SPECIAL ADVICE:
============
Should you have any unsolved problem (drivers, software or hardware) on your laptop, you may contact HP Technical Support @ 1800 888 588


Okie I am an owner and going to start a new topic on Compaq Presario CQ series laptop discussion here.

For lowest price HP & Compaq laptop, visit this seller thread:
http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?act=ST&f...T&f=98&t=752698

Picture Preview:
============



Once I've sorted out everything, I'll provide some useful Windows Vista 32 bit driver/software download links particularly for those CQ45 series c/w FreeDos version.

Windows Vista 32 bit
==============

INTEL USER
Official Download link: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwar...product=3767663

Note: HP Pavillion and Compaq Presario use lots of common part. Don't believe? See yourself.
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwar...3768672〈=en

Unnecessary drivers/softwares from Official Download Link (Don't waste your laptop resources):
=================================================================
1) HP Integrated Hybrid TV Tuner Driver
2) HP Connection Manager
3) HP WWAN Connection Manager
4) HP WWAN Broadband Wireless Client Manager - Verizon
5) HP Active Support Library
6) HP Help and Support for Microsoft Windows Vista
7) Recovery Disc Creator Patch for DVD Option (only if you have the HP Recovery Disk)
8) Recovery Disc Creator Patch for User Created Recovery Disc (only if you have the HP Recovery Disk)

Unsure whether it's needed:
===================
1) WinFlash for HP Notebook System BIOS - Microsoft Windows Vista-Based

Hidden Gems:
==========


AMD USER
Search your drivers here: http://welcome.hp.com/country/my/en/suppor...Display=drivers



Windows XP (AMD Drivers included)
========================
Special thanks to forumer iRonTech



Until then. Feel free to start your discussion now!


SPECIAL ADVICE:
============
Should you have any unsolved problem (software or hardware) on your laptop, you may contact HP Technical Support @ 1800 888 588

This post has been edited by cloud9_lee: Mar 13 2009, 09:24 AM

- RESERVED -

one thing i found lack in our Special Interest -> Mobile Computing mostly is the review. it will be good if the ts/owner can give some review along with few pictures (not the one taken from the official web etc).

if possible, do the review, a quick review is fine too

Taken from the seller thread.. Indirectly, i am promoting for him. lolz.

http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/752698/+80

This post has been edited by cloud9_lee: Sep 13 2008, 02:48 PM

finally there is a CQ45 post !!! reporting in .... owner of CQ45 ..... currently waiting for perfect driver from cloud9_lee ~


@cloud9_lee can u double check ur CQ45 bios setting, is it stated not loaded for VISTA ? mine is stated....

Mine is auto-loaded with Dos Menu with Vista/XP/Command Line. The splash screen just appears 1 second then continue with Vista loading.

Oh you mean at the BIOS menu, the Factory Installed OS: Not Vista?

Nothing special about that. Just only becoz we purchased the Freedos version. I think that's for HP service centre to identify when we send for repair.

overall i would say this lappy is great i would give up for this ! worth for my $$


@cloud

btw, have u try this Essential System Updates for Microsoft Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) in the HP driver website ?

This post has been edited by William_Yeo: Sep 13 2008, 04:02 PM

Yes i did. but dunno what it's used for. lolz

the lengzai seller reporting in ~~
bro, new model are up for purchase now XD
HD HD HD HD
want poison you for second time in 1 month
maybe myself will get the CQ-60 for own use

i am calling my buyer come here and give their very best review too

This post has been edited by underGr0und_8: Sep 14 2008, 06:30 PM

Real HD is the HP Pavilion HDX18-1008TX Entertainment Notebook PC – RM 6,249.00 in your list. The resolution is 1920 x 1080p.

Wah mouth drooling on that model. Give me 1 unit FOC can ar? haha.

This post has been edited by cloud9_lee: Sep 14 2008, 06:44 PM

but screensize could have actually act as a mobile desktop
not notebook nor desktop
me and my friend call it a moving gaming desktop

hi.. wanted to get one too.. cq45.. does it come with remote?

