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HP Limited Warranty Service Enhancement

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Support details

HP has identified a hardware issue with certain Compaq Presario F500 series notebook PCs, and has also released a new BIOS for these notebook PCs, version F.1F .
If you own a Compaq Presario F500 series computer, are experiencing no symptoms on your computer, and would like to obtain more information about updating your system to the new BIOS release, please go to the "Update the BIOS to the latest version " section on this page. If you are experiencing one or more symptoms listed below, and your computer meets the product criteria listed below, contact HP to determine whether you are eligible for a free repair.
NOTE: This service enhancement program is available in the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East and Africa for 24 months after the start of your original standard limited warranty for issues listed below; otherwise your current standard limited warranty applies. Customers who already have a 24 month or longer warranty period will be covered under their existing standard HP Limited Warranty. This service enhancement does not affect any further rights which customers may have under local laws, including consumer warranty laws.
Determine whether your computer is eligible for free repair
Follow the steps below to determine whether your computer is eligible for a free repair:
Step 1: Identify your notebook series and product number
Using the Service Tag on your notebook, determine if your notebook is one of the product numbers in the table below. If the product number of your notebook is not listed in that table then your notebook PC is not included in the Limited Warranty Service Enhancement program.
Where are the notebook series and product number located?
The service tag, located on the bottom of the notebook PC, contains the notebook PC series and product number.
Figure 1: Sample of the service tag
1 - Product number (p/n)
2 - Serial Number (s/n)
NOTE: The product number is followed by the # character and a three digit code. Use the first 7-8 characters before the # character to identify your notebook in the tables below.The serial number will be requested by the HP Customer Care Representative to identify the notebook and obtain service or repair.
Compaq Presario F500 series notebooks sold in North America
GD598AV GF602UA GL935UAR RZ327UA RZ330UAR
GF593UA GF602UAR RS499AV RZ327UAR RZ335UA
GF593UAR GF606UA RS500AV RZ329UA RZ335UAR
GF596UA GF606UAR RZ326UA RZ329UAR RZ340UA
GF596UAR GL935UA RZ326UAR RZ330UA RZ340UAR
Compaq Presario F500 series notebooks sold in Europe, the Middle East and Africa
GF794EA GF798EA GH826EA RY576EAR RY581EAR
GF794EAR GF798EAR GH826EAR RY577EA RY582EA
GF795EA GF799EA RS500AV RY577EAR RY582EAR
GF795EAR GF799EAR RY574EA RY578EA RY583EA
GF796EA GH824EA RY574EAR RY578EAR RY583EAR
GF796EAR GH824EAR RY575EA RY579EA
GF797EA GH825EA RY575EAR RY579EAR
GF797EAR GH825EAR RY576EA RY581EA
Step 2: Identify the symptoms
If your computer’s product number is listed above, and the notebook PC experiences one or more of the symptoms listed below, contact HP during the duration of the HP Limited Warranty Service Enhancement to determine whether you are eligible for a free repair.
The following symptoms apply to Compaq Presario F500 notebooks:
  • The notebook does not detect wireless networks and the wireless adapter is not detected in the Device Manager.
  • There is no video on the computer LCD panel or external monitor.
  • The notebook turns on, power LEDs light up, but nothing is seen on the display.
Service enhancements
  • Service
    After HP receives your notebook PC, HP will use its best efforts to repair and ship your notebook to you within 10 to 14 business days, depending on your region.
  • Post-service warranty
    After HP repairs your notebook, you will continue to be covered by the HP Limited Warranty Service Enhancement program for 24 months after the start of your original standard limited warranty, or 90 days after receiving your free repair, whichever is later.
NOTE: This service enhancement program does not affect your current standard limited warranty. If you are experiencing issues or concerns other than those listed above, your current standard limited warranty applies.In the event your notebook has been serviced for one of the above issues and you have been charged for service please contact HP to determine if you are eligible for cost reimbursement.
Contacting HP
To contact HP in the United States and Canada call 1-866-671-7362 from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm MST, 7 days a week.
To contact HP in Europe, the Middle East and Africa go to the Contact HP Customer Care page .
Update the BIOS to the latest version
The new BIOS release for your notebook PC is preventative in nature to reduce the likelihood of future system issues. The BIOS updates the fan control algorithm of the system, and turns the fan on at low volume while your notebook PC is operational. If you are currently experiencing any symptoms on your notebook PC, please contact HP for support.
Determine the correct version for your notebook PC from the table below
Notebook PC SeriesBIOS Version
F500F.1F (or later)
Identify the current version of the BIOS
To determine the version of the current BIOS on the computer, perform the following steps:
  1. Press the power button to turn on the PC.
  2. When the red Compaq logo appears, press F10 to enter the BIOS Setup.
  3. When the Main menu is displayed, make note of the BIOS version. You will need this information to determine if a newer revision is available.
  4. To exit the BIOS setup, press F10 , select Yes , and then press Enter .
If the BIOS version listed is earlier than the version listed in the table above, then continue to the next section for instructions on updating the BIOS.
Obtain and install the latest version
