DV4 boot issue/saving my data

[melynn44]

Alright, sorry this is going to be so long.

It all started over the weekend. I noticed my AC Adapter making raspy noises. Then, all of the sudden, the computer shut off. With the adapter plugged into the computer, the indicator light was not on. I took the adapter out, and turned the computer on, and it was able to run on only battery. At that point, I plugged the AC adapter back into the notebook, and the computer, without any warning shut off. I repeated this process several times.

I spoke to HP support via chat. This is definitely where I messed up, as I should have used what charge I had left to back up to our external hard drive. However, I figured I would need to be on the actual laptop to speak to support, so I used the remaining 30-40 minutes talking to support until the battery died completely. I got on our desktop, and spoke to someone else. They assessed that I had a faulty AC adapter, and sent me a new one.

I received the adapter yesterday and plugged it in. The indicator light turned on; this was a good sign. I turned on my computer, and it booted to Windows for about 90 seconds. Then, it shut off. I turned on the power button, and it would keep turning itself on and off. It would turn on for about 2-3 seconds, then shut off, then on again for a couple of seconds, then off. The furthest it ever got was the HP screen. I tried to let the battery charge, then take the adapter off and try to turn it on with only battery, and the computer will not turn on at all. Also, with the AC adapter in only and battery out, it will not turn on at all.

I spoke to a couple of HP support reps, that walked me through various steps. We did a hard reset, and when the computer came on, there was an error message (601) about the battery capacity being low, and battery may need to be replaced. I asked them if I just needed a new battery. They said no; that it sounded like a power issue, and that they would issue a service order.

At this point, it is imperitive I save my data from the hard drive; but I don't know how without the computer turning on. I explained this to both HP reps, and there was not much they could do for me. They basically said that there is no guarantee that they won't reformat my hard drive, even IF it is completely unrelated. A couple of years ago, I had a different computer that had an issue with the lcd screen, and when the computer was returned to me, all my info was gone. So, that is where my concern stems from. I asked if I could remove the hard drive, and send it in, then replace it when it is sent back to me, and they said no. My computer is under warranty for reference.

Now, this morning the ac adapter indicator light is on sometimes, and off sometimes. When it is on, the light above the lightning bolt is on as well.

I bought the computer at Best Buy, so I don't know whether to contact Geek Squad and see if there is anything they can do. If anyone has any experience with this or any suggestions, I would really appreciate it.

[ArunG]

Hi Melynn,

 i just have one question.

Have you tried to turn ON the unit only with AC Power?

If not try that and if the unit works fine then it is an issue with the battery.

Retaining the HDD, Yes it is possible if you have a Business notebook.

However, am not sure if you can remove the HDD for a consumer notebook.

Am Sure that HP will format the HDD and reload the factory installed OS.

If you are really concerned about the DATA i would suggest you to get in touch with Geeks(if you are not conmfortable to back up the data)

[melynn44]

---

ArunG wrote:

Hi Melynn,

 i just have one question.

Have you tried to turn ON the unit only with AC Power?

If not try that and if the unit works fine then it is an issue with the battery.

Retaining the HDD, Yes it is possible if you have a Business notebook.

However, am not sure if you can remove the HDD for a consumer notebook.

Am Sure that HP will format the HDD and reload the factory installed OS.

If you are really concerned about the DATA i would suggest you to get in touch with Geeks(if you are not conmfortable to back up the data)

---

Yes, I have tried with only AC power, and no dice there.

I would be perfectly comfortable to back up the data, if I could turn the computer on. If there is a way to do it without needing the computer on, I would LOVE to know.

[ArunG]

If you are comfortable in removing the HDD, You can remove it and use a external HDD case and connect it on another computer to back up the info

[melynn44]

Got an update to the issue, sort of.

Due to the battery capacity error, I ordered a battery on my own dime, just in case. I am hoping this will be reimbursed to me, as I am under warranty. It came half charged, but had enough charge on it that I was able to get MOST of my data saved onto an external hard drive. But, in any case, the battery DID work inside the computer.

Once the battery ran out, I plugged in the AC Adapter to charge the battery. The indicator light was on, so it appeared as if the battery was being charged. After about 2 hours of charging, I attempted to turn the computer on (with the adapter in). Once again, the computer shut off immediately. When this happens, the indicator light goes off. The indicator light goes on and off intermittently. When I tried to run it on battery only, again, it did not turn on, so either the battery is not being charged or there is some sort of disconnect between the adapter and the battery. I dunno.

I may try a hard reset, but at this point, looks like I will be sending it into HP. I may put a note on it asking them to not reformat the hard drive if at all possible. Even though I have mostly everything important backed up, there are still things that I was not able to save onto the external hard drive (search history, some bookmarks, etc etc) If there IS an issue with the HD specifically, I understand if they have to wipe it. But, if it is a completely seperate issue, I hope they will honor my request.