It runs a basic version of Linux (a modded Gentoo)

Modified Xandros actually en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ASUS_Eee_PC ;)

Sorry :) Btw, why actually did Asus bother to release this laptop? I mean, yes, it's got a cheap price but you can get proper laptop's that have no restrictions with what they can do for around the same price?

I am not as lucky as you are. Did you buy a brand new hp731 with $649 or a product returned by someone else? I thought I had picked up a bargain as I bought the same model from Punchbowl Officeworks for $698. I don't understand why the same laptop in a rich suburb like north sydney could be cheaper than sydney southwest.

Have you successfully installed all the drivers for this laptop? I want to do the same thing. However I am afraid I won't be able to recover the computer to its original state once I have failed. Please let know. Many thanks.

Well I don't know for sure but I suspect it has something to do with them being a corporation which is in business to make a profit. Therefore they saw an unmet demand and have produced a product that's selling like hotcakes. For example see: www.smh.com.au/news/tech...96812808404.html

The problem with what you call a 'proper laptop' is that such beasts with 15.4 inch screens and full sized keyboards are heavy to lug around and way to big for using in aeroplanes or on many trains. If you compare the ASUS eee PC to other sub-notebooks, say something slim with a 12 inch screen, it's a bargain. Such ultra-portable machines usually start above $2,000 and quickly go to $3,000 +.

The ultra thin lightweight crapple Mac book or whatever it's called (the thing mini-bill gates was waving around in a manila envelope) that just came out will be over $4,000 USD if you want a solid state drive which leads me to another point... the solid state drives on the eee pc are a big advantage because they won't get damaged by vibration when traveling the way a 'normal' HDD can. Yes they have less capacity but it's for working - not watching DVDs.

I will probably buy the next model of the eee pc that is tentaively expected to come out around April to replace my aging Thinkpad X23.

But I was actually thinking of the Compaq C731tu as a cheap second computer mostly for the home with occasional travel.

Ah. Ok. Thanks, now I know what people mean by solid state hard drives :)

Yes, they're just flash memory. The delicate platters and magnetic arms in regular HDDs can eventually fail if subject to lots of vibration on say a daily commute etc. I suppose you could remove a laptop's HDD and rig an adapter with a compact flash card or something - I in fact did this with an old desktop as an experiment and have Free Dos booting off of a 96MB flash CF card quite nicely :-)

The only problem is that such a seat of the pants arrangement might run your battery down too fast because the flash media/OS haven't been optimised for low power consumption. Presumably the ee pc and other sub-notebooks use flash media which uses less power and maybe do things with their drivers so that they're not constantly writing to the mdeia or whatever--- thereby saving power consumption.

I remember the Toshiba Libretto was a big seller (note it used a slim HDD not solid state) and used ones still go for a lot on ebay! It was at a much higher price point though. That's why ASUS has been a bit disruptive and got everyone all excited with its eee pc product.

Sorry to go off topic too much, got a little carried away! Now hopefully some kind soul will report their LINUX success re the Compaq so I don't have to be the one to do the gambling ;-)

Another question: where did you get the DDR2 RM for the notebook?

NauturalStage writes...

Another question: where did you get the DDR2 RM for the notebook?

you can find them at any rare places called "any computer store near you"

btw. how is the X3100 video card? does it do 1,920 x 1,200 and other weird stuff like 1,366 x 768?

I'm going to have to grab me one of these. I was searching the forums the other day for recommendations on a cheap laptop, I was almost prepared to by an Eeepc, but decided it wasn't going to do what I wanted it to do. Where are people finding them for $650 (making it $500 after cashback)?

Also, how would this laptop go playin WoW, even if on low resolution?

NauturalStage writes...

Another question: where did you get the DDR2 RM for the notebook?

I got 1GB for mine it was about $28 plus $10 delivery from arc.

www.arc.com.au/?MEMSOD253KI1G

On the C710 thread others got it from www.msy.com.au. If there is one near you.

Goshy writes...

Look don't worry if you miss the boat. The cashback lasts to 15th Feb and the sales have bearly started.

Not strictly true:

Valid on purchases from 1 November 2007 to 31 January 2008! †Final claims must be received by 5pm EST 15/02/2008 to be eligible for your Cash Back.*

source: h50025.www5.hp.com/ENP5/...lID=367&pageID=1

so there's actually less than a fortnight left to make a purchase and a further fortnight to make your claim.

chevson writes...