This thread only for CQ45 owners ? Soon to be owner of a CQ20 here

the answer is NO ~ but anywher is worth to get it !

All CQ series onwers are welcome la. CQ20, 30, 40, 50, 60 all welcome. hahaha

i will let you know who is the first CQ-60 owner

@cloud9_lee

did u upgrade ur the RAM of ur lappy ? i plan to do that..

yea thinking too. Although 2gb is sufficient to use for daily works.

If i were to upgrade i will get 2 x 2gb DDR2 800mhz.

Which seller can give the best price? hehe.

1 time pain bro
i saw cycom selling 2gb for rm147 per stick

2gb DDR2 800 at RM125/pc. i bought 2pcs liao from LYN seller THT United Gadgets. Pending for delivery. hahaha

Now selling off the 2 x 1gb DDR2 800. Any buyer?

mind to tell me wat's the shape of the plug for the charger? coz my my frend gt her charger fried during thunderstorm, and now she cant charge dont know know wat problem, is it the charger is the same as V3000 and other HP model?

coz i own a V3000 and i can use HP charger...

Compaq charger is universal among the models



This post has been edited by underGr0und_8: Sep 16 2008, 11:40 AM

bro i heard vista 32bit capped at 3gb ?

How can we get upgrade with remote control for CQ45 model if buying at any store at lowyat plaze?

After I installed at my lappy I will let u know. haha.

Anyway, My Core2 Duo PC with Vista 32bit shows it's 4gb.

---

Added on September 16, 2008, 8:53 pmI dont think the remote control is available for CQ45 models this moment. Also I dont find it useful. If watch movie, why need remote control amid the laptop screen is so small?

This post has been edited by cloud9_lee: Sep 16 2008, 08:53 PM

charger for the new CQ series is different from the previous V3000 series. the new CQ series uses the same charger connector as HP Compaq business models.

i got the same price at thundermatch with rm2 parking rebate in cash

no need to wait....

ooooooooooooo....... if i knew it earlier. Still waiting for memory arrival. :S

erm..abt the remote,it is selling at rm60
but i not sure how it work as it may only work with windows media player, which hardly use by me, i use realplayer more often

Actually remote control can use during presentation ma.., a lot of presentation for final year

Whee, got myself a CQ40-125AX a few days ago. Came with FreeDOS so I formatted it and put XP on it. It's OK overall but I have some problems/questions/complaints:

1. One and a half hour battery life by web surfing only? Must be the ATI HD3450 sucking all the power. Any battery upgrades I can consider?
2. Bad driver support, HP website only has some of the drivers (e.g. no wifi and card reader drivers, graphics driver cannot detect hardware ). Took me literally days of googling to get all the hardware working.
3. My fingerprints on the lid!!! ARGH!!! Interested in some kind of stick-on protection layer (if such a thing exists)

On an unrelated note, why the heck do HDMI cables cost RM70??? I wanna plug this baby into my parents' HDTV!

1. try compare with other cq40-125AU/AX user, see whether it is isolated case for the fast battery drain, it may be the AMD power consumption as well. try ask brother lee, his cq45 is with a nvidia also. you can choose upgrade to 12-cell, but havent out for this model yet

2. from who you buy? shld have help you with this even with freedos

3. heard of alot invinsible shield

4.it is high tech stuff mah

Heard AMD processor are high in battery consumption is high plus AMD processor is easy to get over heat, ATI is under AMD, so normally those laptop which come with AMD will have ATI graphic, ATI is working perfect if the processor is AMD. Anyway shuld get a centrino 2 processor as it save 50% power consumption compare to centrino 1.

wow...not even 2 hours ya?? or the ACPI driver din't install properly??

I tot HP provide full drivers for Win Vista?? unless u plan install XP

huh !? XP driver !? wher u got ur driver o ? HP not release and XP driver for it... i also looking for XP driver too... hehe

Try Vista bro. I always advocate for Windows Vista Ultimate, u will like it especially the Dreamscene display feature, Laptop Power Management feature, Windows Defender feature, Add/remove start-up programs feature (via Windows Defender), Automatic windows update, etc etc.. AWESOME le... 2GB RAM is enough to run Vista effectively.

