The story that refuses to die gets another chapter this week, as Hewlett-Packard is recalling 70,000 notebook batteries due to a potential fire hazard.

Two batteries in the recall pool have already gone up in flames, so this isn't a theoretical risk but one that should be taken seriously if you have an affected system.

The packs were sold both bundled with new laptops and as aftermarket replacement batteries in a wide range of outlets, including HP's online shopping sites and third-party retail outlets.

As well, the batteries included in the recall cover a wide range of notebooks under numerous HP brands, including HP Pavilion, HP Compaq, Compaq Presario, and the plain-old HP line.

To find out if your HP notebook is affected, check the model number on the service label on the bottom of your laptop or the LCD bezel. Those potentially affected include these machines: 

> HP Pavilion:  dv2000, dv2500, dv2700, dv6000, dv6500, dv6700, dv9000, dv9500, dv9700
> Compaq Presario: A900, C700, F700, V3000, V3500, V3700, V6000, V6500, V6700
> HP: G6000, G7000
> HP Compaq: 6720s

If your laptop model is listed, consult this HP web page and click "Validate Your Battery" to determine if your specific battery is being recalled. Alternatively, a list of affected battery serial numbers is available at this page.

The HP web page linked above will provide instructions on returning your battery in the event it's been recalled, or you can call 800-889-2031 for instructions between 7am and 7pm Central Time, Monday through Friday.

Of course whenever there's a battery recall from any manufacturer, it's always a good idea to make sure your computer isn't affected, no matter who made it, as virtually every computer company has recalled power packs in the last few years. Here's my handy guide to all the battery recall websites, so take a minute during a quiet moment today and make sure your machine isn't on one of these lists.