HP Pavilion DV6-1120sa BIOS and Desktop freezing/shutdown

Hi all,


I know there are threads like this posted already but I am having problems with my HP Pavilion DV6-1120sa 3GB RAM Windows 7 laptop (Upgraded from pre-installed Vista with clean install).


Two days ago, Sophos Endpoint found a Memory trojan virus but gave no option to Quarantine/Remove or seek help of any kind. I got two BSOD in the space of 10-15 minutes not long after this and decided to reinstall two night's ago to be safe.

Problem is, after formatting and reinstalling Windows 7 with the Windows 7 disc the desktop would freeze up and I'd need to shut down, this happened 10-20 times so far since reinstalling and no sooner did it start, it happens with the BIOS as well when trying to access settings.
Either the laptop shuts down without warning or freezes and then several seconds later shuts down both in the BIOS and logged in. My laptop no longer restarts as it tries to start up and shuts down before or during POST.

What I have checked since reinstallation:

-sfc /scannow: found corrupt files and repaired them.

-Memory Test when I got into Startup Menu: laptop froze and shut down seconds later.

-Windows Memory Diagnostic: froze and shut down.

-Check Disk: 100% completed and found no errors.

-MemTest86+ through Ubuntu Live CD: ran for 1-3 minutes before freezing and shutting down.

-Reseated both 1gb and 2gb memory sticks

-removed both sticks and ran MemTest86+ on each: 1gb and 2gb individually tested in both Memory Slots. Again laptop froze and shut down.

At the moment I can log into Windows (as I have now) after a BIOS update for my model from the HP website. It could be anything that causes a freeze and needing a hard reset: clicking a program, explorer, aero peek.

I have tried going into Safe Mode but that hadn't worked at all, I've even tried Windows Basic and Windows Classic theme to see how long I have before a freeze but there is no difference at all. The freezing is random and can happen even if I leave the laptop on and do nothing.

This is totally baffling not just me but my friend who works with computers for a living and advised me to test each memory stick.
There are only two things I have been told to try which are:

-CMOS(?) removing it for a few hours and putting it back, and
-the sensors.

I apologise for a lengthy post but I wanted to make sure it was clear what I have experienced, what I have done and what options I'm aware of that are open to me.

I had hoped that one or both of the memory sticks could be replaced.

I have looked on HP websites for help but I could not find anything that exactly matched my problem and/or Laptop model and I am planning on reinstalling Windows 7 again from 32 to 64 bit as my friend has told me 64 bit is what I should be running.

You may still have some sort of infection lingering on the hard disk that didn't get cleaned off. If you decide to format again make sure you do a diskpart clean all first. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/52129-disk-clean-clean-all-diskpart-command.html

Are you running off battery or power adapter when these crashes occur?
Have you tried using different RAM?
Is your laptop overheating?

If you can, I would like to see a report of your system
http://www.sevenforums.com/crashes-debugging/96879-blue-screen-death-bsod-posting-instructions.html

BSOD Results

Windows 7 32bit (told I have and should have installed 64bit)

Original OS: Vista Basic 32bit

Full Retail version of Windows 7

Bought HP Pavilion DV6-1120sa in summer 2009

Installed Windows 7 November 2009 then again after Christmas 2009 and have not needed to reinstall until three days ago.

Hi cheers for replying,

I've tried running on both battery and AC Adapter when it happens, I haven't got access to any compatible RAM to try that and my laptop is either cold or slightly warm when it shuts down, even goes so far as to shutting down before POST as though it is overheated!

I have tried removing CMOS battery and leaving it out for a few hours (hence my late reply) and opted for the Default Version of the BIOS rather than Normal and after logging into Windows I restarted successfully but a subsequent restart simply shut down the laptop as the lights started up again. Strangely enough: the laptop stays cool at all times and the fan is much more quieter.

