Solved Failure to Play BluRay discs

[BluePeter]

Hello,
My system is HP HDX 18 Laptop using Windows Vista Home Premium (64 bit) incorporating a HP Media Smart BDDVDRW CT 21L BluRay player.
I recently had a Hard Drive (C) failure and the Hard Drive was replaced necessitating a factory re-install. The unit has worked fine since then BUT ..... the
BluRay is failing to play BluRay discs. It plays ordinary DVDs fine. It keeps asking me
to update the software by way of a Patch. I do this (which takes about 15 minutes). It then asks me to reactivate my player, which I do, but, lo and behold , it asks me to download the patch again. I seem to be locked in a cycle of this that cannot be broken and do not know what to do.
I have had endless trouble with this Laptop recently (Blu Ray player failed completely 6 months ago) and two Factory Reinstalls have been done on the wretched thing. It is only 18 months old and replaced another ..wait for it..HP Laptop at that time. Luckily I had extended Warranty.. a necesssity with HP I feel. Any help with this matter...I am not too technical by the way.

 

[Lottiemansion]

Hi,

Sorry to hear you are having issues.

What is the make, model & SP state & version of your looping software etc.

What software is looping in the update. Is it CyberLink DVD Suite Deluxe or another package?

All of this information is required to provide you with assistance & help us to get on the right track, so to speak. OK?

 

[Lorien]

Hi BluePeter,

Instead of patching the software, I recommend you download the full driver, firmware, and/or software required for this player and your version of Vista (from the HP website). Once you have it, uninstall whatever is currently installed and then install the updated, newly downloaded versions, reboot, and see if that does the trick. Once you have the drivers, you can usually install them through Device Manager as follows: http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/193584-device-manager-install-driver.html, but it's best to follow the directions that come with them as some vary. Also the firmware and sofware, if applicable, would be done differently, but most likely similar to any oridinary installation so nothing special.

I'd try to help find it, but there are 23 models of the HP HDX 18 and I don't know which you have. Plus there may be options to use the serial number to focus in on your precise computer (though I admit I didn't see that option as I was searching). Also, I could find nothing about the BlueRay player specifically, but you may with the additional details. If you still can't find the appropriate downloads other than just this patch, then contact HP Technical Support to provide you with the appropriate links.

To check and update (and while this only discusses firmware, there may be other downloads associated with the device so be sure to check thoroughly and get everything), here are some general guidelines that may help: Identifying the Preinstalled CD or DVD Drive - HP Customer Care (United States - English). This may provide different information which may help locate the device on the HP site (unless you just get Tech Support to do it for you).

I hope this helps.

Good luck!

 

[BluePeter]

Hi Lorien and Lottiemansion,
Finally got things working. The answer proved too obvious in the end. I simply uninstalled HP Media Smart and then re-installed it. Thank you for your most detailed replies to my problem. In all honesty,though, I have to say that Laptop replay is no match for my Sony BDP S470 linked to my Panasonic 42" LED TV, the Laptop shows shudder in moving scenes. However, I am happy enough. Again, many thanks.

 

[Lorien]

It was our pleasure - glad we could help. I'm very happy to hear that things are now sorted out for you - and you're more technical than you give yourself credit for.

Thanks for the feedback and comments - they are appreciated.

I'm going to request that this thread be marked solved so others with the same problem will see that it contains a solution that at least worked in one case (and to keep people who are looking to help from wasting time checking a resolved thread).

Good luck and best wishes. Come back anytime - even if only to chat in the Chillout Room or learn from one of the tutorials or simply to browse around (or, of course, if you have any questions or problems).