Is this a real HP warranty message?

Q

I bought my HP laptop about four years ago and it’s been working without problems ever since. However, from the start there’s been an occasional pop-up message purporting to be from HP, asking me to register for a warranty. I can get rid of it by clicking Cancel, but eventually it will reappear. I’m certain that any warranty I once had on this device will now have expired so, even if this alert is legitimate, it’s just an annoyance. Or could it be something more sinister? Nick Summerton

A

There’s always the chance that such a message is fake. However, in this instance we suspect it’s the real deal, as many HP laptops do have a tool installed that acts in exactly this way.

It’s called the HP Support Assistant and, by default, it will download updates and display a variety of alerts. It’s actually a good thing because, properly used, it ensures that your laptop has all the latest updates direct from the manufacturer.

However, in your case the warranty alert in particular is now pointless, so we understand why you want to stop it. To do this, launch HP Support Assistant by clicking Start, then ‘HP Help and Support’, followed by HP Support Assistant. Next, select the ‘My devices’ tab and then, if it’s not already selected, click to select your laptop. Now, at the top right, click Settings. Scroll down to find the ‘Enable your PC to show contact options, warranty information…’ heading and, below this, select No (see screenshot). Now click Save, then click the cross at the top right to close HP Support Assistant.