No POST after shutdown or loss of power but boots fine after restart

[SaskGirl]

I made the mistake of using the HP assistant and allowing it to do a BIOS update Oct 2023. I don't normally use this but I was having issues with my display driver as AMD had just moved the driver to legacy and I had been hoping that running the assistant and allowing it to make the recommended updates that it would resolve that issue as I had tried all updates and troubleshooting with no success.   The assistant suggested and proceeded to do a bios update but it failed partway through and the system hung. I left it running during the hang for probably 24 hours and when there was no change, I powered down and attempted a restart. The system was stuck with no POST and it took a very obscure post from a community member that suggested using an additional jumper/clear/bios different from the usual process (an additional jumper/clear combination was added) and finally was able to restore the original way back version of bios from usb and able to boot - this whole troubleshooting and research took many tries and nearly a month. Updated bios (not using the assistant thank you very much).  And finally had a working PC again. It was a long and arduous journey - I am a former PC tech, nearly 30 years experience and would be considered a very techie power user and I have never in all my years had an issue that took this long and difficulty to diagnose and repair. [Content Removed] I'd never used it before and will make sure not to again. 

Now my current issue is that after this very above regular procedure to get my bios back and PC working again, if I restart from Windows (11 and I have a custom mod version installed but this has nothing to do with this issue so disregard just adding for info) there is no problem the system restarts and boots into Windows and performs as expected. But if I shutdown or the system loses power there is no post just  a black screen. The usual remove battery hold power, etc procedure does not help and the system has to be left powered off for a considerable amount of time, at first a day or two but now increasing amounts of time, this past i actually left it on finally and it took 2 or 3 weeks of me checking when I finally found that it was booted into Windows and waiting for me to login.  

As stated, was able to get around the issue orignally with a sort of short day or two wait but this past time, when I accidently clicked on shudown instead of restart it was a very lengthy time before finally getting it to boot. 

I have read one other user having this nearly identical problem (but without the orignal assistant bios update cause) but the post was I believe 2021 and no updates or other suggestions that I have found anywhere. I should also add that I did replace the CMOS battery at the time of the big fix/bios restore procedure as that one was although not dead somewhat weak. It didn't seem to help the issue at that time so it wasn't faulty but just weak but have a new one in just in case. Although it has been a year since this orinally started so I should and will check that in the future but not atm as the pc is finally running after a month of being down so I do not want to shut down to do this currently.

As I said my knowledge and experience is over 30 years and my process of elimination was lengthy, so please don't reply with the usual beginning procedures to start fixing, those have ben exhausted and eliminated. Thanks to any and all who can provide a solid fix based on their having and resolving this same issue. Cheers

[Raj2111]

Hi @SaskGirl 

Welcome to the HP support community. It sounds like you've been through quite an ordeal with your HP Pavilion 590-p0039, and I can definitely understand your frustration given your technical background. You've already done a lot of troubleshooting, so I’ll avoid suggesting basic steps that you've already ruled out. Based on the detailed explanation of the issue, here are some more advanced potential causes and solutions to consider:

1. BIOS Power-On Behavior / Configuration Issue

Things to check:

• Power Management Settings: Enter BIOS setup (press F10 during boot). Check for settings related to Power On, Wake on LAN, or AC Power Recovery. Some systems have an option that can force a power state that doesn’t properly allow the system to POST.
• Fast Boot: Disable the "Fast Boot" setting if enabled, as it can sometimes cause issues with proper initialization of hardware after a cold boot.
• ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface): Make sure ACPI settings are configured properly. This controls how the system interacts with power states, and misconfiguration could explain issues with waking from shutdown.
• Secure Boot: Verify whether Secure Boot is enabled and if disabling it changes the behavior. Sometimes, Secure Boot can cause issues with certain hardware configurations after BIOS updates.

2. Incorrect or Incomplete BIOS Update

Steps to consider:

• Reflash BIOS: Even though you’ve restored the original BIOS version, it could be worth downloading the latest compatible version from HP’s website and reflashing the BIOS again. Make sure you download the correct version for your system model.
• BIOS Reset: Try clearing all settings in BIOS by performing a "Reset to Defaults" option in the BIOS setup, ensuring no lingering configurations are affecting power behavior.

