17-cp3005dx locks up after several seconds-screen shows colored glitter blinking even in UEFI

[Todavis18]

HP Laptop 17-cp3005dx  Yesterday, I noticed the unit locking up while displaying blinking 4 point glitter of different colors around the edges of images that had been on the screen prior to lock up. I suspected a virus, but when I entered the UEFI I found the same phenomenon occurring, indicating to me that the problem must be hardware. Does UEFI automatically update, or would I have to initiate such a step? 

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Todavis18 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

I can imagine how unsettling it must be to see your screen freeze with those colored glitter-like flashes, especially when it happens even inside UEFI. You’re right to think this points more toward hardware than software, since UEFI runs independently of Windows and any applications.

Here are a few key points and steps you can take:

1. About UEFI Updates

UEFI (or BIOS) does not update automatically. It only updates if you deliberately install a BIOS/firmware update package from HP’s support site or HP Support Assistant. So unless you initiated one, the version you’re using hasn’t changed on its own.

 

2. Why It Happens in UEFI Too

Because this “colored glitter and lock-up” appears in UEFI, it’s almost certainly hardware-related rather than an operating system or driver issue. The most likely causes are:

Graphics subsystem (integrated GPU or video memory) malfunction

Display cable connection issue

Mainboard problem affecting system stability

 

3. Steps to Narrow It Down

Hard Reset – Disconnect charger, hold the power button 15–20 seconds, reconnect power, and try again.

External Monitor Test – Connect the laptop to an external display (HDMI/USB-C, if available). If the external screen shows the same colored glitter, it’s a graphics/motherboard issue. If the external display works fine, the built-in LCD/cable could be at fault.

Run Hardware Diagnostics –

Power on and repeatedly tap Esc, then select F2 – System Diagnostics.

Run the extensive test on memory and system board.

Reference: HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI

 

4. Next Steps if Issue Persists

If diagnostics report hardware errors—or if the unit continues locking up even in BIOS/UEFI despite clean tests—this will need professional service. The pattern you describe typically doesn’t resolve with software fixes.

Would you like me to guide you on how to check your current BIOS/UEFI version and see if there’s a matching update available for your exact model? That way we can rule out whether a BIOS update might stabilize things before considering hardware service.

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Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye