Small liquid spill, now laptop only shows a blink-code

[shawnpeaslee]

Last week a small amount of liquid spilled on the mousepad area and along the front edge of the bottom portion of my laptop. I dried up the liquid as quickly as possible and the laptop continued to operate with no issue for another 30 minutes until I shut it down. As the laptop was shutting down, it made an unusual noise (like a faint whirring followed by a light pop, if that makes sense). I immediately powered on the laptop again to check what happened. The laptop sounded like it usually started as normal (the fan turned on). The screen remained black/no power and the cap locks button  showed a blink code (3 long/2 short flashes). The cd drive can still be opened by pressing the button. 

After researching the blink code on the HP site, I believe it refers to a system board malfunction/error. Upon inspecting the inside of my laptop where the system board is located, no discernable damage could be seen. 

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated and I hope my laptop is still salvageable. Thanks in advance.

[IT_WinSec]

Hello @shawnpeaslee 

• Refer to this official article >> https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c01732674

3 + 2 blinks are for memory issues.

Reseat the memory. See the section Reseating memory modules in a notebook for more information.

If reseating the memory does not resolve the problem, try replacing the memory modules. You might also consider contacting support for repair due to a possible RAM or system board failure.

• Refer to the official manual (page 40 (50) ) to remove and reinsert back the memory >> http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c06148960

If nothing helps, post again. Let me know if your PC is under active warranty or it has expired.

[shawnpeaslee]

Thanks for the quick reply and the information. 

I reseated the memory as suggested, but it didn't help. Unfortunately my warranty has expired, but I'll probably reach out to service support anyway as I still have hope the laptop can be repaired.

While I was examining the hardware when the laptop bottom panel was removed, I noticed that a small part on the mousepad hardware looked slightly corroded. I'm not familiar with the correct terminology both I would describe it as one of the little levers/clamps that one of the two connecting strips are plugged into on the hardware itself. I scanned the QR code sticker on the hardware and it was identified as being for the mousepad. To test if this was the problem, I "unplugged" the two strips from the hardware and started my laptop. The screen turned on  and displayed a "boot device not found" message. I connected the hardware again and my laptop screen didn't turn on and only the blink code shows.

I'm hoping that if I replace the mousepad hardware, the laptop will work again. Ive ordered a new part and should have it within the week. I'll post again when I've tried it out.