Black screen with single blinking LED

[KoppingJ]

Compaq presario cq-61
Product VU088AV

My compaq laptop will not start up. The LEDs blink once and that is it. I believe once means that something is wrong with the CPU. If I replace the CPU do you think it will fix it? Could you recommend a CPU to purchase for this computer. I don't think I have updated the BIOS recently, will this cause a problem?

[Sanchertx]

Have you tried a Hard Reset??

http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c01684768

[KoppingJ]

Sorry, I forgot to tell you that I did try a hard reset and it didn't work. Tried it a couple of times, but no luck. The operating system is windows 7.

[parvez_tech]

Hi,

You said just a single blink thats it..If you mean the Led blinks only once and then goes off completely then it shouldnt be a CPU problem..If you mean Single Blink every 2 secs and continues the same pattern then it could be CPU or System board related.

HP Notebook PCs - Troubleshooting LED Blink Codes or Beep Codes During Startup or Boot

You can follow all the steps from this link and check if it helps.

Blank Screen LED Error Codes

[Bruce_T]

Hello KoppingJ...

I'm sorry that you are having this issue with your CQ61 notebook.

A single blink code may indicate a CPU problem.  I would have expected it to blink one, then pause for a couple of seconds, then blink once again, cycling like that - but your particular model may signal the codes differently.

A quick check of the HP Part Surfer did not show a field-replaceable CPU; it may be soldered to the notebook system board.  If this is the case, I woudl recommend replacing the system board unless you are VERY skilled at surface-mount soldering.  If it is not surface mounted, you should be able to identify the processor after removing the heat sink assembly and (if necessary) cleaning the top surface of the CPU.

This is NOT an insignificant job!  You always have the option of contact HP Support in your country / region to get assistance in having your notebook serviced.

I hope this helps!

DISCLAIMER: I am an HP employee, but I am not a spokesperson for HP.

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[KoppingJ]

Single blink every 2 seconds is what it does.

[KoppingJ]

Is there a system board that hp or you could recommend?

[Bruce_T]

Hello KoppingJ...

I could only recommend HP part number 577064-001 to you.  The board is no longer sold by HP; however, a Google search shows multiple listings for the part on eBay, Amazon, etc.  I cannot recommend any third party vendor, and the cost is high enough that you may wish to consider purchasing another entry-level laptop.  As always, if you chose to buy a replacement take every care and precaution possible when ordering from third party sellers.

I hope this helps.  Good luck!

DISCLAIMER: I am an HP employee, but I am not a spokesperson for HP.

• If you found this information helpful, please take a moment to click on "Accept as Solution".
• If you'd like to say thanks, please click on the Kudos star!

[parvez_tech]

Part Surfer is also what i can also recommend as it'll show you the parts that are specific to models if parts are still available. Replacing the CPU or motherboard yourself is not always recommended unless you know someone who have done that previously  in HP notebooks because it might get complex sometimes with all programming tatooing etc..

Calling Tech Support to check for repair options would also help.

[Sanchertx]

Lets rule out the hardware where we can.

Try to power on the unit - immediately hit the ESC key - then select F2

From their select Diagnostics - Component test. Start off with the Hard Drive and see if it passes the DIAGS, if so contiune on with Memory etc..