1) AMD laptop proc always consume 30% more power (my own assumption) than Intel laptop proc. Battery upgrade is an expensive option, save the money for other purposes e.g. Memory upgrade la. Use AC power whenever possible.

2) I believe Compaq Presario regardless AMD and Intel proc, they are using same common parts except display driver only. Refer to my 1st post and find the suitable drivers la. Good luck bro!

3) I've done a brilliant idea on my laptop lid (front cover). I bought a 19" LCD screen protector film and applied on it. Cut the edge accordingly. Frankly the screen protector isnt for this purpose but it works.

4) HDMI cable - Until you've seen this RM270++ HDMI cable (Click Here). You wouldn't complain RM70 is ExPeNSiVe. haha.

This post has been edited by cloud9_lee: Sep 17 2008, 04:23 PM

I brought CQ45 compaq laptop for my friend, the seller told me that it cannot install XP as it will roll back, the spec is Centrino P8600, 250G harddisk., how come it cant install XP? The harddisk is E-sata wo

here http://forums11.itrc.hp.com/service/forums...hreadId=1263528

after all done, please update here

Woot an official member of the Compaq Presario CQ Series Club now Just bought a CQ20-125TU upgraded to 2GB of RAM and installed a genuine Vista Home Premium on it. Only 1 complaint which is the same as yu_wang:

The cover is too glossy for its own good. So many fingerprint marks on it already

As for the drivers I too had problems downloading at first but apparently I think its more due to browser problem. Couldn't download with firefox but IE no problem.

This post has been edited by sigheart: Sep 17 2008, 05:41 PM

Yes browser problem. Download using Firefox points to nowhere at HP ftp server, but IE works fine. Dont blame Firefox, blame HP.

---

Added on September 17, 2008, 5:51 pmIf it works out fine, will copy your URL and put at 1st post. Easier for all. Big credit to you.

This post has been edited by cloud9_lee: Sep 17 2008, 05:54 PM

From C-Zone. The salesgirl did give me a DVD full of drivers but:
a) Vista drivers only
b) Not correct model...I see inside all Nvidia graphics drivers only

I don't think so, since it says "ACPI Multiprocessor PC" under Device Manager. I don't know whether my battery life is normal, or is it inefficient power management by OS (see below).

Yes, HP doesn't release XP drivers, so I had to look for the individual parts' drivers at their own websites. Still, HP's Vista drivers are not complete, so still need to search around a bit. (see my previous post)

I have tried Vista on this laptop. In fact, at the time of my last post (and this post too), I already have XP, Vista, and Ubuntu(!) installed, fully configured, and all hardware fully functional. I don't want to use two Windows OSes, but all OSes have their pros and cons:

Vista:
- Looks nice
- Has best power management (and the only OS where i can manually control screen brightness)
- Sux at gaming (TF2 lags because audio processing is far more processor intensive, google audiodg.exe)

XP:
- Plays Team Fortress 2 smoothly compared to Vista
- Not so good power management (screen brightness hotkeys don't work, only unplugging power cord dims screen)

Ubuntu:
- Looks nicer than Vista (youtube Compiz Fusion)
- Immune to viruses
- Gave me the least trouble installing drivers (automatic detection, download and installation )
- No TF2
- Bad power management (screen brightness always max, hotkeys and unplugging power cord also no use)

1. AC power kinda defeats the purpose of this laptop. I plan to use this in university and I'll hate to charge up my laptop every 2 hours. And yes I already upgraded to 2 GB RAM.

2. Here's something weird...the Ethernet and WiFi only works under Vista using XP drivers. Using Vista drivers gives "device cannot start" error!

3. I didn't know LCD screen protector films even existed. Will definitely look into it.

4. Yeah, I did a price check online after my previous post. But I still think RM70 is expensive for a cable.

I'm going to do battery life benchmarks for all of the OSes. Determine once and for all which OS gives best battery life.

Battery life varies on your usage pattern. Dimmer screen, lower proc speed, disable bluetooth, disable WIFI, unplug some USB devices, all these will squeeze a little extra stamina for battery life. hehe.