As for reformatting and completely cleaning the HDD: I'm wary of the BIOS issue causing me problem/s before attempting to reformat and reinstall as a Windows 7 x64.

mgorman87 said:

You may still have some sort of infection lingering on the hard disk that didn't get cleaned off. If you decide to format again make sure you do a diskpart clean all first. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/52129-disk-clean-clean-all-diskpart-command.html

Are you running off battery or power adapter when these crashes occur?
Have you tried using different RAM?
Is your laptop overheating?

If you can, I would like to see a report of your system
http://www.sevenforums.com/crashes-debugging/96879-blue-screen-death-bsod-posting-instructions.html

Click to expand...

And i have posted the system report .zip here as instructed:
http://www.sevenforums.com/crashes-debugging/157108-bsod-results.html

Please do not start a new thread when posting your report
http://www.sevenforums.com/crashes-debugging/157108-bsod-results.html


This happens a lot in your event logs and may be related to a virus.

Are you able to get into Windows? If you can I would like you to run some virus scans.

How to remove malware belonging to the family Rootkit.Win32.TDSS (aka Tidserv, TDSServ, Alureon)?
Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware: Malwarebytes

You can run them in safe mode if you're having issues in normal mode.

Your system time changed to 12/31/2000. Did you forget to reset your time and date in the BIOS when you pulled the battery?

Please also run these tests even if you already have
1. Memtest86 - Run for 7-8 passes - http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/105647-ram-test-memtest86.html
2. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html
3. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/433-disk-check.html
4. Hard drive scan using SeaTools - both long and short tests

Hi sorry about a new thread,

up until this morning (its almost 3pm now), I could get into Windows for either a few minutes up to an hour or so before freezing occurs, I had tried MalwareBytes on a Quick Scan but the laptop froze as usual after 2 minutes scanning.
I tried to access SFC Scannow in the command prompt but the laptop shut down seconds after loading Windows Files.

I'll try safe mode with MalwareBytes but I have had the same issue in Safe Mode, I haven't changed the date and time in the BIOS since removing and putting back the CMOS battery because I have much less time to access the BIOS settings than I do logged into Windows
I have tried MemTest86+ through a Linux/Ubuntu Live CD which resulted in an abrupt freezing and shut down.

Tried SeaTools yesterday before posting here, the freezing occurs while running it.

mgorman87 said:

Please do not start a new thread when posting your report
http://www.sevenforums.com/crashes-debugging/157108-bsod-results.html

Code:

Event[558]:
  Log Name: System
  Source: USER32
  Date: 2011-04-14T16:54:30.000
  Event ID: 1074
  Task: N/A
  Level: Information
  Opcode: N/A
  Keyword: Classic
  User: S-1-5-21-1444217990-2023302421-1282418361-1000
  User Name: CorneliusDoom\Cornelius Doom
  Computer: CorneliusDoom
  Description: 
The process C:\Windows\system32\winlogon.exe (CORNELIUSDOOM) has initiated the restart of computer CORNELIUSDOOM on behalf of user CorneliusDoom\Cornelius Doom for the following reason: No title for this reason could be found
 Reason Code: 0x500ff
 Shutdown Type: restart
 Comment:

This happens a lot in your event logs and may be related to a virus.

Are you able to get into Windows? If you can I would like you to run some virus scans.

How to remove malware belonging to the family Rootkit.Win32.TDSS (aka Tidserv, TDSServ, Alureon)?
Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware: Malwarebytes

You can run them in safe mode if you're having issues in normal mode.

Your system time changed to 12/31/2000. Did you forget to reset your time and date in the BIOS when you pulled the battery?

Please also run these tests even if you already have
1. Memtest86 - Run for 7-8 passes - http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/105647-ram-test-memtest86.html
2. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html
3. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/433-disk-check.html
4. Hard drive scan using SeaTools - both long and short tests

Click to expand...