I got 1GB for mine it was about $28 plus $10 delivery from arc.

www.arc.com.au/?MEMSOD253KI1G

On the C710 thread others got it from www.msy.com.au. If there is one near you.

or IT Estate has it for $26 + some silly figure for postage if your not in this area of Sydney:

www.itestate.com.au/prod...?code=PD00004960

ok, i have one of these laptops and i love it, but i dont feel it goes that well on windows vista. I have put XP pro with SP2 on it but it wont let me install the HD audio Drivers and the wireless drivers, with the Audio drivers it says "no audio detected" and for the wireless the setup just quits randomly. I also cant install the touchpad driver which i dont really care about as its working how it is.

All help would be much apreciated :)

WillyManilly writes...

All help would be much apreciated :)

post #1 may be of use, as may the C710TU thread where I'm sure solutions to your issue have been discussed.

WillyManilly writes...

All help would be much apreciated :)

See here for the wireless driver:
forum-replies.cfm?t=899268#r15

For the audio, from my post in other thread (and repeated in first post of this thread):

HP: This model of Presario has an audio controller that supports
the high definition audio. You need to have Microsoft Universal Audio
Architecture (UAA) Bus Driver for High Definition Audio installed on
the computer before installing the audio driver.
HP: Here is the link for the Microsoft Universal Audio
Architecture driver that need to be installed before installing the
audio driver:
HP: ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/sof...4000/sp33867.exe
HP: After installing the UAA driver from the above links you have
to restart the notebook and then install Conexant High Definition
Audio Driver from the following link :
HP: ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/sof...4500/sp34200.exe
HP: Installing Audio drivers may result in an error. But continue
with the following steps to get the audio driver installed correctly.
HP: 1. Click on Start and select Run. Now type devmgmt.msc and press enter.
2. Right click on "Audio device on High Definition Audio Bus" and click
Update driver.
3. Select "Install from a list or specific location"
4. Click Next. Then select "Don't search, I will choose the driver to
install"
5. Click Next and then select "Sound, video and game controller" from the
list.
6. Click Next and then click Have Disk.
7. Click Browse C:\swsetup\sp34200 folder and select the .inf file and
click open and Continue with the onscreen instructions.

will this laptop get at least 3 hours at uni? how long to charge it also to last extra hour or two?

ThaitaniumXI writes...

will this laptop get at least 3 hours at uni? how long to charge it also to last extra hour or two?

This review of a c700 series notebook mentions battery life towards the end: www.notebookreview.com/d....asp?newsID=4202

that review shows that the cpu is soldered in

bummer

at least an upgrade to core duo might extend the life

2 hours :(, hoping at least 3 for uni.

looks like i need to find a plug at uni then lol

GATEWAY thats right, this post is going to be about Gateway.

Gateway stopped trading around 10 years ago here in Australia.

I still have a Gateway Solo 2150 laptop, I'm pretty sure it's OVER 10 years old.

today is the 17/jan/08

Solo 2150 Specifications
support.gateway.com/s/Mo...50/P215012.shtml

Drivers & downloads
support.gateway.com/supp...pn¶m=3500592

check it out REAL drivers, DETAILED product Specifications

www.gateway.com.au is still up.

How the puck, can a company as smart as that lose to H.P hewlett packard / compaq?!

p.s the solo 2150 still works, but the p3 600 is just not what I need now :(

we are being screwed here, it's time to start screaming!

josh2074 writes...

How the puck, can a company as smart as that lose to H.P hewlett packard / compaq?!


why are you posting this?

hewlett packard compaq are two companies

they also sucked up companies like digital and over a dozen other companies

gateway are a small clone maker - HPC do almost every step of the IT chain from unix to support

it's no surprise gateway got rolled and moved out of australia

Ok, i got the wireless and the Audio Driver installed thanks to all you guys :).

But Now my problem is that i can't turn the sound down, i drag the little bar down and the sound stays on Max, Anybody had this problem??

WillyManilly writes...

Ok, i got the wireless and the Audio Driver installed thanks to all you guys :).

But Now my problem is that i can't turn the sound down, i drag the little bar down and the sound stays on Max, Anybody had this problem??

check the wiki in post 1 of this thread.

Now hunting a laptop bag suitable for the Compaq Presaro C731TU
backpack or brife case

has anybody had any joy?

So is there any way to fix those problems?

I should have read the first post lol

Thanks heaps, barywhite. I have successfully converted crappy vista basic to much more stabe XP though with some setback. The only problem remained now is the the light of wireless button turns into red for blue and the wireless connection contantly drops. The red light might indicates problem. Any ideas?

