Random blank screen (not OS related)

[RocketRobinHood]

I have a HP Pavillion desktop PC that locks up randomly and I need to determine the cause and find a fix. I have installed different OS on the machine (Windows 10, Windows 11, Ubuntu) and the problem remains.  Most of the time, the PC will boot up normally and then will randomly throw up a black screen. In rare occasions, the PC will boot up to a black screen. When this happens, the screen remains powered up and there is no cursor visible. The PC's fan is running and the keyboard lights are on. The only way to get back is a hard reboot (power down/up). Soft reboot (Ctrl-Alt-Del) does not work. This crash happens at any time with any OS. The PC is all original (16 Gb of RAM, 2Tb HD, etc...) and started having this problem about a year after I bought it (new).

I would really like to save this PC and make it reliable. If I can't fix this problem I will need to either replace the MB or simply recycle it. 

[Raj_05]

Hi @RocketRobinHood,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

It sounds frustrating to deal with those random black screens! Here are some steps to help troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issue.

• Check Hardware Connections: Ensure all internal components (RAM, GPU, and hard drive) are securely connected. If you're comfortable, reseat the RAM and any expansion cards.
• Overheating: Make sure the PC is not overheating. Check if the fans are running properly and clean out any dust from the case, especially around the CPU and GPU.
• Power Supply Issues: A failing power supply can cause random shutdowns and black screens. If you have a spare power supply, consider testing with that.
• Run Hardware Diagnostics: HP PCs often have built-in diagnostics. Restart the PC and press Esc repeatedly to access the Startup Menu, then select F2 for diagnostics. Run a comprehensive hardware test to check for any failing components.
• Check Event Viewer: If you can boot up the PC after a black screen, check the Windows Event Viewer for any critical errors or warnings around the time of the black screens. Look specifically under Windows Logs > System.
• BIOS/UEFI Settings: Update your BIOS to the latest version from the HP support website. Sometimes, hardware compatibility issues can cause these symptoms.
• Check for Faulty RAM: Use tools like MemTest86 to check for faulty RAM. If you have multiple RAM sticks, try running the system with one stick at a time.
• Graphics Card: If your PC has a dedicated graphics card, try reseating it or testing with integrated graphics if available. This can help determine if the issue is related to the GPU.
• Operating System Conflicts: Since the issue occurs across different operating systems, it's less likely to be OS-specific. However, ensure that all drivers are up to date, particularly for graphics and chipsets.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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Alden4

HP Support