HP Pavilion dv7-7126nr Random Start

[TJ8799]

I have a HP Pavilion dv7-7126nr  that does the following  it sometimes won't boot but flash once when go off and on again but when I reset the ram it would boot normally  is that had ram or a motherboard problem?

Thank you

[MysteriousMe]

Welcome to HP Support Community, @TJ8799 

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

If your HP Pavilion dv7-7126nr fails to boot but starts working normally after reseating the RAM, the issue is usually related to the RAM, the RAM slots, or the motherboard. Below are steps to diagnose and fix the problem.

1. Reseat the RAM

Power off the laptop and unplug it.

Remove the battery.

Open the RAM compartment.

Remove both RAM modules.

Reinsert them firmly until they click into place.

Intermittent boot issues are often caused by improper RAM contact.

2. Test Each RAM Stick Individually

If the laptop has more than one RAM stick:

Insert only one stick at a time and boot.

Test each RAM stick in each slot.

Purpose: This identifies whether a specific RAM stick or a specific slot is faulty.

3. Clean RAM Contacts and Slots

Dust or oxidation can cause poor contact.

Blow compressed air into the RAM slots.

Lightly clean the gold contacts on RAM with a microfiber cloth.

Avoid using liquids.

4. Test With Known-Good RAM

If available, try:

Compatible DDR3 RAM from another laptop

Or new RAM modules

If the issue disappears: the old RAM is failing.

5. Check for BIOS Updates

Visit HP’s support page for the dv7-7126nr.
Look for BIOS releases related to:

Memory stability

Boot issues
Update BIOS only if the laptop is currently stable.

6. Inspect the Motherboard

Look for:

Burn marks

Corrosion

Swollen capacitors

Loose RAM slot solder joints

Any of these may indicate motherboard failure.

7. Check for Beep Codes or LED Blink Codes

During a failed boot attempt:

Listen for beep patterns

Watch for caps lock / num lock LED blink codes

These codes point directly to memory or board failures (HP documentation explains each pattern).

8. If Problems Continue

If the same issue keeps happening despite all checks:

The motherboard’s RAM controller or RAM slot may be failing.

Professional board-level repair or motherboard replacement may be needed.

Conclusion

Because the laptop boots normally after reseating RAM, the most likely causes are:

A failing RAM stick

A bad RAM slot

A motherboard-level memory controller issue

Following the steps above will help narrow down the exact cause.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.