HP Pavillion Elite m9060n desktop boots with Blank screen [ Edited ]

[PaulHoffrichter]

1. Product Name and Number - HP Pavillion Elite m9060n

 2. Operating System installed (if applicable)  - Windows Vista 32-bit

 3. Error message (if any) - Screen is blank on reboot

 4. Any changes made to your system before the issue occurred

Going through the many security patch cycles of a fresh install (with multiple reboots).

Out of curiosity, looked at the first option in bios setup. But could not escape as with other setup otions. May have been related to something like boot partition - not sure - six months ago. We should have turned off PC; but instead picked first of three choices (unintellible long character strings).

After one reboot, front panel lights and keyboard light are on, but monitor remains blank. No beep. Using DVI cable with monitor set for Digital Input. I can turn off PC by holding power button down for 6 seconds.

Tried a keyboard CMOS reset, but not sure I did it correctly - not sure what BIOS version I have.
    http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=bph04760&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&product=1815825#N274

I remove power plugs and let it settle for a month; but got same result when power up.

Maybe a hard reset of various components would work - if so, how?

I removed power plugs and let it settle for a month; but got same result when power up.

Thanks much,

Paul

[Big_Dave]

Hi Paul,

See if you can get into safe mode.  Try this article.  The last known good configuration might be a place to start. If that doesn't work then try just plain safe mode.

[PaulHoffrichter]

Hi,
I was unable to get into Safe mode or into BIOS setup. Screen never shows any display. (I made sure that the F-Lock key was toggled - that is the KB light that I said was displayed.)
Thanks,
Paul

[Big_Dave]

Hi Paul,

Did you follow all of the suggestions in the above referenced document?

[PaulHoffrichter]

Hi,

In your referenced article to get into Safe mode, I repeatedly hit F8.

In the article that I referenced, I had done at the time of the Windows Security patch upgrade, Steps 1,2,3.

I tried to do Step 4 'Reset and update the BIOS", by hitting F10, but not sure how to know if successful. Is there a way to reset the BIOS by working on the MOBO directly rather than using the KB?

For Step 5, I did not see any loose internal components. Step 6 says "This step will not work if you cannot view the first startup screens" - and I do not see the initial startup screens (e.g., manufacturer or bios display, followed by device information, followed by Windows startup). Step 7 requires hitting F10 - also no luck.

I did not do Step 8 "Replace the video card or have the hardware serviced". Hoping I might be able to avoid this step since I have read that this blank screen problem after a Windows Security update is not unheard of.

Thanks,

Paul

[Big_Dave]

Hi,

If you can't get video to the screen then you may have a different problem.

Use Ubuntu as an emergency boot CD.  Burn it to CD using Imgburn.  See if you can get Ubuntu to boot up.

If Ubuntu boots up normally, then backup your data to external media. Now use the HP Recovery Disks to bring your PC back to a factory fresh state.

[PaulHoffrichter]

Hi,

Looks ilke I can get Roxio Creator Business directly from HP. (Or, I can use Imgburn as you suggest.)

Luckily, there is no need to recover data since all we were doing was a Windows Vista install from the pre-installed image partition, and getting security updates - never had a problem before.

Even though I don't need to recover data, it would be useful to see if i can get anything to appear on the screen using a Ubuntu CD. For that goal, would it be the same if I used an XP Reinstallation CD?

I haven't found the Vista CD - either misplaced or not sure if my son even got them from the retail store - he doesn't remember - many years ago. Odd, I looked on the tower - I don't even see the Microsoft Vista Authenticity sticker. I'll go back to the retail store with the receipt, and see if they'll help me on that part (or maybe HP site can assist if I give serial number).

Or, if I can get XP Pro to install, I wonder if I can then see the Vista pre-image partition and start over again (another 24 hours of security updates, of course).

Well, thanks again.

Regards,

Paul

[lasvegaswireman]

Paul,

Here are the specs for your HP m9060n Desktop Computer. Based on the specs, your system has a discrete PCI Express x16 video card. If correct, please remove the card and connect a VGA monitor to the VGA port on the back I/O plate (you may have to remove a cap from the port before using it). Now boot the computer and see if you get video on the monitor. If you do, your video card may have gone out or a BIOS setting may have been changed. Post back with any updates.

Pual wrote... I haven't found the Vista CD - either misplaced or not sure if my son even got them from the retail store - he doesn't remember - many years ago. Odd, I looked on the tower - I don't even see the Microsoft Vista Authenticity sticker.

Most modern computers don't come from the factory with Recovery discs or OS discs. The industry norm is to have the end user/purchaser create their own recovery discs. HP makes these discs avalable for fee for a limited duration. These discs are no longer available for your system and can be sourced from a third party. The Windows COA and product key sticker should be on the non-removable side panel.

Frank

[Big_Dave]

Hi,

XP Pro is not going to install unless you set the SATA controller mode to IDE.  Most if not all XP installation disks do not contain SATA drivers. It is possible to build a XP installation disk with SATA drivers but that is another subject.

[CherylG]

Have you tried clearing the BIOS settings using the jumper pins on your motherboard? This page shows your board and how to clear (bottom of page):

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01077641&tmp_task=prodinfoCategory&cc=us&dlc=en...