Caps lock flashing, no screen - Compaq CQ56

funkey_monkey

Seriously? To update the internal battery on a compaq cq56 I have to strip the entire laptop?

Screen is not turning on and the caps lock is flashing. Is there any solution apart from replacing the internal battery using the below abomination?

Before removing the RTC battery:
1. Shut down the computer. If you are unsure whether the computer is off or in Hibernation, turn on
the computer, and then shut it down through the operating system.
2. Disconnect all external devices connected to the computer.
3. Disconnect the power from the computer by first unplugging the power cord from the AC outlet
and then unplugging the AC adapter from the computer.
4. Remove the following components:
a. Battery (see Battery on page 36)
b. Hard drive (see Hard drive on page 37)
c. WLAN module (see WLAN module on page 42)
d. Memory module (see Memory module on page 44)
e. Optical drive (see Optical drive on page 39)
f. Keyboard (see Keyboard on page 46)
g. Top cover (see Top cover on page 49)
h. Display assembly (see Display assembly on page 59)
i. System board (see System board on page 66)
Remove the RTC battery:
1. Position the system board upside down.
2. Use a sharp, non-conductive tool to release the clip (1) that secures the battery to the system
board.

smuggler.ie

that would be similar procedure for most laptops...

What makes you be so sure its CMOS battery?

smuggler.ie

Not claiming its not, but have you tried all other options?

funkey_monkey

smuggler.ie wrote: »

that would be similar procedure for most laptops...

What makes you be so sure its CMOS battery?

I thought most had to only remove back panel? Not also remove the fekking screen and keyboard!

I'm not sure it is the cmos battery. The flashing caps indicates a power problem. According to the answer's I've googled it can be due to the battery.
I've tried the other solutions such as removing battery and owing on before reattaching the battery and trying again, removing and replacing ram so running out off options.

Seen one guy who remove a stock of ram and it resolved it for him. So I'll try that.

FanadMan

Just googled the model and watched a video of a disassembly. Yup - you do need to dismantle the whole thing to replace the CMOS battery. My laptop is the same - needs a full teardown to replace anything. That's why there is only about 4 screws holding it together

smuggler.ie

see this

https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c01732674#AbT2

funkey_monkey

Tried the ram fix, but the single flashing light indicates a cpu issue.

I'll blow it out and see what happens.


Edit: Nothing. That's what happens!

smuggler.ie

funkey_monkey wrote: »

Tried the ram fix, but the single flashing light indicates a cpu issue.

I'll blow it out and see what happens.


Edit: Nothing. That's what happens!

Does fan kick-in?

At this point you most likely will be dismantling it - full clean-up, thermal grease.

funkey_monkey

I've stripped it and replaced the cmos battery. No joy.

Cleaned it out too. No joy.

So I now need to remove the cpu and reseat it?


Edit : yes, fan kicks in.

smuggler.ie

funkey_monkey wrote: »

I've stripped it and replaced the cmos battery. No joy.

Cleaned it out too. No joy.

So I now need to remove the cpu and reseat it?


Edit : yes, fan kicks in.

You cant remove CPU on laptop, its embedded.
you will have remove heat-sink - copper pipe + grills toward fan.
Graphics might be separate chip - two blobs of paste. Check tube for videos for how-to.

Edit: depend on model, CPU could be NOT embedded and allow you to remove/replace

the_syco

funkey_monkey wrote: »

Tried the ram fix

Although it'll take a bit, have you tried with one ram stick only, in each slot? Could the ram or ram slot be faulty?

funkey_monkey wrote: »

the single flashing light indicates a cpu issue.

Where did you see this, and what single light is flashing?

smuggler.ie

Something like this, ensure you clean them grills - usually full of cotton.

funkey_monkey

the_syco wrote: »

Although it'll take a bit, have you tried with one ram stick only, in each slot? Could the ram or ram slot be faulty?


Where did you see this, and what single light is flashing?

Tried that already with no success. But will try again before stripping back down again.

Only question I have is that if it was heat sink would it not start when cool and then fail as the heat builds up?

funkey_monkey

the_syco wrote: »

Where did you see this, and what single light is flashing?

As per the title, the caps lock light flashes once on and off approx once per second. From your link for pre 2015 machine a single blink relates to cpu.

funkey_monkey

Didn't work swapping the ram around the slots.

It was working in the morning for the user and then in the afternoon it would not start.

smuggler.ie

funkey_monkey wrote: »

Only question I have is that if it was heat sink would it not start when cool and then fail as the heat builds up?

Possibly, but you never shared what sequence machine goes through before POST code

Exact model ? Before 2015 models don't appear to see overheating so it could just say CPU problem. Replacing thermal just eliminates that possibility.

I would have thermal replaced on first dismantling as part of maintenance, but if POST says "CPU not functional" it could be already fried which i think you won't be able to confirm unless have replacement part.

smuggler.ie

funkey_monkey wrote: »

It was working in the morning for the user and then in the afternoon it would not start.

