Elitebook 8540p wont initialize system diagnostics

[Cmccullough1]

Hi.
I have an Elitebook 8540p and when it boots up it stalls to a black screen after the hp logo disappears. It sounds like its running but it never boots. I tried to complete the system diagnostics by pressing f2 and that screen opens but freezes up saying initializing system diagnostics.
Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

[Kalt]

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@Cmccullough1 wrote:
Hi.
I have an Elitebook 8540p and when it boots up it stalls to a black screen after the hp logo disappears. It sounds like its running but it never boots. I tried to complete the system diagnostics by pressing f2 and that screen opens but freezes up saying initializing system diagnostics.
Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

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It sounds like the hard drive is probably failing/failed causing the system to hang.   

Are you able to enter the System BIOS setup screen?

[Shwetha_Phutane]

Hello,

Please try performing the below steps:

Performing a hard reset

Completely resetting the computer can resolve many issues that cause a blank screen. Follow these steps to perform a hard reset:

1. Turn off the computer.

2. Disconnect all peripheral devices and remove all USB devices and media cards.

3. Disconnect the AC power adapter

4. Remove the battery

5. Press and hold the power button for at least 15 seconds.

6. To drain any residual power, reconnect the AC power adapter, but do not connect the battery.

7. Turn on the computer.

   If this resolved the issue, you do not need to continue troubleshooting.

The next step is available in the document - http://h20564.www2.hp.com/hpsc/doc/public/display?docId=emr_na-c03518165

According  to the symptoms on the unit, you can select the diagnostics. We have different tests which can be performed - http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c01997899

You can refer to the document and follow the steps to perform the required diagnostics - http://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c01997899

Hope this helps!

I am an HP employee.

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[Cmccullough1]

Hi.

I can get to the BIOs setup screen.

[Kalt]

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@Cmccullough1 wrote:

Hi.

I can get to the BIOs setup screen.

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Can you run the diagnostics in there?  If not, try resetting the BIOS to defaults, then save and restart your computer and try to access the diagnostics again.  If you can't, I'd say the problem is most likely a failed hard disk.  I would replace the hard disk then reload the operating system using the HP Recovery media for your notebook.