complex CAPS LOCK blinking codes

[OldTempestGuy]

After some indeterminate period of normal operation, the Caps Lock key will start blinking in a 5-long, 3-short sequence. Once this starts, the computer becomes unresponsive to keyboard inputs and will, after some additional time, go to a blue-scree crash screen and reboot. This may be related to my having to replace the battery with a non-hp battery that's otherwise compatible.

[Nal_NR]

Hi @OldTempestGuy,

Welcome to the HP support community.

I understand that you are facing caps lock blinking issue. I'd like to help!

Please update the BIOS, from here

And also check, if there are any windows updates available. 

HP recommends always using HP's original battery to avoid discrepancies.

Meanwhile, I recommend you perform the following steps to isolate the issue and arrive at a fix: 

Step 1: Hard reset 

• Power off the laptop.
• Disconnected AC adapter from the laptop.
• Press and hold the power button for 15 seconds.
• Reconnect the battery and plug the AC adapter.
• Power ON the laptop and check.

Step 2: Recovering the BIOS

• Turn off the computer, and then connect the power cord.
• Press and hold the Windows key and the B key at the same time, and then press and hold the Power button for 2 to 3 seconds.

• Release the Power button but continue pressing the Windows and B keys. You might hear a series of beeps.
• If the HP BIOS Update screen does not display, repeat the previous steps but press the Windows key and the V key. If the screen still does not display, your computer might not support the feature or there is a hard drive issue. Continue to the next section to Recover the BIOS using a USB recovery drive.
• If the Power light turns off, the Power button was held too long. Repeat the previous steps, making sure to hold the Power button for only 2 to 3 seconds.
• If a BIOS recovery message repeatedly displays, continue to the next section to Recover the BIOS using a USB recovery drive.
• If a message that the computer improperly shut down or a boot problem is detected displays, follow the on-screen instructions to resolve the error.
• If Windows starts, update to the latest BIOS version. Go to HP Notebook PCs - Updating the BIOS for more information.
• The HP BIOS Update screen displays and the recovery begins automatically.

YOu may also refer to the steps mentioned in this document: HP Notebook PCs - Computer beeps or a light blinks during startup

Hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

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