Laptop won’t boot up (occasionally flashes)

[Largeman56]

When trying to turn my laptop on the screen doesn’t change but will occasionally flash white then back to black, sometimes the caps lock flashes 3 slow 2 fast. I’ve changed the RAM to another that was definitely working and still no difference.

The power light stays on whole time. 

[Jerry_57]

Hi @Largeman56,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

When encountering an issue where your laptop won't boot up and shows symptoms like an occasionally flashing screen or blinking caps lock light, there are some diagnostic steps you can follow to identify and potentially resolve the issue:

 

Check Caps Lock and Power Table Codes:
 

• 3.2 Pre-video Memory Error: The pattern of the caps lock, indicating 3 slow blinks and 2 fast ones, can correspond to a pre-video memory error. This suggests that there might be an issue with the memory modules (RAM) or how they are seated on the system board.
   
• Recommended Actions:
  • Reseat the memory modules to ensure they are correctly fitted onto the motherboard.
  • Test one memory module at a time if multiple RAM sticks are being used to isolate the faulty one.
  • Try using HP memory if third-party RAM modules were installed.

Power Light Indicators:
 

• If the power light stays on, it generally indicates that the laptop receives power and the motherboard might be functional to some extent.

Perform a Hard Reset:
 

• Disconnect any external devices and remove the battery if it's removable.
• Unplug the charger and press and hold the power button for about 15 seconds to drain residual electricity from capacitors.
• Reconnect the battery and power supply and attempt to boot the laptop again.

Check for Overheating:
 

• Ensure that the air vents are not blocked, as an overheated processor can prevent your laptop from booting or cause it to shut down unexpectedly.

Additional Component Checks:
 

• Verify whether the laptop's internal components, such as the processor heat sink or the graphics card, are seated correctly and functioning.
• Consider accessing the BIOS/UEFI firmware settings, as sometimes resetting settings to default can help resolve initialisation issues.
  
  
  
  I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

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Jerry_57

HP Support

[Largeman56]

Hello, since you’ve replied I have tried some of the solutions you’ve offered but I’ve had no luck, my laptop has the same issues without the caps lock flashing anymore.

Some additional details are that the Laptop does start heating up when the power button is turned on but the laptop itself doesn’t start at all so I can’t access the BIOS settings. 

[Jerry_57]

Hi @Largeman56 

Thank you for your response.

May I know if you have updated the BIOS driver and checked?

Kindly click on the link below:

Official HP® Support


Regards
Jerry_57
HP Support

[Largeman56]

I’m not sure how, since as I mentioned before the Laptop doesn’t turn on at all it seems. Only indication that it’s on is the Power light and charger light since they both work fine. But the laptop doesn’t turn on but flashes occasionally instead. 

[Jerry_57]

Hi @Largeman56,

Thank you for your response.

We request you perform the steps below and check:

1. Perform Power drain:

1) Shut down the computer.  

2) Unplug all the Adapters and peripherals connected.  

3) Press and hold down the power button for 15 to 20 seconds.  

4) Plug in the Adapter.  

5) Try to turn on the computer.  

 

2. Reset the CMOS
Turn off the computer.
Press and hold the Windows + V keys, and then simultaneously press and hold the power button.
When the CMOS Reset screen displays or you hear beeping sounds, release the Windows + V keys.
Press enter to restart the computer.

 

3. Reset the BIOS Reset
Turn off the computer.
Press and hold the Windows + B keys, and then simultaneously press and hold the power button.
When the Bios Reset screen displays or you hear beeping sounds, release the Windows + B keys.
Press enter to restart the computer.
 

4. Please check any LED on the laptop.

5. Any physical damage to the laptop?

6. Please test the external monitor, if available, and inform us about the functionality of the display.

Regards
Jerry_57