To install the latest version of the BIOS for your notebook, follow the instructions below. You may want to print the instructions prior to the installation.
NOTE: It is recommended that the notebook PC is connected with an AC adapter and connected to the Internet via an Ethernet cable as interruptions in power or wireless connections may result in the download failing to install.
  1. Open a browser and go to the HP Support & Drivers page .
  2. On the Support & Drivers page, type the model number in the Search field and then press Enter .
  3. Select the operating system currently installed on the notebook.
  4. In the BIOS section, click WinFlash for HP Notebook System BIOS . The Version should be listed as the one identified in the table above or later.
  5. Click the Download only button on the page to begin the download of the BIOS update. Save the file to a convenient folder on the PC.
  6. Double-click the downloaded file to start the installation. Follow all prompts and restart the notebook when requested by the installation. Do not turn off the notebook until prompted to do so.
If the BIOS version identified in the table above or later is not available on the Software and Driver downloads page then contact HP support for assistance.
Frequently asked questions
  • When should I contact HP for my free repair?
    You should only call HP for this free repair if your notebook computer is experiencing one of the symptoms and is one of the notebooks listed in the tables.
  • I am experiencing one of the symptoms, but my product number is not listed. Is there any possibility that my notebook PC has the same issue?
    To date, the only products affected are listed in Step 1 of this document. If you continue to experience symptoms with your notebook PC please contact your HP in country support center.
  • If my notebook is not experiencing any of the symptoms described in the support article but is part of the program because it is a listed notebook in the tables can I call HP to obtain a free repair?
    No. Only notebooks that are experiencing one or more of the symptoms described in the support article are eligible for a free repair.
  • If my notebook is functioning properly will I experience these symptoms in the future?
    Your notebook may experience some of the symptoms listed in the support article at a future date. However, certain notebooks may not display these symptoms at all. You have up to 24 months after the start of your original standard limited warranty entitlement to get your notebook repaired if it is listed in the tables and displays one or more than one of the symptoms listed in the support article.
  • Can I continue to use my notebook if I do not experience a failure?
    Absolutely. If your notebook is not experiencing any of the symptoms listed in the support article you can continue using your notebook.
  • I have more than one notebook that may be included in this program because they are listed in the tables. Will HP provide free repair for all of my notebooks that may be included in this program?
    Yes. HP will provide a free repair for each notebook that meets the conditions described in the support article for inclusion in this program and experiences one or more of the symptoms described either during your normal limited warranty period or for a period of 24 months after the start of your original standard limited warranty.
  • What is the benefit gained from updating to this new system BIOS?
    The BIOS updates the fan control algorithm of the system to reduce the likelihood of future system issues. This BIOS release is preventative in nature.
  • What kind of issues will I experience if I do not update with this new system BIOS?
    You may not experience any issues if you do not update with this new BIOS; however, HP strongly recommends that you do since this BIOS release is preventative in nature and may reduce the likelihood of future system issues.
  • I just recently updated to the new BIOS and everything works fine, but now my notebook fan remains on whenever my notebook PC is on. Why is that?
    The BIOS updates the fan control algorithm of the system and turns the fan on at a lower, constant speed. This is normal functionality for this BIOS.
  • Will I experience any issues with my system because the fan remains on for an extended period of time?
    No, you should not experience issues with your system because the fan remains on for any extended period of time.
  • Will there be a future BIOS release that does not make my notebook fan remain on for an extended period of time?
    HP will update our fan control algorithm as needed. The latest BIOS results in a sound profile at idle which is well within the design requirements.
  • I do not see the previous BIOS version on the HP Support Web? What happened to the previous versions of the BIOS?
    In order to eliminate any confusion on which BIOS version is the latest, only the latest version is available on the Web.
    NOTE: The current version of the BIOS contains all content/modifications from the previous BIOS versions.
  • What should I do if my notebook PC is already experiencing symptoms?
    If your Compaq Presario notebook PC is already exhibiting one or more of the symptoms described, please call your local HP technical support team for assistance. Do not flash (install) any BIOS if your notebook PC is already exhibiting one or more of the symptoms described.
  • If I’m not experiencing the symptoms described and flash the new BIOS that HP recommends, is my personal data at risk of corruption or loss?
    The HP BIOS flash process is simple, secure and does not pose a risk of data loss. However, if power is interrupted during the BIOS flash process, the notebook PC system board can be altered in a manner that would prevent the notebook from functioning and require the system board be replaced.


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