Any solutions for starting my computer?

NColeman · 20 Apr 2012

When turning on my computer, nothing appears on the screen & there is no sound (other than the sound of the fan running). There are 3 keys on the keyboard that are lit up, which are:

The power button
F12, which also has the WiFi symbol (stays orange instead of turning white)
The caps lock key (just keeps blinking)

I tried shutting it down & it will not let me. I had to remove the battery to get it to shut off. When I turn it back on, the same thing happens.

Does anyone know how to fix this problem? Thank you in advance for any help.

Maguscreed · 20 Apr 2012

If it's not posting bios, we have to assume some sort of hardware damage has occurred.

If it was just that it wasn't loading windows, I would have ton of ideas for you.
However, in this situation it could be anything from graphics, to motherboard, power supply causing the problem.

If the computer is more than 3 years old using an integrated graphics chip (which all laptop's do) it could be possible it has died on you.

one thought is if it has multiple RAM slotted into it, you could try removing one then booting, removing another, then booting. Ram would be the easiest thing to fix here.

NColeman · 20 Apr 2012

@ Maguscreed

Would it be posting bios automatically, or is there a button (like one of the F buttons) I would press when the computer starts to load? Also, would I bother removing RAM then booting if I only have one RAM slot?

Maguscreed · 20 Apr 2012

all laptops have two ram slots, some even have 4 now.
The problem is on earlier models the second one is generally hidden UNDER the keyboard making it impractical to access for the normal user.

If you're laptop has a fn+*button* combination for switching to an external monitor it is possible it's trying to display to the external source. Though in my experience even when they are set that way, the bios will post on BOTH screens or still only on the built in.

The fact you're seeing nothing at all, not even the system manufacturer logo on boot as I said is a big problem.

...you wouldn't happen to have a monitor on hand you could plug into the external monitor adapter would you? That would be my other suggestion following that line of thought. I didn't bring it up before because you said you did a complete power cycle including the removal of the battery. Which should have returned the graphics adapter to its default output even if the above were the case.
Unless you slipped the battery out and right back in. In which case pulling the battery again and giving it a couple of minutes to completely burn through any residual power int eh system will allow a full reset.

NColeman · 20 Apr 2012

@ Maguscreed

I was not aware there was more than one RAM, shows how much I know.

I do have another monitor I can attach to see if anything happens. I will do that & let you know the results.

NColeman · 20 Apr 2012

@ Maguscreed

Well, the other monitor had no effect on the laptop. I will try removing the RAM & booting like you mentioned. I will update the results when I have done so. Thank you for your help.

Maguscreed · 20 Apr 2012

If it beeps like crazy when booting without the ram at least we know the motheboard is still alive.

...that is of course assuming it doesn't have a second stick of ram in it...

NColeman · 20 Apr 2012

@ Maguscreed

Good to know, thanks.

TGSoldier · 20 Apr 2012

You did not mention what was the last thing you did on the computer.

Is this a new computer out of the box? What was the last thing you were doing on the computer? Installing/updating something?

Did you experience a loss in power? Did the laptop fall?

Or did you shut it down after using it and when attempting to start the next time, you received this problem?

Answering these questions can help us further diagnose your problem.

NColeman · 20 Apr 2012

@ TGSoldier

The last thing I done on my computer was check my emails. I did not drop my computer or do anything else that would cause this, nor did I have a loss of power. It was working fine before I shut it down for the night, but had this occur when I turned it on this morning. I hope this information helps. If you need anything further, just ask. Thanks.