HP is forced to recall laptops yet AGAIN over risks their batteries could burst into flames: Here's how to check if you're affected
- Issue affects devices sold worldwide from December 2015 to December 2017
- A specially created tool lets customers check whether their model is at risk
- The update puts devices into 'battery safe mode' to shut down their power pack
- HP previously recalled laptops in June 2016 and extended this in January 2017
HP is recalling a range of its notebook and mobile workstation computers due to the risk their batteries could burst into flames from overheating.
In an embarrassing case of history repeating itself, the firm has had to issue the safety measure for the second time in three years.
The issue affects a range of devices sold worldwide from December 2015 to December 2017.
Customers can use a specially created tool to check whether their model is at risk, as well as to enable a specially safety measure to render the battery inert.
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HP is recalling a range of its notebook and mobile workstation computers due to the risk they could burst into flames. The issue affects a range of devices sold worldwide from December 2015 to December 2017, including the ProBook 64x G2 and G3, 65x G2 and G3
HP's recall comes after eight reports of batteries 'overheating, melting or charring', according to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission.
This included one incident leading to a first-degree burn, while three others caused damages up to £3,300 ($4,500).
HP has not yet provided technical details about why the batteries are overheating.
The firm said it is notifying customers and will provide a trained technician to replace the affected batteries for free, as they are integrated into devices and cannot be replaced by users.
In the meantime, the Palo Alto, California, based computer company has issued an update which puts the systems into a 'battery safe mode'.
This lets people continue to use the computers by plugging into power outlets instead of using the potentially combustible batteries.
In a written statement, a spokesman for the company said: 'We recently learned that batteries provided by one of our suppliers for certain notebook computers and mobile workstations present a potential safety concern.
'We are taking immediate action to address this issue including a voluntary recall and replacement of the batteries.
'Batteries affected by this recall have the potential to overheat, posing a fire and burn hazard to customers.
'HP’s primary concern is for the safety of our customers.
'This action pertains to 0.1 per cent of the HP systems sold globally over the past two years.'
The list of machines with the problematic lithium-ion batteries included Probook, Envy, Pavilion, Zbook, Studio G3, and HP 11 models.
Some batteries targeted for recall were also sold as accessories or replacements through HP or authorised service providers.
To check whether your HP device is one of the models affected by the recall, download the HP Battery Program Validation Utility here.
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In an embarrassing case of history repeating itself, the firm has had to issue the safety measure for the second time in three years. Customers can use a specially created tool to check whether their model is at risk and render the battery inert. This image shows the Z Book
If the validation process identifies a battery as being eligible for replacement, a BIOS update will be applied and the system will reboot.
During the reboot process, an option will be presented to enable Battery Safety Mode.
Accepting Battery Safety Mode causes the battery to discharge and to cease future charging until Battery Safety Mode is disabled.
HP strongly recommends accepting Battery Safety Mode so that the notebook or mobile workstation can be safely used by connecting to an HP power adaptor.
This is not the first time that HP has been forced to issue a laptop recall over safety concerns surrounding their batteries.
On June 14, 2016, HP announced a worldwide voluntary safety recall and replacement program involving 41,000 batteries.
In January 2017, this was expanded to include a an additional 101,000 batteries in laptops sold between March 2013 through October 2016.
HP said it is notifying customers and will provide a trained technician to replace the batteries for free. This image shows the Pavilion x360, which is involved in the recall
In the meantime, the Palo Alto, California, based computer company has issued an update which puts the systems into a 'battery safe mode'. Some models of the Envy M6 may also be affected
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