HP Notebook PCs - Advanced Startup Troubleshooting (Windows 10, 8)

note:

If a white LED for the AC power connector blinks when a new notebook computer is used for the first time, the battery is still in Shipping Mode. To resolve this, turn off the notebook, connect AC power, allow the battery to charge for at least 30 minutes, and then start the computer.

1. Confirm the AC power adapter is a genuine HP part. Do not use a non-HP AC power adapter on an HP computer.
   
2. Determine the adapter wattage by looking near the bottom of the adapter.

   note:

   Using an AC power adapter with a lower wattage than the computer requires can cause issues. For example, the CPU clock rate might be reduced to save power, which might cause programs to run slower or the AC power adapter to become warm to the touch.

   
   
3. Check the AC power adapter for damage. Damaged components, like the AC adapter or the pin in the power connector, might require an HP-certified repair. Check the box, cord, pins, and plugs for damage.
   
   
   
   
   
4. Confirm the wall outlet is functioning properly. Plug a lamp or device you know to be working into the same wall outlet you plan to use for the AC power adapter.
   • If the lamp or other device works, the wall outlet is working correctly. Continue with these steps.
   • If the lamp or device does not work, keep testing wall outlets until you find one that works, and then continue with these steps. Do not use a power strip, surge protector, or secondary power source.
5. Plug your AC power adapter into the functioning wall outlet and start your computer. If the computer does not start, continue using these steps.
6. If you have access to a different AC power adapter or power pack that is designed for the computer, connect it to the computer and try to start the computer. If you have access to more than one computer, confirm that you are using the correct AC power adapter.

     caution:

   Use a power adapter that meets the power requirements and has the correct type of connector to avoid damaging the computer. On newer notebook models, connecting the wrong adapter to the notebook might cause the power LED lights to blink but not power on the computer.

   If the computer does not start, continue with these steps.
7. Start the computer. If the computer does not turn on, continue using these steps. Remove the power cord from the AC power adapter for approximately 5-10 seconds, and then reconnect the power cord to the AC power adapter making sure the AC cable fits tightly into the AC power adapter inlet.
8. Verify all cords and connectors are secure between the power cord, AC power adapter, and computer. Start the computer.
   If he computer does not turn on, continue with these steps.
9. Test for a discharged or defective battery that might prevent the AC power adapter from supplying enough power to start the computer. Remove the notebook battery, connect the AC power adapter, and then turn on the computer (you can also try these steps with an alternate AC power adapter that has the correct wattage and connector).

   Condition	Possible action
   LEDs do not glow, and the fan or hard drive does not spin	The AC adapter might need to be replaced
   LEDs glow and computer starts	The battery might need to be replaced
   LEDs glow but computer does not start	Go to Computer Does Not Start and Emits an LED or Beep Code

   If the computer does not turn on, continue with these steps.
10. Test for a defective AC power adapter that might not charge the battery. This could prevent the computer from starting using only battery power. Connect the AC power adapter, allow the computer to charge for 30 minutes or more, disconnect the AC power adapter, and then try to start the computer. This can also be done with a fully charged battery from another computer.

    Condition	Possible action
    LEDs do not glow, and the fan or hard drive does not spin	The AC adapter might need to be replaced
    LEDs glow and computer starts	The battery might need to be replaced
    LEDs glow but computer does not start	Go to Computer Does Not Start and Emits an LED or Beep Code

    If the AC adapter and battery tests both result in the LEDs not glowing and the fan and hard drive not spinning, there might be an issue with the system board, which could require service from HP.
11. If components are defective and the computer is under warranty, Contact HP for further assistance. If the computer is not under warranty, go to Ordering HP Certified Replacement Parts to order a replacement part.

• Boot device not found
• Disk Boot Failure
• Non-system disk error (make sure you have removed discs and USB storage devices)
• OS Not Found
• PXE-E61: Media Test Failure
• SMART Failure Imminent / Imminent Hard Disk Failure

note:

Removing and reseating the hard drive might also solve some hard drive errors.

1. Disconnect any USB or 1394 (Firewire) devices attached to the computer.
2. Remove any CDs and DVDs from the disc drives.
3. Press and hold the Power button for 5 seconds to turn off the computer.
4. Turn on the computer and immediately press the F10 key repeatedly, about once every second, until the BIOS Setup Utility opens.
5. Press the F9 key, select Yes, and then press Enter to restore the BIOS to the default settings.
6. Use the arrow keys to select the Diagnostics menu.
7. Use the arrow keys to select Primary Hard Disk Self Test, and then press Enter to start the test.
   • If the test fails, the hard drive might need to be replaced. Contact HP and provide them with the failure code (such as biohd-8) to set up service or to have a replacement hard drive sent to you. If the computer is out of warranty, it should be serviced or the hard drive should be replaced.
   • If all tests pass, restart the computer. If the error is resolved, you are done. If not, go to Troubleshooting other issues with computer not starting.

note:

Your computer might look different than the computer pictured below, but the steps are the same.

1. Turn off the computer and disconnect the power cord.
2. Remove the cover to access the memory.

   note:

   Some computers might not have a cover that provides access to the memory. Have the computer serviced if you cannot access the memory.

   
3. Remove all the memory modules in the computer.
   
4. Reinsert all memory modules.
5. Replace the service cover, battery, and power cord.
6. Turn on the computer.
   • If the computer starts, you are done.
   • If the computer does not start, continue to the next step.