The longest i ever tried with XP was 3 hours 50 mins. That was my old Acer lappy. But that's too slow and lack of brightness to do work. lolz.

Wish to see your benchmark reports soon bro.

This post has been edited by cloud9_lee: Sep 17 2008, 07:38 PM

anyone can help to provide sata driver for cq45 model? i plan to install xp on the lappie...

thanks in advance

Here you go:

Intel ICH9M-E/M SATA AHCI Controller Driver
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/generic...us&lc=en&dlc=en

I've got a small problem with my CQ20. I've installed the webcam driver and its detected in the device manager as well but I don't know how to run it. Anyone got any idea how to run it? Thanks.

use MSN Messenger and open Webcam settings to test it.

Tried and it works. thx bro.

the driver can work on xp & vista??

go my computer, webcam

hi cloud9_lee...can u share ur wallpaper with me..they look nice

CQ series user, mind to show the GPUZ screen shot for CQ model?

http://www.techpowerup.com/gpuz/

Thank a lot!!

This post has been edited by chanka99: Sep 18 2008, 08:55 AM

seems like brother lee got good taste



marcus, this is the one i mention yesterday

Intel SATA Driver (older version which supports XP, v7.6.0.1011)
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/generic...us&lc=en&dlc=en

Anyway, if for CQ45 series I think they use the newer version (v8.0.0.1039 A)
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/generic...us&lc=en&dlc=en

I would suggest go for v8.0.0.1039A. Vista driver also works in XP most of time. Anyway... no warranty here.

Nvidia 9200M GS on GPU-Z Screenshots

I guess nothing much to shout about.




Oh yea... And also i can't overclock it using RivaTuner v2.11. No option to adjust the Core & Memory speed. This GPU is locked somehow. "

Are all laptop GPUs also being locked like this? Any advice?

---

Added on September 18, 2008, 10:51 amDid i post any wallpaper here b4? I don't have nice wallpaper neh. lolz.

Try Vista Ultimate. The Dreamscene (short movie clip running on desktop page background) really awesome. Well but, Dreamscene feature only available in Ultimate version.

However like bro yu_wang said, Vista may not be user-friendly in gaming, but the visual effect is great.

This post has been edited by cloud9_lee: Sep 18 2008, 10:52 AM

Hi CQ users.

Im just curious, which CQ models are below the price range of 2.4k and have at least 2GB RAM. Thanks

maybe i can answer this question
any CQ with AMD proc can match your budget

if interested to get CQ with intel, check out my sales topic and pm me for more info

i meant the CQ wallpaper in the pics u posted in 1st page...do u have it

This post has been edited by Mooneyes: Sep 18 2008, 11:45 AM

Here you go:

http://flickr.com/photos/personalagain/2562912613/

Browse through and u will see more pictures within.

bro cloud9_lee can u also snap pictures of front, back, left, right side of ur lappy? just curious to know the all plug hole positions

I found some CQ40 drivers for XP, not sure these links would help up any..just try the luck

please feedback if it works


1. AMD Processor Update for Microsoft Windows XP
ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp39501-40000/sp39691.exe

2. UAA (Microsoft Universal Audio Architecture Bus Driver for High Definition Audio)
ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp33501-34000/sp33566.exe

http://china.giga-byte.com/FileList/Driver...crosoft_bus.exe

http://h50176.www5.hp.com/support/EV871PA/...ocal_23961.html

http://asia.giga-byte.com/FileList/Driver/...crosoft_bus.exe

http://america.giga-byte.com/FileList/Driv...crosoft_bus.exe

3. IDT HD Audio Driver (need installed UAA first)
ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp38501-39000/sp38558.exe

4. AMD SATA AHCI Controller Driver
ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp40001-40500/sp40046.exe

5. ATI Video Driver and Control Panel
ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp39501-40000/sp39816.exe

6. Wireless
ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp39001-39500/sp39251.exe

7. Realtek RTL8168/8111 NIC
ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp37001-37500/sp37162.exe

9. ENE CIR
ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp39501-40000/sp39553.exe

10. ALPS Touchpad Pointing Device Driver
ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp31001-31500/sp31075.exe

11. HP Quick Launch Buttons 6.40 D
ftp://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp38501-39000/sp38688.exe

To iRonTech:

Good effort, I will put up these at 1st post shortly and credit on u

still need someone test those drivers at HP for CQ40 series to verify whether work or not. i found those drivers link from china web site

hey guys...does anyone know what the + and - buttons beside the mute button are for ?

