No keyboard on power up. Can't enter Bios (F10)

[meinmontco]

Here's my scenario:

The pc was working fine using a single 4GB ddr3.  I then simply added another 4GB ddr3.

When powering up, it displays the new memory configuration correctly as slightly over 8GB, with a highlighted blue "Press F1 to save changes".  F1 does nothing.  It displays the keys for boot menu and setup and network but those keys, in particiular, F10 do nothing.  So then I removed the new 4GB.  It powered on normally BUT still can't get F10 to enter setup.  The new and old DDR3's work fine if used by themself.

I then cleared the CMOS.  Big problem now.

On power up, it tells me that default Cmos values have been applied, "Press F1 to save".  And of course, now I've got a dead computer, stuck on that screen.

I'm using a USB keyboard.  I tried a wireless keyboard and receiver but had same result.  I've tried holding Esc during boot.  No cigar.  I've tried tapping F10.  Nothing..  Tried pulling all ram.  No good, just beeps.  Pulled the battery 2X and toggled the switch labeled CMOS block.  No change.

Oh and one other thing..  My blood pressure has risen 30 points since this occurred.  Any ideas?

[TheOldMan · Accepted solution]

Here is a manual for the model.

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c01870938

It indicates that there are PS/2 inputs for the mouse and keyboard.

By clearing the CMOS, the previous BIOS settings have been disrupted.  If it no longer will accept the keyboard commands, it is because the USB keyboard is not recognized any longer.  Try using a PS/2 keyboard - the one that came with the PC, if possible, but most any should help solve this.  Then set the BIOS to defaults using the PS/2 keyboard.  Also, remove the extra RAM.  If this gets good results, then if everything is working again, try the USB keyboard.

I would suspect the new RAM to be cause some disruptions.

Page 15 of that same manual shows the memory types and particulars.  I suspect whatever memory module/s that were added do no conform to at least one of the specs.  BTW: adding memory - the new modules need to match the existing one/s.

  IE: CAS latency and timing - CAS latency 8 DDR3 1066 MHz (8-8-8 timing) and CAS latency 9 DDR3 1333 MHz (9-9-9timing) all modules need to match.

DIMMs constructed with x8 and x16 DDR devices; DIMMs constructed with x4 SDRAM are not supported

[meinmontco]

Wow, great minds think alike.  Previous to reading your suggestion, I thought of the same idea.  I just happen to have access to a PS-2 Keyboard.

Worked like a champ.  Upgrade complete.  Thanks for the reply!  You score 1000 points!

[TheOldMan]

You are welcome.