HP G56 Laptop - Freezes after 5 mins

[DaveMSG]

Hi

My sons laptop freezes after 5 mins operation.

The fan was noisey so I have replaced in fear of overheating.

I have also recovered to the out of the box state from the recovery menu.

However the laptop still locks up after 5 mins operation.

I have tried scheduling a disk check but again the laptop freezes before this can complete.

Is this likely to be a disk issue, or memory or overheating?

Any help would be great - Thanks

David

[DavidPK]

Hi David,

From your description, I'd say the most likely cause is a failing Hard Drive - try the following.

Shut down the notebook.  Tap away at the esc key as you start the notebook to enter the Start-up Menu.  Select the Bios option ( usually f10 ) and under the Advanced or Diagnostic tab you should find the facility to run tests on both the Hard Drive and Memory.  Post back with the details of any error messages.

Note:  If the option to run these tests is not available in the Bios Menu, use the f2 diagnostic menu instead.

Can you also post back with the following details.

1.  The full Model No. and Product No. of your G56 series notebook - see Here for a guide on locating this information.

2.  The full version of the operating system you are using ( ie Windows 7 64bit ).

Best regards,

DP-K

[DaveMSG]

Hi David

Primary Hard Disk Test runs for 26% complete and then reports:

- Hard Disk 1 Quick (303)

Memory Test runs and reports OK

Model number: G56-105SA

Product Number: XM663EA#ABU

Operation System: WIndows 7 Home 64bit

Thanks

David

[DavidPK]

Hi David,

The 303 error code is a failure of the short Disk Self Test ( DST ) would indicate that the Hard Drive is failing and needs to be replaced.  This is also consistent with the 'freezing' issue.

If your notebook is still under warranty, contact HP and arrange to have the drive replaced - you can check your warranty status Here.

If you live in the US, contact HP Here.

If you are in another part of the world, start Here.

If you are out of warranty and would like a guide on replacing the Hard Drive yourself, please let me know.

Regards,

DP-K

[DaveMSG]

Hi David

The laptop is out of warranty.

How can I replace the hard disk and the operating system?

Can i purchas a new drive and download the software os?

Regards

David

[DavidPK · Accepted solution]

Hi David,

Your notebook is listed as coming with a 250Gb Hard Drive, but you can just as easily install a 500Gb HDD if you want a bit more space - the drives on the following links are examples that would be fine for your notebook.

250Gb Hard Drive.

500Gb Hard Drive

The procedure to replace the Hard Drive starts on Page 37 of your Maintenance & Service Guide.

************************************

Regarding reinstalling Windows 7 on the new HDD, there are Two options available - I'd tend to prefer the second option if only because it doesn't cost anything

1.  You can order a replacement set of Recovery Discs using the link below - these will reinstall the operating system, all required drivers and nearly all of the original software ( the exception often being trials of MS Office ).  They will also re-create all the original partitions, including the Recovery Partition.  The cost varies a little depending on where you live, but they're generally inexpensive.

Order HP Recovery Discs.

2.  Another option you could consider is to create your own Windows 7 installation disc.

Before trying the following, make sure you can still read the 25 Character Product Activation key on your Windows COA label ( 5 blocks of 5 alpha/numeric sets ).

An example of a COA Label can be seen Here.

You can create a Windows 7 installation disc yourself using another PC - just download the correct Disc Image ( this must be the same version that originally came with your notebook - this is listed as Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit ) from the link below and use an application such as ImgBurn to burn the ISO correctly to a blank DVD - a guide on using ImgBurn to write an ISO to a disc is Here.  The Image is from a well-respected source ( Digital River ).

Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit.

Use the disc to perform the installation, enter the Windows activation key found on the COA Label when requested and when the installation has completed, use the 'Phone Method' detailed in the link below to activate the OS - this method supported by Microsoft and is popular with people who just want a clean installation of Windows 7 without the additional software load normally bundled with OEM installations.

http://www.kodyaz.com/articles/how-to-activate-windows-7-by-phone.aspx

Additional drivers and software you may need can be found Here.

Best regards,

DP-K

[DaveMSG]

Thanks David

A great help!

One last question...

I am in th UK - Would the below drive be OK?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Western-Digital-Black-320GB-Portable/dp/B001CO3EKQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie...

Regards

David

[DavidPK]

Hi David,

Me too, I live in the Cotswolds

The drive you linked to would be fine - if you want a bit more storage space, either of the following Two HDDs would also be a suitable choice.

500Gb Notebook Hard Drive.

750Gb Notebook Hard Drive.

Best regards,

DP-K

[DaveMSG]

Hi David

New HDD received and installed with windows as per your advice.

Thanks again for help.

Best Regards
David

[DavidPK]

Hi David,

You're welcome and good to hear it's up and running

All the best,

DP-K