HP 24-K0024 All-In-One won't launch

[Scribeman01]

About a month ago, HP HP 24-K0024 All-In-One experienced a power surge and the computer deteriorated to only powering on and the "PLUS" icon would only appear for where you can tweak "Color," "Power," "Management," "Information," or "Exit". Among the options was to do a "original manufacturers reset." I replaced the motherboard with a brand new one and still have the same issues. I replaced the CMOS battery, tested with another compatible power supply, lubricated/rotated the RAM (PC4-2666V," installed a replacement Western Digital 1TB SSD drive (to reprogram), cleared CMOS (by removing battery and unplugging to drain the power 30 seconds). When I removed the battery and drained the power, I would occasionally get a checksum error and something about the computer resetting (could not act fast enough for the options and then we'd be back to square one. When I got the checksum pop-ups, the keyboard would have a flashing light but I could not control. As I keep trying the CMOS resets, I am causing more wear & tear on my ribbons & connections and the wide monitor ribbon cable connection is starting to crumble on the left side although the ribbon contacts are still good (already replaced that previously). There was a previous inquiry from someone else about 2 years ago but no answers. I am really hoping to restore this computer but getting discouraged. Any help would be most appreciated! Thank you!

[Sneha_01]

Hi @Scribeman01,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

It sounds like you've gone through a comprehensive troubleshooting process. Given all that you've tried, here are some additional steps and considerations that might help you get to the bottom of the issue:

1. Check BIOS/UEFI Settings

• Access BIOS/UEFI: Since you’re getting the “PLUS” icon, try accessing the BIOS/UEFI settings directly if possible. This might give you more information about the current state of your system and allow you to adjust settings related to boot and hardware.
• Reset to Defaults: If you can access BIOS/UEFI, try resetting it to default settings to rule out any configuration issues.

2. Inspect Physical Connections

• Check Cables and Connectors: Inspect all internal cables and connectors carefully, especially those related to the monitor and motherboard. Since you mentioned wear and tear on the ribbon cables, ensure all connections are secure and undamaged.
• Replace Damaged Components: If the ribbon cable is damaged, it might need replacing to ensure stable connectivity.

3. Examine the New Motherboard

• Ensure Compatibility: Double-check that the new motherboard is fully compatible with the rest of your components, including RAM and SSD.
• Verify Installation: Ensure that the motherboard is properly installed and that all screws and mounts are secure. An improperly seated motherboard can cause various issues.

4. Check for Short Circuits

• Inspect for Shorts: Look for any signs of short circuits or damage on the motherboard and other internal components. Power surges can sometimes cause damage that isn’t immediately visible.

5. Test With Minimal Hardware

• Minimal Boot Configuration: Try booting the system with minimal hardware connected. Disconnect all peripherals and remove any extra RAM sticks. Use only the essential components (motherboard, CPU, one stick of RAM, and the SSD).
• Swap Components: If you have spare components (e.g., RAM, CPU), try swapping them in to see if the issue persists.

6. Software and Firmware Issues

• Boot from External Media: Attempt to boot the system from a USB drive with a bootable operating system or recovery tool. This can help determine if the issue is with the internal SSD or other hardware.
• Update Firmware: If you can access BIOS/UEFI, check for any firmware updates for the motherboard that might address compatibility or stability issues.

7. Check for Power Issues

• Verify Power Supply: Although you’ve tested with another power supply, ensure that the power supply is providing stable and adequate power. Some power supplies may appear to work but fail under load.
• Inspect Power Connections: Ensure all power connections to the motherboard and other components are secure and correctly seated.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Rachel571

HP Support

[Scribeman01]

Hello Rachel571, and THANK YOU for your insights. I have utilized what you have and have been able to boot from USB device and do a clean Windows 11 installation, as well as Windows 11 & driver updates. Since your reply, I also suspected (and replaced the RAM) which I suspect took a hit with the initial power surge, as well as a brand new hard drive. As long I don't shut down the computer complete (no worries with rebooting), I can continue to get back into WIN 11 and my programs. If I shut down the computer, then I only get the "plus" configuration in the corner and no matter if I do the "Windows + V keys" or "Windows key + B,"the screen will go dark and does nothing. The only way I can get it to attempt to reset the BIOS is that I have to pull the CMOS battery out each time. When I get the checksum error (502 error), I press the enter key to get the computer to reset, but then the bios may reset to the factory settings but I can't get past that and have to go thru the same thing over & over.  I some success when I pulled the CMOS jumper out to clear the CMOS also. When I was running it without a BIOS battery, I went thru every available HP diagnostic test, and not a single error. Yes, the CMOS battery is brand new. 🙂 So I feel that I'm much closer, but I still can't get past this. Thanks again for your help!

[Sneha_01 · Accepted solution]

Hi @Scribeman01 

I'm sending out a private message to assist you with the next course of action. In order to access your private messages, click the private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Support Community profile, next to your profile Name.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Rachel571 

HP Support

[Scribeman01]

Right on Rachel & thanks! I am most appreciative on this and still would like to share the positive positive closure to this when we're done for anyone else that has been dealing with this type of thing. I will look for that PM after this - - as of this writing, the computer was unplugged and I did not remove the CMOS battery or jumpers last nite. 🙂

[Scribeman01]

Rachel, I read your PM and respectfully disagree that it's the system board but I would not rule out a flaw in the motherboard engineering. Every diagnostic test, including a cumulative one over 24 hrs. did not indicate a single flaw of any kind whatsoever. This is a replacement motherboard, monitor ribbon, RAM, CMOS battery, hard drive, charger were all replaced. When I was able to get in (without a CMOS battery, reset jumper, the event log also had typical errors (ie Meta-staging error) and associated server timeout messages) not having to do with this very stubborn BIOS issue. So I gave you KUDOS for reaching out to me privately, but not convinced it's a motherboard issue, especially with the same identical problem manifesting itself again after all of these replacements.

[Scribeman01]

Update 09/11/24 - Your thoughts on ensuring I had the correct motherboard prompted me to take a closer look at the board identification and lo and behold, the seller sent me the MB for a 24-K0019 AIO vs the 24-K0024 unit I'm working to restore. No wonder I was having all sorts of problems with matching the correct BIOS and not being able to restart! The irony is that once I pull the CMOS battery and do the temporary jumper removal, the BIOS for the board is recovered and I can boot into the computer and as long as I don't shut it down (rebooting is OK), the computer runs like a champ. So the question becomes - what's the difference between a HP 24-K0019 AIO and a 24-K0024? I have updated the HP-K0019 motherboard in the 24-K0024 as far as it will go?? I wanted to post this so as you are keeping me focused on this. 🙂