3. Hardware Component Power Issues

Things to try:

• Memory / RAM: Faulty or improperly seated RAM can cause intermittent boot problems. Even though the system works after a few days, it could still be struggling to initialize the RAM properly on a cold boot. Try reseating the RAM or swapping it with known working sticks.
• PSU (Power Supply Unit): Ensure the power supply is providing consistent and adequate power. Some power supplies, especially older ones or ones under load, can fail to provide sufficient power during initial boot, especially if the system has been powered down for a while.
• Motherboard Power Circuits: If there is an issue with the motherboard's power management circuitry, such as a faulty VRM (Voltage Regulator Module), it can prevent the system from properly powering up after shutdown. This is harder to diagnose, but symptoms like these can often be linked to this kind of fault.

4. Advanced Firmware Recovery / Reset

Things to try:

• Perform a Deep Firmware Reset: This could involve more advanced methods like clearing the CMOS battery for an extended period (24-48 hours) and disconnecting all external devices. After that, perform a full hard reset by pressing the power button for 30 seconds while the system is unplugged.
• Flash Firmware to Recovery Mode: Some systems allow you to flash directly into recovery mode using a bootable USB. This can help if the BIOS update process corrupted any part of the firmware. Search for a procedure specific to your laptop model on HP's website.

5. Corruption in Windows Boot or Drivers

Things to consider:

• Clean Boot: Boot into Safe Mode or perform a clean boot to check if any startup programs or drivers are interfering with the power state.
• Driver Conflict: Since you mentioned the issue started after an AMD driver update, consider rolling back the display driver or trying a different driver version to see if the issue persists.

6. Check for Faulty or Loose Internal Connections

• Internal Power Connections: Ensure that all cables inside the case (including the power cables from the PSU to the motherboard and any other components) are firmly seated and not damaged.
• Loose or Corroded Pins: Ensure that no internal connectors (like SATA power, data cables, etc.) are loose or corroded, as that can cause intermittent hardware initialization failures.

7. System Logs and Advanced Diagnostics

Since you've already done extensive troubleshooting, try accessing system logs from within Windows once it boots up. Check for any events in the Event Viewer related to hardware failures or errors occurring during boot (especially under System logs). This could give you clues about the root cause of the issue.

I hope this helps! Keep me posted.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.
 

-Regards
Raj-HP Support

[Raj2111]

Hi @SaskGirl 

Welcome to the HP support community. 

I hope this helps! Keep me posted.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.
 

-Regards
Raj-HP Support

[SaskGirl]

Hi  Raj2111. Thank you for your reply. It was nicely organized and thorough, very appreciated. I will answer in order of your reply. It will take me some time to get through your suggestions but I can eliminate a couple that are not relavent.

1. I will try to get into the BIOS and check the settings. Unfortunately up until now because of the very long time period before the system will reboot (3+ weeks this past time) I was reluctant to even try to do a restart this time but once I get an OS on my other system so I have a backup I will try that first. 

2. The incorrect/partial BIOS update/flash was my initial problem that had started this situation. I actually did the advanced firmware recovery to finally get a factory roll back verion of BIOS back on (your number 4 suggestion). Although there may still need some BIOS updates, POST is my issue which is before the BIOS even tries to load. I will try this suggestion though but a bit farther down my options as I'm hesitant to try any firmware updates, getting this one on was a very long time to recover from the failed update.

3. I had reseated the memory more than once and did a detailed magnified visual inspection of the board and all components.  I wasn't able to test the output voltage of the PSU as of yet but it is something that I had considered to be a possibility still, good suggestion.

4. See number 2

5. Not in anyway a Windows system files or drivers issue as my issue is definately with the POST long before that.

6. See 3 but I will check further to be sure.

7. Again, this is a POST issue, Windows logs will not be of help.

Thank you for your reply. With this being such a long process of troubleshooting and fixes I still had a few things to check and eliminate and your suggestions have reminded me of them as I had forgotten to go back to them . It will take me a bit to go through the ones I can without shutting down as once I do I may not be able to restart for a lengthy time.

Are you aware of any software or way that I can get into the BIOS settings through windows? I'm not familiar with any but a very long time ago I seem to recall some advanced mainboards coming with software that faciliated that. 

Thank you again for your time and attention to this matter. 
Cheers

[A_Gayathri]

Hi @SaskGirl ,

Thank you for your response,

Is there anything else that I can help you with today?

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Take care and have a great day ahead!

Alden4

HP Support