Randomanizer writes...

Sorry :) Btw, why actually did Asus bother to release this laptop? I mean, yes, it's got a cheap price but you can get proper laptop's that have no restrictions with what they can do for around the same price?

Well In my opinion its more useful than the Macbook Air. Fine if you don't want to include a optical drive ffs include ethernet. I don't want to be copying large amounts of data over the wireless >_<

NauturalStage writes...

The only problem remained now is the the light of wireless button turns into red for blue and the wireless connection constantly drops. The red light might indicates problem.

I think we all (with xp) have a permanent red light. My wireless connection is stable (no dropouts) it turn on and off though, when I press the red wireless light.

Has anyone found how to fix the audio problem?

In my device manager, there is a question mark for sm bus controller. Anyone knows what driver to fix this probelm?

NauturalStage writes...

Has anyone found how to fix the audio problem?

Has barywhite's post #1 method not been successful for you?

"WillyManilly writes...
Ok, i got the wireless and the Audio Driver installed thanks to all you guys :).

But Now my problem is that i can't turn the sound down, i drag the little bar down and the sound stays on Max, Anybody had this problem??

check the wiki in post 1 of this thread."

That's the problem that I have encountered as well.

I own one of these Laptops and I have upgraded the RAM to 2x1Gb sticks. Kingston Brand.

All is good. I am quite happy with Windows Vista Basic. After all the Laptop is a Basic Machine.

Not much point installing Windows XP on it in my opinion.

Just a waste of time.

The only annoying thing about Vista is the UAC. Easily fixed though.

One very happy customer, runs my Trading Platform and Charting Software no problem. Connected it to my Dell 24" Display and runs no problem. Great for having Charting Software and Broker Platform open simultaneously.

cheers

Saruman writes...

I am quite happy with Windows Vista Basic. After all the Laptop is a Basic Machine.
Not much point installing Windows XP on it in my opinion.

Fair enough them. WinXP is worth installing if you have the skill and find Vista a hassle. Yep, up the RAM, and your vital software works.

The Celeron 1.86GHz cpu just about copes with running the Vista bloat, but I doubt it manage Premium's Aero graphics. Nevertheless I'm going hold my cash & cards until laptops arrive with a Vista sp1 install out-of-te-box.

Hey, for now it is a bargain and stylish too.

Richie writes...

Where are people finding them for $650 (making it $500 after cashback)?

*Bump* this question - I too am curious to find out.

Also, does anyone know what the best price is on the higher models C719TU and C742TU?

I'm tossing up between all 3 models, but I need to know the prices.

Thanks in advance for any responses.

Witch writes...

Also, does anyone know what the best price is on the higher models C719TU and C742TU?

$818 for the C742TU @ Centrecom

www.centrecom.com.au/cat...roducts_id=29004

$100 cash back for the C742TU

h50025.www5.hp.com/ENP5/...lID=367&pageID=1

Witch writes...

*Bump* this question - I too am curious to find out.

Harvey Norman had the 710TU at $649 last weekend and one person got a price match at OW and a swap to the 731TU.
Another managed to get a different one-off deal because the manager thought the cash-back offer was finished.
OW & others have it currently at ~$698. You may just have to haggle/offer cash/both.

Witch writes...

Also, does anyone know what the best price is on the higher models C719TU and C742TU?


$779 for the C719TU @ MSY

$150 cash back for the C719TU

Maybe if you try doing this with the SB Audio Driver?

Unindentified Driver unknown device hardware device unknown
Try using a hardware diagnostic to identify the driverless chip. These hardware diagnostics are all free:
Everest:
www.majorgeeks.com/download4181.html
Belarc:
www.belarc.com/free_download.html
Siw:
www.snapfiles.com/get/siw.html

Or try this:
Start-Programs-Accessories-System ­ Tools-System Information. Click on "components" and highlight "problem devices". Any hardware device with a driver problem will be listed here. Make a note of the PNP Device ID line of the entry. It will contain a Vendor number and a Device number (VEN. . . . DEV. . . .)
both four digits long.
Look up those numbers here:

www.pcidatabase.com/index.php

This will tell you the manufacturer and the chip number. First port of call is the manufacturer's website. If no joy there, try a driver database like Driverguide:

This may work, ill give it a try later :)

I typed in Device ID -283E and it came up with Intel ICH8 Family SMbus Controller

So i typed it into google and i found the drivers, Installed them and they did pretty much nothing lol.

