Here's a notice from one of my vendors alerting us to a problem with third party memory shipped with some HP/Compaq notebooks. Take special note of the paragraph I've highlighted in red. I wonder just how often BSOD's are attributable to faulty hardware from some vendor that doesn't care to announce the problem. THANK YOU HP for being up front and acknowledging it!
<ANNOUNCEMENT>
Dear Insight Client:
HP today announced that during routine testing of notebook PCs, the company identified a design flaw in certain notebook memory modules used across the industry that could potentially cause users to experience serious problems with their notebooks. The memory modules in question are not manufactured by HP and were supplied by third parties.
When used with a prevalent technology architecture found across the industry, the flawed memory modules could potentially result in blue screens, intermittent lock-ups or memory corruption. Some of these memory modules were incorporated in certain Compaq and HP notebook PC models. To protect customers, HP is instituting a voluntary replacement program for those who have purchased Compaq or HP notebook PCs with the affected memory modules – at no cost to the customer.
"When an industry problem like this occurs, vendors often gamble and hope the user won't realize it isn't a virus or the generic 'software problem' that has become an industry default," said Rob Enderle, principal analyst, The Enderle Group. "HP is one of the few companies that takes customer needs seriously and has the tools to identify and rectify the problems in a timely fashion. In this day and age it is refreshing to see a vendor value trust more than money."
While HP is confident that customers can execute the Memory Module Replacement Program without assistance, we want our partners to be aware of this program – and be able to provide guidance and assistance to their customers if necessary.
Customer Actions:
Step 1. Identifying Notebooks That May Contain Affected Memory Modules
Potentially affected memory modules were distributed worldwide in some of the HP and Compaq notebooks listed below, or in certain memory accessories for these notebooks, or as replacement spare parts for these notebooks. However, currently shipping notebooks do not contain the affected memory modules, and the notebooks themselves are not affected.
- Compaq Evo Notebook N610c
- Compaq Evo Notebook N610v
- Compaq Evo Notebook N620c
- Compaq Evo Notebook N800c
- Compaq Evo Notebook N800v
- Compaq Evo Notebook N800w
- Compaq Evo Notebook N1000c
- Compaq Evo Notebook N1000v
- Compaq Presario 1500
- Compaq Presario 2800
- Compaq Presario x1000
- Compaq Presario x1200
- HP Compaq Business Notebook nx7000
- HP Pavilion zt3000
Step 2. Detecting Affected Memory Modules
HP is providing a set of easy-to-use utilities that runs on the notebooks, to first detect affected memory modules and then order replacement memory modules. The utilities are designed to run in two separate environments: (1) individual user environment, and (2) the network environment, and are available for download at http://www.hp.com/support/memoryreplacement (select How to Order from the left-hand navigation bar).
Most customers should receive their replacement memory module(s) within 5 to 10 business days.
Additional information
HP is committed to protecting your privacy and respecting your choice for contact. If you do not wish to receive partner-related e-mail from HP in the future reply to this e-mail with the phrase "remove from e-mail" in the subject line.
For HP's privacy statement go to http://www.hp.com/country/us/eng/privacy.htm or contact us at HP Privacy Mailbox, 20555 SH 249, MS 040307, Houston, TX 77070.
</ANNOUNCEMENT>
Dave
Just because I can...