my computer isn't turning on how do I fix this? it's been 2 weeks now

[maybmay]

I've been doing those unplug the charger the. hold for 15-30 then put the charger back in test but nothing works. Although I did get a lil far today because it did turn on but the screen barely see able if that makes sense. It was like I had to hold my flashlight to it to navigate my laptop but the brightness was all the way up so I was confused. I went to settings and pressed restart now and I think I'm back to square one. It starts up because I can hear the fan and I see the mute buttons and the caps lock button lights turning on but the screen just stays black and unresponsive. This is the touchscreen gray ish sliver computer.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @maybmay 

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for posting your query! We're here to help you get back up and running.

It sounds like your laptop is powering on but the screen remains extremely dim or black, which could indicate a display issue, backlight failure, or graphics driver problem. Since you've already tried a hard reset, let's go through some additional troubleshooting steps.

Step 1: Check for Display Backlight Issues

1. Turn on your laptop and shine a flashlight directly at the screen.
2. If you can faintly see the display, the backlight may be failing.
3. Try connecting an external monitor via HDMI or USB-C.
   • If the external monitor works, the issue is likely with the laptop screen.

Step 2: Perform a Hard Reset Again

1. Unplug the charger and remove the battery (if removable).
2. Hold the power button for 60 seconds.
3. Reconnect the charger without the battery and try turning it on.

Step 3: Boot into Safe Mode

1. Turn off the laptop.
2. Press the power button, then immediately start pressing F8 (or Shift + F8) repeatedly.
3. If you see the Advanced Startup Options, select Safe Mode.
4. If Safe Mode works, update your graphics drivers.

Step 4: Reset Display Settings via Keyboard

1. Press Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B to restart the graphics driver.
2. If the screen flickers or resets, the issue may be software-related.

Step 5: Check HP Diagnostics

1. Turn off the laptop.
2. Press F2 repeatedly while turning it on to enter HP Diagnostics.
3. Run a Display Test to check for hardware issues.

Step 6: Update BIOS & Graphics Drivers

1. If you can access Windows, update your BIOS and graphics drivers.
2. If not, try booting from a Windows installation USB and reinstalling drivers.

Step 7: Consider a Screen Replacement

If none of the above steps work and the external monitor displays correctly, your laptop screen or backlight may need replacement.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[maybmay]

Thank you so much for this reply! I tried steps 2 and 3 since I don't have a hdmi or usbc but it didn't work really. I cannot make this up but I had accidentally dropped my computer on the floor and it lit up??? I do think I need to replace the laptop screen as it occasionally flashes black and whites lines

It only showed the dim lighting when it was completey dead and I charged it and didn't turn it off. This is not the first.time this has happened unfortunately, the hard reset usually worked but it never behaved like this. Thank you for the help and I will try to be looking for a screen replacement 😃

 

[Hawks_Eye]

@maybmay 

You're very welcome! 

Based on what you've described—especially the screen flashing black and white lines and the sudden lighting up after the drop—it does sound like a loose internal connection or screen damage.

From the image you uploaded, the vertical color lines and distortion strongly suggest display or ribbon cable damage, possibly from earlier wear that worsened over time. 

Since your hard reset used to work but isn't now, it's likely beyond a simple software fix.

 

What to Do Next:

• Test External Display (If Possible): If the laptop has an HDMI or USB-C output, try connecting to an external monitor to confirm whether the issue is screen-related or deeper hardware failure.
• Reseat the Display Connector: If you're comfortable opening the laptop, check if the display cable is loose—this sometimes causes flickering and erratic behavior.
• Replace the Screen: Since you've already been considering a screen replacement, look for OEM or compatible replacements.

If anything gets worse, let me know, and I’ll help figure out your best repair path!

Thanks,

Hawks_Eye