Blackscreen and Caps light blinks 3 slow and 2 fast

[Dex20]

My computer Capslock key is blinking, (3 slow and two fast) after it restarted during an update, and it will not display any media. It turns on fine just does not display anything the capslock light just blinks. How do I fix this issue? I have a Model 14-cf2112wm. I was updating to Windows 11, version 24H2 from Windows 11, version 23H2.

[Max3Aj]

@Dex20, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

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

The blinking pattern you're seeing 3 slow blinks followed by 2 fast blinks on the Caps Lock key on your HP 14-cf2112wm laptop typically indicates a memory (RAM) failure or issue. This often happens after a system update or power interruption during critical operations like BIOS or OS updates.

Step-by-Step Fix

Perform a Hard Reset

This clears residual power and can sometimes resolve hardware glitches:

• Disconnect the power adapter.
• Remove the battery (if removable).
• Press and hold the Power button for 15 seconds.
• Reconnect the battery and power adapter, then try turning the laptop on.

Reseat the RAM Modules

If you're comfortable opening your laptop:

• Power off the laptop and unplug it.
• Open the back panel to access the RAM.
• Carefully remove the RAM sticks and reinsert them securely.
• If you have two sticks, try booting with one at a time to isolate a faulty module.

Run HP Hardware Diagnostics (if accessible)

If the screen shows anything at all:

• Turn on the laptop and immediately press the Esc key repeatedly.
• When the Startup Menu appears, press F2 to run diagnostics.

If the screen stays black, skip to the next step.

Try an External Monitor

To rule out a display issue:

• Connect your laptop to an external monitor via HDMI or VGA.
• Power on the laptop and check if the external display shows anything.

BIOS Recovery (if applicable)

If the update interrupted BIOS:

• Turn off the laptop.
• Press and hold Windows + B, then press and hold the Power button for 2–3 seconds.
• Release the Power button but keep holding Windows + B for another 10 seconds.
• If successful, the BIOS recovery screen should appear.

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 

[Dex20]

I tried all that was applicable (all except trying a different RAM stick in the slot; I only have one. And Runing an HP hardware Diagnostics). The BIOS Update worked and the laptop started to display then it turned off again and the Caps lock continued blinking at the same intervals. The hard reset didn't do anything. I used my charger cable to connect my phone and laptop , but it only started charging.

[Max3Aj · Accepted solution]

@Dex20, Thanks for the detailed update. Since you've already tried most of the key steps and the BIOS recovery briefly worked before the issue returned, this strongly suggests a hardware-level fault, most likely with the RAM module or motherboard circuitry related to memory.
 

Here’s what I recommend next:

**Try a Known-Good RAM Stick (if possible)

* Even though you only have one stick, if you can borrow a compatible DDR4 RAM module (usually 2400 or 2666 MHz for your model) from another laptop, try swapping it in. This is the most direct way to confirm if the RAM is the issue.

Check for Loose or Damaged RAM Slot

• Inspect the RAM slot for any dust, corrosion, or bent pins.
• Gently clean it with compressed air if needed.

Use HP’s Official Support Tools

Since the BIOS recovery worked briefly, it’s possible the update didn’t complete properly or the system is unstable:

• Use the HP Cloud Recovery Tool to create a bootable USB and reinstall the OS and firmware: HP Consumer PCs - Using the HP Cloud Recovery Tool in Windows 11 and 10 | HP® Support
   

If the issue persists even after trying a different RAM stick, it may be a motherboard issue. 

I hope this helps!

If my response resolves your issue, please click “Accepted Solution” to help others find the answer. Also, don’t forget to click the “Yes” button to say thanks!

Take care and have a great day.

Max3Aj

HP Support