HP has recalled 78,500 laptops and workstations, over fears their batteries pose “fire and burn hazards”.

The affected computers were all sold between December 2015 and April 2018, and include various ProBook models, along with models in the Envy, x360 and Notebook range.

HP is urging anyone with one of these laptops to request a replacement battery and apply a software update that switches their battery into safe mode, preventing it from charging.

“The quality and safety of all HP products is our top priority,” the company said in a statement.

“We learned that batteries provided by one of our suppliers for certain notebook computers and mobile workstations present a potential safety concern.

“We took immediate action to address the issue and are replacing the batteries in question.

“This action pertains to approximately 0.1% of the HP systems sold globally during the recall time period.”

HP said it had received eight reports of battery packs overheating, melting or charring – including one report of minor injury and two reports of property damage totalling $1,100.

The company is proactively notifying customers, and will provide replacement battery services for each verified, eligible battery, at no cost.Quirky GadgetsThese PYJAMAS promise to improve sleepPopcorn powered robotsSmart yoga pants reviewWater bottle changes COLOUR

This is an extension to the recall that HP first announced in January 2018 that involved 50,000 devices.

“It is essential to recheck your battery, even if you did so previously and were informed that it was not affected,” the company stated on its website .

“However if you have already received a replacement battery, you are not affected by this expansion.”

The extended recall was issued in January 2019, but the US Consumer Product Safety Commission only got around to announcing it last week, because the US government has been in shutdown.

All the laptops with faulty batteries are listed below. You can also download a tool from HP’s website to check if your computer is affected.

• HP Probook 640 G2
• HP ProBook 640 G3
• HP ProBook 645 G2
• HP ProBook 645 G3
• HP ProBook 650 G2
• HP ProBook 650 G3
• HP ProBook 655 G2
• HP ProBook 655 G3
• HP ProBook 430 G4
• HP ProBook 440 G4
• HP ProBook 450 G4
• HP ProBook 455 G4
• HP ProBook 470 G4
• HP ZBook 17 G3
• HP ZBook 17 G4
• HP ZBook Studio G3
• HP x360 310 G2
• HP Pavilion x360
• HP ENVY m6
• HP 11 Notebook PC

The following products are compatible with, but were not shipped with, affected batteries.

Customers may have purchased a battery as an accessory or received a replacement battery that is affected by the recall:

• HP ProBook 430 G5
• HP ProBook 440 G5
• HP ProBook 450 G5
• HP ProBook 455 G5
• HP ProBook 470 G5
• HP ZBook Studio G4
• HP ENVY 15
• HP mt20
• HP mt21
• HP mt31

If you have one of these computers, you should download HP’s ‘Battery Validation Utility’ from its website and enter the model number to check if it’s affected.

If it is, you should not try to remove the battery yourself, but you should put the computer into “Battery Safety Mode”, which will will discharge the battery and disable future charging until the battery is replaced.

You can place an order for a free replacement battery at: HP.com/go/batteryprogram2018.

An HP technician will then contact you via phone within 3-to-5 business days, following verification of your order, to schedule a time to replace the battery in your computer.

The technician will provide the replacement battery, and the replacement will be performed at your home.

Disposal instructions for the used battery will be included in the box with your replacement battery.

Mirror