Ill keep looking :P

orin writes...

$818 for the C742TU @ Centrecom

This is actually the C741TU, it has a smaller hard drive, and no cashback.

orin writes...

$779 for the C719TU @ MSY

This is the C718TU, it also has lower specs and no cashback.

I reckon I could get a better deal on the models with cashback than on those without, I'm just hoping that someone knows what the stores that sell them (which seem to be only the big retailers) would be willing to accept.

Fire-Tech writes...

You may just have to haggle/offer cash/both.

Well I was hoping not to - my previous experiences trying to haggle at these places were unproductive.

EmoKillaz writes...

what are you trying to say here?!

The purpose of the thread is to inform interested people to what is available to us whirlpudlians.I have found it very informative and with information contained within the thread has helped me decide to buy this laptop as it will do exactly what I want a laptop to do.Thanks to the ppl that posted for the information. Jay.

mini wiki updated

ipgweb.cce.hp.com/psgna/...74&lang=en&cc=us

start a chat , say I need XP drivers for my product it is a

Compaq Presario laptop
model: C731TU
s/n: add yours
p/n: here too

lets go people the sooner we start the sooner we will have what we paid for!

Hmm, I'm leaning towards the C731TU, the only thing that I'm hesitant about is the lack of Speedstep. Can anyone comment of the noise, heat and power usage/battery life? Especially the noise. Does the fan often spin up? Is it loud?

Thanks once again.

Having followed your link, I had a chat with a hp technician about the xp driver problems we have encountered.

I will now paste the conversation below

Me : Hi, I have bought a 731tu notebook installed with visa basic. However, I reinstalled the system with XP SP2 as the visita has poor performance on this computer. There are some problems my friends and I have encountered after xp installation. Could you send us xp drivers for this computer?
Philip: Hello!
Philip: My name is Philip. How may I assist you today?
Philip: Welcome To HP Total Care for Presario Notebooks.
Philip: Sure, I'll assisty you with t
Me : hi, philip. i have posted some info above. have you seen it?
Philip: Sure, I'll assist you with the drivers.
Me : thank you.
Philip: I'll provide all the links to download and install the drivers. I will also send the chat transcript to your email once I completed with providing all the drivers.
Me : great...
Philip: Here are the list of drivers for your notebook model.
Philip: Steps to install the Audio driver :
Philip: First download and install the UAA driver from the following link:
Philip: ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/sof...4000/sp33566.exe
Philip: After installing this, download and install the audio driver from the following link:
Philip: ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/sof...4500/sp34200.exe
Philip: This will create a swsetup folder in C drive ("C:\swsetup\sp34200")
Philip: Installing this driver may result in an error. But continue with the following steps to get the audio driver installed correctly.
Philip: 1. Click on Start and select Run. Now type devmgmt.msc and press enter.

2. Right click on "Audio device on High Definition Audio Bus" and click Update driver.

3. Select "Install from a list or specific location"
Philip: 4. Click Next. Then select "Don't search, I will choose the driver to install"

5. Click Next and then select "Sound, video and game controller" from the list.

6. Click Next and then click Have Disk.
Philip: 7. Click Browse C:\swsetup\sp34200 folder and select the .inf (wis30b2a) file and click open and Continue with the onscreen instructions.
Philip: Video Driver: :

Mobile Intel 965 Express Chipset Family Video Driver

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/sof...7000/sp36793.exe
Philip: Chipset Driver:

downloadmirror.intel.com...eng/ChipUtil.exe

OR

asia.giga-byte.com/FileL...hipset_intel.exe
Philip: Realtek RTL8100CL LAN Driver :

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/sof...1000/sp30580.exe

OR

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/sof...0500/sp30156.exe
Philip: HP Quick Launch Buttons :

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/sof...22-1/sp33258.exe
Philip: Alps Touch pad driver:

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/sof...6000/sp25796.exe
Philip: Broadcom drivers :

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/sof...4500/sp34152.exe

OR

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/sof...2500/sp32156.exe
Philip: Steps to install the Modem Driver :
Philip: Modem Driver :

h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsu...d=reg_R1002_USEN
Philip: 1. Click on Start and select Run. Now type devmgmt.msc and press enter.

2. Right click on "Modem device on High Definition Audio Bus" and click Update driver.

3. Select "Install from a list or specific location"
Philip: 4.Click Next. Then select "Don't search, I will choose the driver to install"

5.Click Next and then select "Modem" from the list.