If you not end user then get as much as possible detail how machine stopped - was it powered down normally, shutdown itself or was left unattended and then discovered not booting

Edit:

funkey_monkey wrote: »

It was working in the morning

= bed use?

funkey_monkey

smuggler.ie wrote: »

If you not end user then get as much as possible detail how machine stopped - was it powered down normally, shutdown itself or was left unattended and then discovered not booting

Edit:
= bed use?

No. Elderly person only uses it for online mass and emails! It is clean in side. Was turned off normally and when they went to turn it on again, no joy.

Anyhow, step down again and hopefully I've enough paste for the job. I have rubbing alcohol to clean them with too, but limited paste.
Question is what is the white stuff that goes over the second smaller chip - graphics I believe.
Does it need replaced and can I use the paste I have.

funkey_monkey

smuggler.ie wrote: »

Possibly, but you never shared what sequence machine goes through before POST code

Exact model ? Before 2015 models don't appear to see overheating so it could just say CPU problem. Replacing thermal just eliminates that possibility.

I would have thermal replaced on first dismantling as part of maintenance, but if POST says "CPU not functional" it could be already fried which i think you won't be able to confirm unless have replacement part.

Sequence? The screen never illuminates. Just flashing caps lock.

Model: cq56-107sa

smuggler.ie

funkey_monkey wrote: »

No. Elderly person only uses it for online mass and emails! It is clean in side. Was turned off normally and when they went to turn it on again, no joy.

Anyhow, step down again and hopefully I've enough paste for the job. I have rubbing alcohol to clean them with too, but limited paste.
Question is what is the white stuff that goes over the second smaller chip - graphics I believe.
Does it need replaced and can I use the paste I have.

Damn, this is thermal pad.

Usually in case where pads used distance from heat-pipe to chip will be greater and i don't think thermal paste is good for such gap.
If not damaged you "might" be OK reusing it, however, it should be replaced with new

funkey_monkey

I didn't have thermal pad so I left it. It was intact.

However still no joy. Really annoying me as the elderly relative lives alone and uses this to get her mass and communicate with family.

Is there any further diagnostics I can perform to analyse this issue?

funkey_monkey

smuggler.ie wrote: »

Damn, this is thermal pad.

Usually in case where pads used distance from heat-pipe to chip will be greater and i don't think thermal paste is good for such gap.
If not damaged you "might" be OK reusing it, however, it should be replaced with new

If it was thermal related would it not go for a while and then shutdown due to insufficient cooling?
There must be something physically wrong or something has latched a fault which is preventing reboot.
I've tried attaching the laptop to a monitor to see if there is any output, but no.

Not sure where to go from here. It definitely was not roughly handled, I know that. It must be a component failure or something!

smuggler.ie

funkey_monkey wrote: »

Is there any further diagnostics I can perform to analyse this issue?

You seem to have ruled out all potential causes.... CPU was the pointer by POST code

Unless you get replacement CPU or machine that use same CPU, i cant think of other means. Yours CPU - AMP320SGR22GM
AMD Athlon II P320 processor (2.1 GHz, 1-MB L2 cache, 1066 MHz, 3.2 GT/s)—dual-core 25 W
quick search show they available from €5 on Ali

Supported upgrade models listed in that service manual (page 75) and not much more expensive


Shipping time ... you know yourself

funkey_monkey

Unfortunately so. I was hoping to be able to perform some checks to ensure it was the cpu.

I've looked at this one
AMD-Athlon II Dual-Core P360 AMP360SGR22GM Laptop CPU Processor 2.3Ghz

Would I need to change the ram for this?

Was thinking I may as well get a better processor when I'm at it, if it fits. I'd rather not wait for Chinese mail to come through. So, is my only option a refurbished one?

smuggler.ie

See here:
http://www.cpu-world.com/Compare_CPUs/AMD_AMN370DCR22GM,AMD_AMP320SGR22GM,AMD_AMP360SGR22GM/


DDR3

funkey_monkey

I'll get a p360 then.

Can only get refurbished ones, but so be it.

smuggler.ie

funkey_monkey wrote: »

I'll get a p360 then.

Can only get refurbished ones, but so be it.

Hope you not paying top dollar for it...

funkey_monkey

Around £10, max £15.

Is that the right price range?

funkey_monkey

Around £10. Is that the right price range?
I don't want to wait for a Chinese supplier delivering in as I want to return this ASAP to her for use.

I presume there are no further tests I can do on the processor?


