The Nvidia Defect Forum

Hi all, great site. Don't take this the wrong way, but I really wish I hadn't found it though...

This evening, my mum's HP decided to black screen. I'm an Apple user so I don't know an awful lot about PCs, but it looked like a video/graphics card issue due to the lines. Then I googled for a while and here I am.

The laptop was purchased from Comet a while ago. It must be approaching two years ago because Comet recently sent her a letter seeing if she wants to extend warranty cover. It expires on the 19th August, but whether this matters or not is another matter.

What's the plan of action? From what I've read on the site this far, being in warranty isn't of massive benefit. But should we go back to Comet and tell them there's a problem and that it's still in warranty or should be go back and dig heels in a little bit with some acts ready to read. Mum isn't that confrontational so if she goes on her own they might fob her off.

Is it worth extending the warranty for if Comet drag it out?

Sorry if any of this is a bit noobish - never had to do anything like this before and the forum seems like an excellent resource.

Cheers,

Hello Biffarino and welcome to our forum.

Sorry to hear of the problems your mum is experiencing with her laptop.

It is excellent news that you are still in warranty as Comet cannot refuse to do anything.

However, as there are no reliable parts available it is not worth your while having the laptop repaired as the repair probably will not last. Even if they were to replace the mainboard the chances are that the laptop will fail again.

I would contact Comet and tell them that your laptop has failed due to the inherently defective Nvidia GPU.

They may try and force a repair onto you. You should refuse this and tell them that you are well aware of the problem and that it is also resident in spare parts.

If they continue to persist in offering a repair you should request the part number of the motherboard that they intend using.

Tell them that you want to verify that the replacement parts will be free from the defect and that without the part number you are unable to do this.

If and when they do give you this information please pop back here and let me know the details and I will check the board out for you.

You should further tell them that the only resolution that you are prepared to accept is a replacement laptop or a refund.

They will probably try to fob you off but you should stand your ground and insist that these are the only solutions you are willing to consider. You should also inform them that you are aware, through this forum, of the number of claims that they are handling with regard to this matter and that unless they agree to your wishes that you will have no option but to sue them.

I know this all may sound a little daunting, but do not worry, if your laptop is indeed inherently defective then you really cannot lose.

Start off with the above and see what they say and then pop back here and let me know and I will advise further.

If you have any questions or need any advice then please let me know.

Good luck and best wishes

Paul
The Admin Team

_________________
=======================================================
Calculate the minimum refund that you would be entitled to.
FAQ's
Why you should not accept a repair
Links to evidence
What is the Nvidia Defect?
Step by step help to getting a refund
Do you need an engineers report?
=======================================================

If you like what you see on this forum and would like to help then please post links to this forum in other forums or blogs. The more people we can help the better.


Please note that I am not legally qualified and I only offer my own personal advice. You are advised to seek professional legal advice for formal clarification of advice I give.

Hi Paul,

Thanks for taking time out during your evening to have a look at my question.

I said I'd go with her to Comet tomorrow some time. Guess we'll just have to see what they say.

Ironic time for them to ask about taking out more cover...

Right, an update.

I didn't go with mum to Comet and things have taken a turn.

Initially thinking the unit was in warranty, they offered to arrange a repair and supply her with the relevant new part numbers of new parts for checking on here before going ahead with anything.

The shop rang an hour later saying that the unit was no longer in warranty and it had expired last year. I must admit that we had misplaced the receipt and warranty info before hand, and were working off a renewal form she had received a few days early saying that cover was coming to an end and would we like to continue.

After a couple of calls it turns out that my parents did only take out an extra years warranty for Comet and it did lapse last year.

I'm going to have a root around the site, but are Comet liable for cost of repair under the SOGA? When my PS3 died I seemed to remember reading something that we can claim back repair costs.

Otherwise, not really what route to advise her to take. (Apart from a trip to the Apple store)

Hello Biffarino,

The warranty status really is irrelevant as the laptop was inherently defective from the date she purchased it.

In such situations you have six years to take action against the retailer.

As there are no reliable parts available your only options are a refund or a replacement laptop.

Comet will probably try their best to fob you off - even telling you to contact HP.

You should tell Comet that you have SIX years to take action against them and that as your contract is with Comet and not HP then it is Comet who should resolve the situation.

They may try and offer you a free repair. You should refuse on the grounds that there are no reliable parts available. If they insist then you should ask them for the part number of the mainboard that they intend on using, Once you have that information please pop back here and let me know and I will advise further.

If they refuse to do anything then you should tell them that you will be sending them a letter before action with a view to filing a small claims action against them.

There is a step by step guide on this forum that will help you reach a successful resolution and that is here:-
post13.html#p13

Start off with the above and see how you get on and then pop back here and let me know and I will advise further.

If you have any questions then please let me know.

Best wishes

Paul
The Admin Team

_________________
=======================================================
Calculate the minimum refund that you would be entitled to.
FAQ's
Why you should not accept a repair
Links to evidence
What is the Nvidia Defect?
Step by step help to getting a refund
Do you need an engineers report?
=======================================================

If you like what you see on this forum and would like to help then please post links to this forum in other forums or blogs. The more people we can help the better.


Please note that I am not legally qualified and I only offer my own personal advice. You are advised to seek professional legal advice for formal clarification of advice I give.