6. Click Next and then click Have Disk.
Philip: 7. Click Browse C:\swsetup\sp36089 folder and select the .inf (wis30b2a) file and click open and Continue with the onscreen instructions.
Philip: Note: Please do not click the link, just copy the entire link and paste it in a new Internet Explorer browser window and hit Go.
Philip: Installation instructions:

1. Download the file onto your hard drive.
2. Execute the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Restart the notebook to update the changes.
Philip: These are all the drivers for XP operating system which are compatible for your notebook model.
Philip: I have just sent a copy of this chat session to your e-mail address, please check.

Me : Thank you so much for your help. I will try them out now. Actually I have installed most drivers successfully but audio and smbus controller. Thanks again.

The problem is in C:\swsetup\sp34200 he mentioned, there is no .inf (wis30b2a) file.
so I had to google it. then I found the read .exe containing the file.
here is the link to sp35682.exe
h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf...d=reg_R1002_USEN

installing this has solved the audio problem however mic problem remains. i'll keep searching.

Here is the conversation I had with Robbie the Robot. He may have been an AI but he did give me some links. Does anyone else remember the part of 'Bladerunner' where Deckard says 'How can it not know what it is?'

That's what I thought of when Robbie insisted 'I am a real person - just like you!' Poor AI :-(

------------
Robbie: Hello Steve.

Welcome to HP Total Care for Compaq Presario Notebooks. My name is
Robbie.
How may I assist you today?

Looking forward to assist you.

Steve: I would be grateful if you could help me obtain XP and LINUX drivers for
theCompaq Presario laptop
model: C731TU

Robbie: I will certainly do the best to assist you

Steve Can you provide me with an ftp?

Robbie: I will provide the XP drivers for you you.

Robbie: Steve, I am sorry to inform you that we do not have drivers for Linux in
our Database. We support only Microsoft operating systems.

Robbie: I will provide Xp drivers for you.

Robbie: What type of Processor is installed on your Notebook (Intel or AMD) ?

Steve: Intel

Robbie: Thank you for the information.

Please confirm with the model number so that I could provide the drivers.

Steve: No worries the model is C731TU

Robbie: Thank you for the information.

I will provide the drivers. Please try installing the drivers offline.

Steve: ok - are you going to e-mail them or give me an ftp address or something?

Robbie: Yes, I will provide the drivers and after completing the chat session, I
will send this chat transscript to your e-mail Id.

Video Driver:

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/sof...6000/sp35810.exe

Audio driver:

First, download and install Microsoft Universal Audio Architecture (UAA)
Bus Driver for High Definition Audio the following drivers :

h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsu...wItem=ob-45958-1

Robbie: After installing the UAA driver from the above link, you have to restart the notebook and then install Conexant High Definition Audio Driver from the following link :
Robbie: ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/sof...4500/sp34200.exe
Steve : Many thanks.
Robbie: The same steps can be followed to install the Modem driver from the below link:
Robbie: ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/sof...5500/sp35272.exe
Robbie: Chipset driver:
Robbie: asia.giga-byte.com/FileL...hipset_intel.exe
Robbie: Intel pro/wireless driver:
Robbie: ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/sof...4500/sp34136.exe
Robbie: LAN driver:
Robbie: asia.giga-byte.com/FileL..._lan_marvell.exe
Robbie: NOTE: The URL above will take you to a non HP Web site. HP does not control and is not responsible for information outside of the HP Web site.
Steve : BTW, are you real human or an AI?
Robbie: I am human just like you.My name is Robbie.
Robbie: 5 in 1 card reader driver:
Robbie: ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/sof...4000/sp33604.exe
Steve : Thank for all of these links - it's just what I needed.
Robbie: Quick launch buttons:
Robbie: ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/sof...22-1/sp33258.exe
Robbie: Please provide me the product number of your Notebook .
Robbie: I would provide you touchpad driver.
Robbie: The product number will be like "EC186UA".
Robbie: Are we still connected?
Robbie: I request you to respond, as a delay in response can cause disconnection in our Chat session.
Steve : I'm here!
Robbie: Thank you.
Robbie: Please provide me the product number of your Notebook so that I can provide touchpad driver.
Steve : Different from the model number?
Robbie: Touchpad drivers differe in different models.
Robbie: *different for few model Notebooks.
Robbie: So, Please provide me the product number.
Robbie: You can find the product number at the back or bottom of the computer.
Robbie: product number will be like "EC186UA".
Robbie: Touchpad Driver:
Robbie: ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/sof...5500/sp35444.exe
Steve : I can't find it
Robbie: Or you may try with alternate driver from the link:
Steve : Oh wait thanks.
Robbie: Here is the alternate link:
Robbie: ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/sof...1500/sp31075.exe
Robbie: Is there anything else I could help you with?
Steve : Very nice!
Robbie: Please get back to us if any issue persists.
Steve : No you have been most helpful robbie!
Robbie: Thank you very much Steve.
Robbie: It was pleasure assisting you today
Steve : It was good for me too! I have never spoken with an AI before!
Robbie: Thank you Steve.
Robbie: Please check Your mail after couple of minutes.Please check bulk folder, if you are not able to view mail in main folder.
Robbie: Thank you for contacting HP Total Care Real-Time chat support.If you need further assistance, please contact us again at:
www.hp.com/support/chat .
Chat support is available 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week.

