Black screen and Caps Lock blinking 4.3

[ShantanuGhose47]

Hello!

I tried to boot up my laptop from sleep, but was greeted with a black screen and Caps Lock blinking. 

Following one of the articles, I unplugged the charger and pressed the power button for 15 seconds. The next time I turned the laptop on, it was able to boot up fine. 

I am not sure what was the issue, but from what I observed, it seemed to be 4 long blinks followed by 3 short ones, if I counted correctly. Might be 5.3 too, but I am not sure.

Could someone shed some light on this issue and let me know if I should be worried? Thanks in advance!

[Garp_senchau]

Hi @ShantanuGhose47,

Thanks for reaching out to the HP Support Community! 🎉

I’m here to help you troubleshoot your issue and get things back on track.

Error Code: 4 long blinks, 3 short blinks

This particular code (4 long red blinks followed by 3 short white blinks) generally indicates a thermal issue. It suggests that the internal temperature of the laptop might have exceeded safe operating limits. When the laptop gets too hot, it can cause the system to enter a state where it shuts down or doesn't wake from sleep properly.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Ensure proper ventilation: Make sure that your laptop is placed on a flat, hard surface that allows for good airflow. Using it on a soft surface (like a bed or pillow) can block ventilation.
2. Clean the vents: Over time, dust and debris can accumulate inside your laptop, blocking airflow and causing overheating. Cleaning the air vents with compressed air can help maintain airflow.
3. Use cooling pads: External cooling pads or stands can help reduce the temperature while you’re using the laptop for extended periods.

[Garp_senchau]

Error Code: 5 long blinks, 3 short blinks

If you had seen 5 long red blinks followed by 3 short white blinks, it’s a different issue. This code generally points to a problem with the Embedded Controller (EC), which is responsible for controlling hardware components like the fan, battery, and power system. Specifically, this error means the EC can’t access the BIOS within the time limit set by the system.

Here’s what to do in that case:

1. Remove external devices: Disconnect any peripherals (USB drives, external displays, etc.) from the laptop and try to power it on again.
2. Reset the system: If the problem persists, performing a hard reset (which you’ve already done by pressing the power button for 15 seconds) can sometimes help. This resets the internal components.
3. Update BIOS: If you’re able to boot into Windows, check for BIOS updates on HP’s official support page. Updating the BIOS could resolve issues with the Embedded Controller.

General Advice

• Don’t ignore the thermal issue: If your laptop is overheating, that could lead to long-term damage to components like the CPU, GPU, or motherboard. If you're consistently having temperature issues, you should focus on ensuring that your laptop's cooling system is working effectively.
• Monitor performance: Keep an eye on how the laptop behaves in terms of performance and temperature.

You may also refer this document: Click here

Since the reset worked, it looks like you’ve temporarily resolved the issue. 

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Cheers,

[ShantanuGhose47]

Hi Garp

Thank you for your response. I did the hard reset, and the laptop booted up fine after that. I am attaching the current temperature readings, for both the CPU and the GPU, from the latest version of HWMonitor. Could you take a look?

I can also see the intake vents have collected some dust. I can clean it up from the outside. Are you suggesting compressed air for the exhaust vents? Would I have to open up the laptop for that? If so, could you suggest which specific screwdriver would I need? Thanks, in advance.

[Garp_senchau]

@ShantanuGhose47,

Glad to hear your laptop booted up fine after the hard reset! 😊 

Thanks for sharing the readings. Based on the temperatures, everything looks within a reasonable range, your CPU is sitting around 50–60°C, and your GPU is at about 48°C, which are normal values. However, since your system previously showed a thermal-related blink code, it’s still a good idea to optimize cooling.

Since you mentioned dust buildup, cleaning the vents is a great next step. Here’s what I’d recommend:

Exterior Cleaning: Using compressed air on the exhaust vents is fine, but don’t blow directly into the intake vents (bottom), as that could push dust further inside. A soft brush or microfiber cloth can also help with surface dust.

Internal Cleaning: If you’re comfortable opening the laptop, a more thorough clean-up would help prevent overheating in the long run. You’d need a PH0 or PH1 screwdriver to remove the bottom panel. After opening, you can carefully use compressed air to clean out the fan and heat sink. If there’s a heavy dust buildup, a fine-bristle brush can also help.

If you are not comfortable opening it yourself, professional servicing is a great option.

Take care and have a good day. 

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Regards,