This post has been edited by sigheart: Sep 19 2008, 01:59 AM

for volume control

Yes for volume control. Once you have installed HP QuickTouch software it should work accordingly.

Ah lol need the QuickTouch software. No wonder it doesn't work. Thanks

Well I've done my best, and here's my benchmark results:

Model: CQ40-125AX
Usage pattern: Web surfing only, Wifi and Bluetooth on (only Wifi used), no USB devices. Web pages visited are not CPU or bandwidth-intensive (i.e. news, e-mail, forums and stuff. No youtube or large downloads)

I also did not test from 100% to flat battery. Only surfed for 30 mins, then measure the decrease in battery percentage, then calculate total battery life from there.

Vista - 1 hour 40 mins
XP - 1 hour 20 mins
Ubuntu - 1 hour 20 mins

Vista wins. I noticed it has power saving modes for the wifi adapter (not present in the other OSes), so that could be it.

To be honest, I was expecting at least 2 hours of battery life from this laptop.

wow..ATI HD vga occupied quite a lot power ya.. but advantage is better than the Nvidia 9100m

as requested

working so late to bring surprise to buyer the coming week

stay tune ?

This post has been edited by underGr0und_8: Sep 20 2008, 01:35 AM

These CQ pictures are exactly same to my CQ45-129TX!

Is this same like CQ40-125AX?

Yes almost same. Minus Fingerprint sensor.

Am i correct?

the diff is at esata port

I dont find the eSATA function useful at all. Since it's combo with USB port. Most of time i plug at my external HDD only.

You mean the eSata port doubles as a USB port; as in you can stick a USB device there?

somehow my cq40 explorer went missing (deleted)
anybody can help me?

Yea. it's a combo port. eSATA + USB. hehehe.

all shortcut button missing in compaq. How to press those stuff?

all via software control?

I dont get you, what is the shortcut button you mean?

If that the touch buttons above F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 keyboard buttons there?

Hey everyone just got my compaq cq40 today erm anyone know how to set the screen nice i mean the colour and brightness mine one still bright after set to lowest and the colour abit fade as well... I have weird problem also when i press the power button then i click it back on that time now i type need to press the 'fn' button anyone know why ? And how do i off my screen eh ?

not the F1 F2 F3 key, is the multi-function button

Hehe, got myself a HDMI cable at Lowyat for RM45 only.

And the result:


That's the Wall-E HD trailer from apple.com. This is awesome.

u should arrange some nice pots of plants and with skirting between the speaker to cover up the wires... looks very messy

hi guys..wanna ask something..

this morning i just bought Compaq CQ40 at All IT lowyat.
but the spec is kinda different:

HD3450
3gb ram
250gb

I bought it only for rm2199 (FreeDos)

The problem is when i install the Vista Ultimate, it alway stuck.
I tried other dvd also stuck.
How can i solve this problem?

CQ40 have few version.The normal 1 is the Compaq CQ40-115AU.
Maybe Vista Ultmate is too much for your lappy.Is the DVD's ori or 'ahem' 1?

i dont think it is too much for my lappy
anyway its ahem version
it stuck at the last step which is "completing installation"

wow that is good price...too bad lowyat is 5 hours drive from my place...if not tomolo i terus go buy liao

You can try search in garage sale section.There is 1 guy who is selling this lappy with RM5 for delivery charge.

i dropped my cq50 yesterday and the lcd casing near the hinge got partly open. if i send to HP will they fix it on the spot or i have to leave it to get it fix? any advise? anyway it does not affect to the performance but in the long run i afraid the dust will get into it.

Try calling the HP service centre.They will answer all your queston.

dont call hp or police will reach to u..
u are using dell oem VISTA CD right? shhhhhhh


buy original vista...