Mini wiki in post one updated.

Has anyone tried installing linux onto one of these?

Would I have problems doing so?

ex0 writes...

Has anyone tried installing linux onto one of these?

Would I have problems doing so?

Yes you will run into a problem with the wireless network card, It loads fine off the CD/DVD but when i installed it booted once, and the next time you have to do as the Wiki says to get the wireless driver working.

Apart from that it works really well with Kubuntu/Ubuntu 7.10
It's a 3 step process (quite simple actually, but make sure you read the page a few times. https://help.ubuntu.com/.../Feisty_No-Fluff

But i like it much more than Vista on the laptop.... :) And I've never really used a Desktop Linux before.

FreakBull writes...

the next time you have to do as the Wiki says to get the wireless driver working

Which wiki?

i just went thru the service manual and it says the CPU is socketed

can anyone confirm?

the review and pic shows it soldered

ex0 writes...

Which wiki?

https://help.ubuntu.com/.../Feisty_No-Fluff

Ah cheers mate, for some reason cause you link that after you mention the wiki it confused me, eheh.

I bought one of these laptops yesterday. Whilst it's just a second computer for the living area linked to my wireless router, I was disappointed with the speed. I was warned that it would be slow I have to admit. But I just had another 1GB of DDR2 RAM installe today taking it to 1.5 GB and it is reasonably quick and is now quite a good second computer.

josh2074 writes...

1. the hot keys to control the sound volume don't work. but the on screen display comes up and moves as it should.

i fixed that! you go to:

ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/sof...6000/sp35682.exe

it actually fixes a different thing for the presario c300 series or something like that, but the point is that it works. you just download it, install it and it will come up with the error message. then you do the thing where you update the driver and click on 'have disk' and then go to the folder sp35682 and click on the .inf file.

sorry if that didnt make much sense

still trying to fix the microphone though

you guys got any solid leads on these in sydney?

after one - will pay up to $700

jb hifi, officeworks are your best bets... though not the jb in the galleries cause i pinched the last one =)

i might give this a miss and just get one of those Benq A52s from MSY

either $599 or $649 and it's a more fully featured unit

it also has an ATI 200 express which is a lot better in windows

Yo Ive gotten everything to work apart from the same issues your experienceing,

It seems to me that I really jsut want the microphone and webcam to work.

I've chatted to the online technicians about audiodrivers and webcam drivers and

everything they send is just a repeat but differnt version of the same program.

we gotta keep pushing the issue till one of us finds a suitable driver

T0nyGTSt writes...

i might give this a miss and just get one of those Benq A52s from MSY

either $599 or $649 and it's a more fully featured unit

it also has an ATI 200 express which is a lot better in windows

www.notebookcheck.net/Mo...-List.844.0.html

please get your facts straight the ati 200 express is not a whole lot better, in fact i believe its inferior to the x3100 found in the 731

i was also in a officeworks the otherday and saw this laptop in person... its actually looks like a decent laptop... other than the celeron processor sticker, it looks like a pretty solid notebook

Surely with 2Gb RAM loaded this would be a great internet/email wireless notebook even with Vista basic loaded?

Anymore comments on its speed? What programs slow it down? What are people running on it?

Derek writes...

Surely with 2Gb RAM loaded this would be a great internet/email wireless notebook even with Vista basic loaded?


Indeed. I have the (slower) C710TU and run a clean install of Vista Ultimate with 1.5Gb RAM. It runs fine , and I have all the eye candy turned on.

Really pleased with it. Might grab another for the wife :)