Pavilion dv4-2013la freezing randomly

[OrisonFlores]

Hi, I'm here to see if I can finally find a solution to this annoying issue with my new HP Pavilion. The thing is that the computer freezes completely at random, sometimes while watching a video, file transfer, or not doing anything at all. The freeze is absolute, I can't even move mouse, and ctrl+alt+del wont work, nothing at all.

The issue itself happens once in a while, but it can be hours before it happens again. I'm become really annoyed with this. The computer is an HP Pavilion dv4-2013la (AMD Athlon II Dual-Core, 3GB RAM, 320GB disk) and it came with Windows 7 Home Basic. I uninstalled Home Basic and tried Ultimate, but the problem persists, although its less common.

I'm pretty sure it's a Windows 7 problem but it could be anything. I'd really like to know how to solve this since I use the computer to work a lot so random freezes can make me really angry =P.

[lordsofacid]

Im no IT pro or anything but I don't think your problem is Windows7 related on your new dv4, I have a new dv7 (runnning Vista Home Prem) and have the exact same problem you describe. I have to shut down manually at least twice a day and it's just starting to wind me up!! I mean, its brand spankers...! Luckily being new its still under warranty so it looks like a swap job, as for solving the prob i have tried every update and diagnostic in the biz and I still haven,t a clue!

[amilmadien]

I doubt it's 7 as well - I have a year-old Pavilion dv4-1120us with Vista Home Premium SP2, Intel Core 2 Duo, 4GB RAM (haven't checked the type), etc. that I bought from my sister (she got a new laptop) and I have the same problem with the 100% lock-up.

I've been idling, browsing files on my HDD, playing World of Warcraft and other MMOs, watching hulu.com videos with Firefox, or playing solitare when my laptop has frozen.  I'm beginning to suspect it might be an overheating issue, as it usually only happens when I am at work (I work overnights at a hotel) without the proper cooling setup.  I also suspect it could be, perhaps, a static build-up issue, as (obviously) I'm moving around a bit more at work than I do at home, and I'm not using my USB mouse and keyboard.

I suppose I just feel fortunate that I don't have the crackling speaker issue I've heard about with this model - I haven't had any issues with the QuickPlay bar either, in fact, outside of accidentally tapping it when typing.

[kurtb32]

I have the dv4 1125nr.  Purchased Dec 2008 from Bestbuy.    The laptop would freeze a few times a day, using IE or Word mainly.   It then started to "behave" the past year, freezing up once a week or less.  The past couple of weeks, it's been freezing up 10+ times a day.  Forcing my wife to Hate her gift and I'm ready to buy a new one.   How can this be such a common and widespread problem that HP doesn't offer exchanges or solutions for its customers?   Is this still fairly new laptop a gonner?

[czaloglu]

I have DV4 and just updated with window 7 after all problems with Vista.  HP sold me a laptop which doesn't work.  I would never ever buy HP products again!!!

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OrisonFlores wrote:

Hi, I'm here to see if I can finally find a solution to this annoying issue with my new HP Pavilion. The thing is that the computer freezes completely at random, sometimes while watching a video, file transfer, or not doing anything at all. The freeze is absolute, I can't even move mouse, and ctrl+alt+del wont work, nothing at all.

The issue itself happens once in a while, but it can be hours before it happens again. I'm become really annoyed with this. The computer is an HP Pavilion dv4-2013la (AMD Athlon II Dual-Core, 3GB RAM, 320GB disk) and it came with Windows 7 Home Basic. I uninstalled Home Basic and tried Ultimate, but the problem persists, although its less common.

I'm pretty sure it's a Windows 7 problem but it could be anything. I'd really like to know how to solve this since I use the computer to work a lot so random freezes can make me really angry =P.

---

  It is a junk.  My explorer constantly freezes.  After spending 3 hours with HP support there is no answer.  Good job HP!  Keep up the good work!

[Fjguercio]

DV4

I also have a new HP DV4 and getting lock ups.   My lock ups are with Internet Explorer and will often get not responding.   Not a complete computer lock up but have to manualy shut down the Explorer often.

Sorry about the issues

[BAleR187]

The only reason I would suspect at all that this growingly common issue is windows 7 is the fact that I have this same problem on two different computers, the first one, I'm using right now to wright this post, HP P6210f desktop, AMD II X4 2.6 with 6GB RAM and a 650GB HD, Windows 7 Home premium, the other I had traded in to get this comp, it was an MSI, Intel core 2 duo, with something like 3 gigs of ram, and a 300gb hd. Same problem, two completely different computers. Now the thing is, I don't do anything differently with these computers that I would do with any other, any computers I use running Vista or XP have no problems. So I don't understand what would make it NOT Windows 7?

[dukane]

I have an older dv4t-1200 and I am having the freezing problem as well... It only seems to happen when I walk away from the computer and come back, sit down, and touch the trackpad.

At first I thought it was a sleep issue, but it can happen in as little as 30 seconds away from the computer. Maybe it's static electricity? It seems to happen more often at the office that has really short carpet. Just an Idea...

I too have windows 7, but never use IE. I only had chrome and outlook open when this has happened.

Any ideas?

-Matt

[epsilon2nd]

i started having these weird symptoms while i was checking my girl friend laptop she has this one the pavilion dv4-2013la
at the beginning the computer gave me this... http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01443366&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&jumpid=reg_R1002_US...

first the 5 blinks... then 4... then 2... so what did i do? took the memory out, cleaned it with an eraser, swapped their positions then swapped them again... guess what? worked...

so what i would say in your cases is to update the BIOS  to the latest and it would get rid of your problems... hope this fixes your problems...

[armandoavila82]

They say they dont have a solution for it because it would cost them tons to fix the issue with all the dv series. they changed how there fans where amde and how there fans are made on other models. they also change the thickness of the copper that covers the cpu. So when your cpu gets hot is when you have the issues with IE or even while doing something as simple as watching youtube. So if HP admits they do have a problem with there dv series its gonna cost them. So what better way to not lose money then to say WE ARE SORRY but we dont have a solution. I know becase i had the dv 1125nr and i had the same issus i took it to my friend he added a good thickness of copper and problem solved.