Computer turning on and off repeatedly.

[YahyaK]

Hi there, my mom's computer has recently stopped working. The computer turns on for a second and then turns off and repeats this process until you turn it off. The computer never boots though. Each time this happens, you can hear the fan turn on and off

[Alden4]

Hi @YahyaK,

Welcome to HP Support Community.  

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

The issue you're describing could be caused by several factors, and troubleshooting hardware problems can involve multiple steps. Here are some general steps you can take to identify and potentially resolve the issue.

Check Power Supply:

• Ensure that the power cable is securely connected to both the computer and the power outlet.
• Try using a different power outlet to rule out issues with the outlet.
• If possible, use a different power cable to rule out a faulty cable.

Inspect for Physical Damage:

• Check for any visible signs of physical damage, such as bent pins, loose connections, or burnt components on the motherboard.

Reseat RAM and Expansion Cards:

• Power off the computer and unplug it.
• Open the case and reseat the RAM modules and any expansion cards (graphics card, etc.).
• Make sure they are properly and securely seated in their slots.

Check for Overheating:

• Overheating can cause a computer to shut down. Ensure that the cooling system (fans, heat sinks) is working properly.
• Clean out any dust from the vents and fans.
• Monitor the temperature in the BIOS/UEFI settings if possible.

Test with Minimal Hardware:

• Disconnect all unnecessary peripherals (keyboard, mouse, printer, etc.).
• If you have multiple RAM modules, try booting with just one at a time.
• Disconnect the hard drive and optical drive temporarily to see if the issue persists.

Check for BIOS/UEFI Updates:

• Visit the HP support website for your specific model and check if there are any BIOS/UEFI updates available. If so, follow the instructions to update the firmware.

Perform a Power Reset:

• Power off the computer and disconnect it from the power source.
• Hold down the power button for about 15-20 seconds to discharge any remaining power.
• Reconnect the power and try turning it on again.

Check for Beep Codes or Diagnostic LEDs:

• Some computers provide beep codes or diagnostic LEDs to indicate hardware issues. Refer to your computer's manual or support documentation to interpret any error codes.

Test with a Bootable USB:

• Create a bootable USB drive with a lightweight operating system or diagnostic tools.
• Boot the computer from the USB drive to see if it can run without issues. This can help determine if the problem is related to the installed operating system or hard drive.

I hope this helps. 
 

Take care and have a good day.

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Alden4
HP Support