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i reapplied the thermal paste on my hp laptop model 15-dy2044nr, and when starting it back up it wont display, its on though, fan is clean and light indicates it's on, what should i do?

 

steps done so far:

-indicator light is on, fan is on

-i checked for thermal paste residue on motherboard

-yes i triple checked the display connection

-screen flickers a dark blue when turn on then turns back black

-ive tested both RAMs

-hooked to display only to confirm device was on

2 REPLIES 2
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Hi @DinahH1,

 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

 

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding your laptop not booting up!  

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

 

It sounds like your HP 15-dy2044nr is turning on but not displaying anything. Since this happened after you reapplied thermal paste, it's likely related to the reassembly process. Here are some steps to troubleshoot:

 

1. Perform a Hard Reset

  1. Turn off the laptop completely (hold the power button for 10-15 seconds if necessary).
  2. Disconnect the power adapter and remove the battery (if it's removable).
  3. Hold down the power button for 30 seconds to drain any residual charge.
  4. Reconnect power and turn it on without the battery (if removable).

If this works, your issue may have been a power-related reset problem.

 

2. Check Display Output Again

Since you tried an external monitor, make sure to press Fn + F4 (or Windows + P) to switch display modes. If nothing appears:

  • Try a different HDMI/VGA cable and monitor.
  • Shine a flashlight at an angle on the laptop screen—if you see a faint image, the backlight or display cable may be disconnected.

 

3. Reseat the RAM Again

Even though you've tested both RAM sticks:

  1. Remove both RAM sticks and try booting with just one at a time.
  2. If that fails, swap the sticks and try again.
  3. If possible, test with a different RAM module.

 

4. Check CPU & Heatsink Installation

Since you removed the heatsink:

  • Make sure the CPU is properly seated (if it’s an upgradeable model).
  • Ensure the heatsink screws are tightened evenly and not overly tightened, which could cause uneven contact with the CPU.
  • Did any thermal paste spill onto other components? Even small amounts can cause a short circuit.

 

 

Kuroi_Kenshi
I am an HP Employee

HP Recommended

5. Disconnect Non-Essential Components

Try booting with only essential parts connected:

  • Remove the SSD/HDD and see if it displays a “No Bootable Device” error.
  • Disconnect any peripherals (USB drives, SD cards, external devices).
  • Remove the WiFi card (some laptops won’t boot if a faulty one is installed).

 

6. Reset BIOS / CMOS

If the issue persists, reset the BIOS:

  1. Unplug the battery and power adapter.
  2. Locate the CMOS battery (small coin cell battery) and remove it for 5-10 minutes.
  3. Reinstall the CMOS battery and try booting again.

This resets any corrupted BIOS settings that may be causing the no-display issue.

 

7. Last Resort: Check for Short Circuits

  • Inspect the motherboard for burn marks, bent pins, or damaged components.
  • If any screws fell onto the motherboard during reassembly, remove them.
  • If thermal paste got on the CPU socket or nearby capacitors, clean it with 99% isopropyl alcohol and a microfiber cloth.

 

Final Steps

  • If you see power lights but no display, the BIOS could be corrupted. Some HP laptops have automatic BIOS recovery (press Windows + B while turning it on).
  • If nothing works, you might need professional repair or a motherboard replacement (if static discharge, excess pressure, or a short circuit occurred).

Let me know what happens after these steps! 😊

 

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?"—your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍

 

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

 

Best regards

Kuroi_Kenshi
I am an HP Employee

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