Pavilion Notebook not starting : 3 long white LED beeps

[Bman14]

I closed the screen overnight with a game still on. I’ve done this before many times. This morning the laptop was off - and would not turn back on.

I haven’t installed any new hardware. It’s an old second hand 2014 Pavilion Notebook that I’ve been using for over a year  for gaming purposes only. It’s not connected to the internet. 

The notebook tries to start, then goes off with a click almost immediately. Then it tries to start again and then the CAPS lock button LED beeps (white light) three times slowly. There is a 2 second pause then it repeats the three step slow beep process (white light again).

I have tried resets ( 15/30 second holding power button with/without battery disconnected). I’ve taken out the RAM and put back in. I can’t access anything pressing F2,F11, F12, ‘escape’ , windows and B, when restarting. Nothing happens when I do. Just the same three beeps, pause, three beeps. 

I don’t see anywhere online that has soecific issues with just three slow LED beep , that then repeats again. Everything seems to have 3 long followed by two short beeps etc. 

Is it the motherboard? RAM? Battery? Something else entirely?

many thanks!

[Raj_05 · Accepted solution]

Hi @Bman14,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

The three long white LED beeps you're hearing on your HP Pavilion 14 Notebook PC indicate a hardware issue. For HP laptops, beep codes typically point to specific problems, and the pattern you described (three long beeps) usually suggests a problem related to the RAM.

Here's a step-by-step approach to troubleshoot.

Check RAM Modules:

• Reseat the RAM: Turn off the laptop, disconnect the battery, and remove the RAM modules. Clean the gold connectors gently with a soft, dry cloth. Reinsert the RAM modules firmly into their slots.
• Test Each Module Separately: If you have more than one RAM module, test them one at a time to identify if one is faulty.

Check for Loose Connections:

• Ensure that all internal components (RAM, hard drive, etc.) are properly seated.

Inspect the Battery and Power Supply:

• Try starting the laptop with the battery removed and only connected to the power supply. Sometimes a faulty battery can cause startup issues.

Perform a Hard Reset:

• Disconnect all external devices, remove the battery, and hold down the power button for 15-30 seconds to discharge any residual power. Reconnect the power supply (without the battery) and try turning on the laptop again.

Check for Internal Damage:

• If you're comfortable doing so, open the laptop and check for any visible signs of damage or loose connections. Look specifically around the RAM slots and motherboard.

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. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Alden4

HP Support