Laptop Problem

BigProblem

Hi Guys

having a problem with my laptop (HP Pavillion) when i turn it on the lights come on and i can hear the fan working but the laptop does not load up at all and i only get a blank screen - anyone know what the problem with the laptop is? Should i just get someone to look at it?

Thanks in advance...

solomafioso

While it's booting up tap F8 and you should get a screen to say "boot in to safe mode". Choose safe mode with networking.

When you're in (hopefully), right click on the c drive, select properties in the hardware tab there should be a button for "error checking". Click on Check drive for errors and press OK. You'll get a message to do a scan on next reboot, click OK and reboot and let the chkdsk (checkdisk scan) run.

It could be the hdd failing or graphics. But at least this might narrow it down.

BigProblem

solomafioso wrote: »

While it's booting up tap F8 and you should get a screen to say "boot in to safe mode". Choose safe mode with networking.

When you're in (hopefully), right click on the c drive, select properties in the hardware tab there should be a button for "error checking". Click on Check drive for errors and press OK. You'll get a message to do a scan on next reboot, click OK and reboot and let the chkdsk (checkdisk scan) run.

It could be the hdd failing or graphics. But at least this might narrow it down.

thank you i will try that when i get home

bennyc

I am assuming you see nothing on the screen, first thing you need to do is to attach an external monitor / or tv via hdmi and boot it. If you still get the same you are in trouble and need to get it looked at, don't bring it somewhere where you will pay big for a diagnostic as more than lilkly its the onboard gpu and this means a reflow or a new board each will cost you.

Also if possible take out the RAM and battery and try with only the power to see if you get a reaction from it.(loads of beeps)

bonzodog2

Does the disk activity light flash for a while?
Check for a symbol like a screen on one of the F1-F12 keys and tap that. You may have inadvertently set it to display to external monitor. If you have HDMI, try that if your TV accepts it

MarkR

I had a similar issue to that recently, in my case it was the optical drive causing an issue. Would bring up the post screen, then stop. No errors, just power off. Same on battery / plugged in. Took out memory / hard drives to test. Had the thing in pieces, eventually found removing the optical drive allowed it to boot. Seems to have been an intermittent issue, as it's fine now. What you should do is..

1. Unplug everthing. Take out any cd's, dvd's or usb drives.
2. Remove battery and unplug power supply
3. Press down power button (and keep pressed) for 30 seconds. Probably overkill, but no point in doing it twice.
4. Reattach power cord, and see will it boot.

If it's still not booting, you'll want to try to enter safe mode, described in earlier posts.

BigProblem

solomafioso wrote: »

While it's booting up tap F8 and you should get a screen to say "boot in to safe mode". Choose safe mode with networking.

When you're in (hopefully), right click on the c drive, select properties in the hardware tab there should be a button for "error checking". Click on Check drive for errors and press OK. You'll get a message to do a scan on next reboot, click OK and reboot and let the chkdsk (checkdisk scan) run.

It could be the hdd failing or graphics. But at least this might narrow it down.

i tried to attach the laptop to tv via hdmi cable but i was only getting a blank screen too.

i had no joy too by tapping f8 while booting up - i take it i will need to get someone to look at the laptop so?

BigProblem

BigProblem wrote: »

i tried to attach the laptop to tv via hdmi cable but i was only getting a blank screen too.

i had no joy too by tapping f8 while booting up - i take it i will need to get someone to look at the laptop so?

i brought my lap top to a shop to fix it - there is a problem with the board and will cost €150 to fix. the laptop is five years old - is it worth fixing with the fact it is five years old?

bennyc

BigProblem wrote: »

i brought my lap top to a shop to fix it - there is a problem with the board and will cost €150 to fix. the laptop is five years old - is it worth fixing with the fact it is five years old?

not on a five year old laptop unless its a really highspec model, most likely the graphics on the board so either a new board or a reflow either way $$$.
Stick it on adverts as a non runner and see what you can get. Put that towards a new laptop, just my opinion.
If it were me I would e baking the mobo for 8 -10 mins @ 180 degrees.
you will find some guides to disassemble the laptop on youtube.
Small success rate but might work for a while.