P340 (£7.49):
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AMD-Athlon-II-P340-2-2GHz-Laptop-CPU-Processor-CPU17/202955907341?epid=1004730858&hash=item2f411d610d:g:GUYAAOSw9tteiJqo

P320 (£4.29):
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AMD-Athlon-II-P320-2-1-Ghz-AMP320SGR22GM-CPU-Processor-CPU18/202955922886?epid=1904926908&hash=item2f411d9dc6:g:rRQAAOSwUyZeiKMA

Thermal Pad 50mm x 50mm 5cm x 1mm (£1.92):
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HY100-50mm-x-50mm-5cm-x-1mm-THERMAL-TRANSFER-PAD-SELF-ADHESIVE-for-CPU-Heat-Sink/254210437810?hash=item3b301f72b2:g:e8oAAOSwPgxVLqpO

Thermal Paste (£1.99)

smuggler.ie

funkey_monkey wrote: »

Around £10. Is that the right price range?
I don't want to wait for a Chinese supplier delivering in as I want to return this ASAP to her for use.

I presume there are no further tests I can do on the processor?


P340 (£7.49):
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AMD-Athlon-II-P340-2-2GHz-Laptop-CPU-Processor-CPU17/202955907341?epid=1004730858&hash=item2f411d610d:g:GUYAAOSw9tteiJqo

P320 (£4.29):
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AMD-Athlon-II-P320-2-1-Ghz-AMP320SGR22GM-CPU-Processor-CPU18/202955922886?epid=1904926908&hash=item2f411d9dc6:g:rRQAAOSwUyZeiKMA

Thermal Pad 50mm x 50mm 5cm x 1mm (£1.92):
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HY100-50mm-x-50mm-5cm-x-1mm-THERMAL-TRANSFER-PAD-SELF-ADHESIVE-for-CPU-Heat-Sink/254210437810?hash=item3b301f72b2:g:e8oAAOSwPgxVLqpO

Thermal Paste (£1.99)

I mean, if ~10-15 fine, but not 50 - for that or about money you probably would be able to source similar working laptop.

funkey_monkey

smuggler.ie wrote: »

I mean, if ~10-15 fine, but not 50 - for that or about money you probably would be able to source similar working laptop.

Ordered the p340 and other bits. Is there anything I need to be aware of when replacing the cpu?

smuggler.ie

funkey_monkey wrote: »

Ordered the p340 and other bits. Is there anything I need to be aware of when replacing the cpu?

Not particularly, ground yourself to avoid ESD, inspect pins on arrival, careful not to bend pins, match the corner mark on CPU to the socket,. CPU just "fall" in, NO pressure/force, CPU retaining "screw" is just 90° turn, again no force(pay attention when removing)

Edit: 180° turn, refer to manual page 76

funkey_monkey

Flashing light now gone.
No screen. Connections have been put together correctly.

Fnck it anyway!

smuggler.ie

Does it come life, any LED's(power, num-lock/caps-lock, network), sound of HDD, anything?

try VGA monitor, toggle with Fn+?(F4, F5, F8) key

funkey_monkey

Power light and fan only.

No num lock. Caps lock permanently off now. Gonna open it up and double check the connections.

funkey_monkey

Back to where we started. I must not have connected something correctly.
So we now have WiFi light power light and flashing caps lock light. Same frequency as previously - single flash.

funkey_monkey

Is this the GPU? If so that would be an entire motherboard.
Might be better getting a new laptop at this rate.


https://www.cnet.com/forums/discussions/hp-dv7-will-not-boot-up-caps-lock-light-blinks-confused-571042/

funkey_monkey

Is there any way to check the graphics card?

smuggler.ie

funkey_monkey wrote: »

Is there any way to check the graphics card?

If you cant get VGA monitor to display, don't think so. However, GPU would/should have different blink sequence.
Was WiFi light on/red originally? Re-reading your posts - cant see you mentioned before...
Out of curiosity - remove battery and cord, press and hold power button for 10-20 sec. Plug cord only, power up

smuggler.ie

Not ruling out MoBo - fault on the socket could prevent CPU to be recognized and indicate so

funkey_monkey

I think WiFi was initially on orange as it is now.
I did try holding down power and removing ram.

funkey_monkey

Just double checked and graphics is 4 blinks.

Is it is the cpu socket I presume that is a new mobo?

smuggler.ie

funkey_monkey wrote: »

Just double checked and graphics is 4 blinks.

Is it is the cpu socket I presume that is a new mobo?

Sad to break it to you, but ... it might mean new laptop.
See, what you facing here, is second hand MoBo(same as CPU you got) where you only get sellers word it is actually "working", and if CPU you got was ~€10, MoBo could be more.
Your call...

funkey_monkey

It was a gamble for a tenner.
But yes, I'm fed up now playing with it now so new laptop for her.

funkey_monkey

Any recommendations for a replacement?
Want something with a SSD.

Was looking on ITZOO for a refurbished one and seen a couple of thinkpads.

smuggler.ie

Not a laptop person - using only as required by work.

Lenovo's pretty solid machines both X260 and P50 have upgrade possibilities, not that it would need for mass and emails...
Budget?

Check reviews, get other opinions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1d-v0vLLM7w
P50 is next level altogether if can allow yourself
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqtJxBJ8hK0

funkey_monkey

Can get a p50 for £375:

https://touch.boards.ie/thread/2058074240/1/#post113306869