No display during bootup and no BIOS screen

[Plaken]

Hello,

By mistake, while checking the options for NVIDIA vs Integrated card, I set the integrated card as primary. Now, my desktop has no display on boot up. I have tried to "blindly" switch back to NVIDIA card but so far my keystrokes have not hit the target.

May I know the exact sequence of keys, after getting into setup with F10, to switch back to the NVIDIA card as primary?

Thank you,

Kanwar

[Plaken]

I forgot to mention that I have already tried CMOS reset by removing the onboard 3.2V battery, waiting for 10-15 minutes, and reinserting it. The issue persists.

Also, the OS boots up successfully. It's just that I cannot see anything until it boots.

Please help.

[Max3Aj]

@Plaken, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

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

Since you've accidentally set the integrated graphics as primary in the BIOS and now get no display until the OS boots (likely because your monitor is connected to the discrete NVIDIA GPU), here are your options:

Option 1: Try Moving the Monitor Cable to the Integrated Port

If you haven't already:

• Move your monitor's HDMI/DVI/DisplayPort cable from the NVIDIA card to the motherboard’s integrated graphics port.
• Power on the PC.
• If the integrated GPU is now the default, it may give you display output through that port. Once you see the BIOS screen, you can enter setup with F10 and switch it back to the NVIDIA card.

Option 2: Re-enable the NVIDIA GPU "blindly" in BIOS

If your monitor must remain connected to the NVIDIA GPU, and you want to try the blind navigation method again, here is a step-by-step estimated key sequence for HP BIOS:

1. Power on the PC.
2. As soon as you hear it start, begin tapping F10 repeatedly to enter BIOS.
3. Wait ~10 seconds for the BIOS to load fully.
4. Press → (right arrow) key 3 times to reach the Advanced tab.
5. Press ↓ key a few times until you reach Primary Display or Initiate Graphic Adapter (you may need to press ↓ 3–5 times).
6. Press Enter to select the option.
7. Use ↑ or ↓ to choose PEG or PCI Express (this refers to the NVIDIA GPU).
8. Press Enter to confirm.
9. Press F10 to save and exit.
10. Press Enter to confirm saving changes.

You might have to experiment with the number of arrow key presses if the menu structure differs slightly.

Option 3: Force NVIDIA as Primary via CMOS Jumper

Since battery removal didn’t work, try this:

• Look for a CMOS/BIOS reset jumper on the motherboard, often labeled CLR_CMOS or JBAT1.
• Power off, unplug, and then use a jumper cap to short the pins (or use a flathead screwdriver briefly) as instructed in your motherboard manual.
• Wait 10–15 seconds, then remove the jumper and power on.
• This should fully reset BIOS settings, including display priority.

You might also remove the battery and short the CMOS jumper simultaneously for a more thorough reset.

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Select "Yes" on the bottom left to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support 

[Plaken]

Hello Max3Aj,

Thank you for the reply with detailed options.

Option 1 is out because I already tried that and I don't get any output from the integrated display port (DVI).

Option 2. Let me try this but IIRC the final window had two options NVIDIA and Integrated and using <- and -> keys I could change one to "Primary ..." while the other was changed to something else (can't recall). Anyway, let me give the key sequence a go to see if that helps.

Option 3. This is new to me! If Option 2 does not help, I'll try this.

I'll post another reply once done.

Thanks again,

Kanwar

[Plaken]

Hey @Max3Aj,

I tried all the options again. No joy. I am also sharing the CMOS/PW reset jumpers as I am not sure which ones to short to reset CMOS settings.

The funny thing is, if I allow the computer to boot up, the display starts working once software loads. However, I need to change BIOS settings but there is no display until software bootstrap takes over.

Thanks,

Kanwar

[Plaken]

Not sure if that works for all motherboards but I followed the steps on https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Desktop-Operating-Systems-and-Recovery/No-display-during-bootup-and-no... and tried to reset CMOS. However, I still done get any display until the system boots.

Please help as I've ordered a new graphics card but it seems that may not help  either. 

Also, as a last resort, can you send me instructions of pin configurations for rom recovery? 

Thank you, 

Kanwar

[Max3Aj]

@Plaken, Thank you for your response,  

I'm sending a private message to assist you with the next action. 

  

Please check your Private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Community profile Next, to your profile Name, you should see a little blue envelope, please click on it or simply click on this link. 

  

I hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

  

Max3Aj

HP Support 

[Plaken]

Hello Max3Aj,

Thanks for your help. It turns out the graphics card was faulty after all. I bought a new one and replaced it. Everything works like a charm again. 

Cheers, 

Kanwar