After finding this forum about the F500, I decided to give it a shot and see if my F500 was covered by this, and it was. So after visiting the link to hp's site about free repair, (THANK YOU!!) I called them and they asked me my name, email, phone number, part number, and eventually serial number. First the tech stated that the system was out of warranty (2 years and 5 months ago I bought this). But when i quoted HP's free repair page about the F500, he asked what was wrong with the laptop. Told him all power lights are on but no LCD or video from the VGA port. He asked me to reseat the RAM stick, and then try again with the battery out. Same thing happened. Right after that he began asking me for my address to send me my return box. The tech also stated that the HDD could be removed to ensure all my data is secured, as well as to leave the battery out as well. No cables or adapters were to be included.. just the notebook. Explained that the system will be returned to me in 10 - 14 days after it arrives at HP. He apologized for any inconvenience that this may have caused. Extremely polite and provided me wth a order number as well as a service ticket number. Offered me a 1 year warranty for $119.. reduced rate. Which seemed pretty decent for additional warranty for this older system. The offer is left on file so I can call in anytime to pay for the warranty. For the first time, HP was extremely helpful, and I suggest to anyone that owns the listed models on their site to have the free repair done, get it as soon as possible. They don't hassle you, they are polite and knowledgeable. Only thing I can suggest is to call after 11PM EST, seems like they have a better work ethic or something at that time
When my box arrives I will update you all on how long it took to get here, and how long it took to get back. Once again thanks to this forum my F500 will breathe life once more. Thank you!
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