Occasional BIOS LED Code 2

[Corner_G]

Occasionally, (about once every two weeks) when I turn on my computer, there is no BIOS startup and I get a pattern of blinks from my num lock and caps lock LEDs.(ON-off-ON-long off, repeat)

I have looked up the LED code, and it indicates I have a BIOS Corruption Failure Error. (My laptop does not restart during this error code)

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From Blank Screen LED Error Codes:

If a BIOS corruption error occurs (Blink code 2), you may not even notice the blink codes, because as soon as the computer recognizes the error, it restarts, attempts to recover the BIOS, and then restarts again. You may notice an extra-long startup process as a result, and a message indicating that the BIOS has been recovered may display on startup. If this occurs, update the BIOS on the computer. For more information, refer to the HP Notebook PCs - Updating the BIOS or ROM for Notebooks with Windows Vista support document.

However, if I simply hold the power switch for 10 seconds to force power off and turn it back on, it starts perfectly.

I have also been having an issue with my computer freezing (Requires power switch to be held for 10 seconds) which is almost always followed by the led code when I try to restart. Based on this information, it seems more like LED code 3, Memory Error Not Functional

If you experience a memory failure (Blink code 3), follow the guide in the table below.

If you are using:

Original Memory: Reseat the memory. If reseating the memory does not resolve the problem, try replacing the memory with new memory.

New Memory: Reseat the memory. If you continue to experience this error code after reseating the memory, the problem may be with the memory itself. Take the new memory out of the computer, put the original memory back into the computer, and then retest it.

If you do not feel comfortable reseating the memory yourself, take the computer to a computer retailer and ask them to reseat it for you.

NOTE:

Some memory module errors allow you to start up the computer and the operating system before restarting and displaying the blink code.

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This is not a major issue, as it only adds another 20 or so seconds to my boot time, but I just want to be sure it is not too serious.

Thanks for the help!

[Bookworm]

I recommend two things
1. Check your BIOS version, you can see it in Windows if you hold down the “fn” key and press the “esc key; or if that does not work from a shutdown state boot up and tap f10 to get into the BIOS.
Then check on line at HP.com to see if there is a newer BIOS version to download

2. Boot into the BIOS. Go to the Diagnostic tab and run the memory diagnostic to check your memory. 

Good luck.

[Corner_G]

I have the most recent BIOS (f.14) and my memory passed the diagnostics test. I have noticed, however, that this only occurs when inserting a USB device. Not every time, I would say about one out of every 10 times I insert a USB device.

[Bookworm]

So is it always the same USB device, or can it be any USB device?

What devices are you using?

What is the Product number (PN) from the service tag on the bottom of your notebook?

Thanks

[Corner_G · Accepted solution]

I have noticed that the problem only occurs with one USB port, with any device. It is the lower USB port in the rear of the laptop. I have encountered the problem with a memorex rotodrive and a JVC Everio camcorder.

My P/N is NB224UA

Edit: I have solved the problem. I uninstalled all USB hubs in device manager and restarted. After Windows reinstalled the hubs, the problem no longer occurs.

Message Edited by Corner_G on 06-23-2009 03:59 PM

[aniketbhardwaj]

I guess my case is then entirely different.

my caps lock/num lock light turns off-on-off-on..... and it goes on like this. I have tried hard resetting it (as mentioned above and also on HP website) but after trying that my laptop still doesn't start up. So i re-phrase it again, the light on caps lock and num lock lights, turn on and off continuously.

Can anyone please tell me what to do other than hard reset.

Waiting for the response and thanks in advance.

regards,

Aniket

[John_n-2-it]

Bios Corruption error?  Sometimes the lights flash 2 times then pause then 2 times and pause again etc.  Tried to replace the cmos battery and resetting by holding the power button, holding keys like FN and ESC and F10 pressing but no help.  The lights come on but no disk activity.  Pressing the caps lock key changes nothing.  This sounds like the same problem but I never see a solution.  How do you reset the bios to some default working?  Now the lights don't blink they remain lighted and nothing happens when keys are pressed.

[speedyw]

hey John,

I have the exact same issue (bios corruption error). Led's blink twice, and nothing seems to resolve it (e.g. hard reset, taking out the cmos battery, or even booting with windows key + B).

Did you ever find some solution on this? (it does not seem to be a CPU/GPU issue like you read in many other forums). If I can't resolve it I will make a backup of my HD and then ask HP to resolve it (but who knows how long that will take.. :/ )

BR, Wilko

[pepomjp1]

how can I hard reset my dv4-2045dx? thanks