Are you comfortable with removing hardware from the laptop? If you are I would like you to remove your HDD, battery, wifi card and one stick of memory. You said you have a 1GB and a 2GB memory module. Usually you want to try and pair sticks of memory. Did they both come with the laptop or did you add one? If you added one, remove it, and keep the module that came with the laptop. Try turning on the computer and going into the BIOS. Does it freeze? Try booting from the Ubuntu CD. Does it freeze?

Here's a guide on removing the stuff. It's from a different model HP laptop but should be the same.

HP Pavilion dv9000 laptop. Removing hard drive, memory, wireless card, keyboard. >> Inside my laptop

I also still think you may have a virus. Have you tried any bootable anti-virus?
http://www.avg.com/us-en/avg-rescue-cd

Let me know

My friend has a Compaq Presario which is compatible with my HP Pavilion and I have just finished swapping HDDs:
His HDD gets the same problem mine does, my HDD has no problem in his Compaq. We tried testing my Memory in his Compaq and MemTest86+ came up with no errors while his Memory in my machine still came up with the same issue.

I got the HP Pavilion DV6 2 years ago (almost) and have not replaced/upgraded any hardware at all.
Laptop continues to freeze in BIOS i might have 5-10 seconds before it freezes/shuts down on me. Ubuntu Live CD boots okay but trying to use MemTest86+ gets the same freezing and shut down issue just tried the AVG Rescue CD and selected AVG Rescue CD Option from the list but as that was loading, the laptop shut down!

mgorman87 said:

Are you comfortable with removing hardware from the laptop? If you are I would like you to remove your HDD, battery, wifi card and one stick of memory. You said you have a 1GB and a 2GB memory module. Usually you want to try and pair sticks of memory. Did they both come with the laptop or did you add one? If you added one, remove it, and keep the module that came with the laptop. Try turning on the computer and going into the BIOS. Does it freeze? Try booting from the Ubuntu CD. Does it freeze?

Here's a guide on removing the stuff. It's from a different model HP laptop but should be the same.

HP Pavilion dv9000 laptop. Removing hard drive, memory, wireless card, keyboard. >> Inside my laptop

I also still think you may have a virus. Have you tried any bootable anti-virus?
AVG - Rescue CD | PC Rescue and Repair Toolkit

Let me know

Click to expand...

mgorman87 said:

You may still have some sort of infection lingering on the hard disk that didn't get cleaned off. If you decide to format again make sure you do a diskpart clean all first. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/52129-disk-clean-clean-all-diskpart-command.html

Click to expand...

I think you are going to have to follow this advice, as your PC just doesn't run long enough to do it any other way

Hi man,

I'll give that a try if I can, I'm just worried about the laptop freezing and shutting down during the process! I'll give it a try some time today though.

UPDATE: Windows loads fine, but Laptop shuts down when trying to access BIOS options every time.

pooch said:

mgorman87 said:

You may still have some sort of infection lingering on the hard disk that didn't get cleaned off. If you decide to format again make sure you do a diskpart clean all first. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/52129-disk-clean-clean-all-diskpart-command.html

Click to expand...

I think you are going to have to follow this advice, as your PC just doesn't run long enough to do it any other way

Click to expand...

Laptop simply shuts down when turning it on now, lights come on then shut down immediately

My friend believes it may be all down to the BIOS

Any News?

So what happened in the end..? Any news?? I think I'm having the same problem!

Looks like you have tried most of the troubleshooting options available to you.
Since your HDD and RAM works in another laptop and the other HDD and RAM won't work in yours, as well as the startup issues, your options seem to be leading to flashing your BIOS.

Get the latest version and procedure from your OEM site and flash your BIOS.

Hey man, no news since, I had to buy a new laptop in the end. Now it doesn't even turn on at all! If you're still under warranty (where mine wasn't) then see if you can send it in to HP!

gusmaury said:

So what happened in the end..? Any news?? I think I'm having the same problem!

Click to expand...

I can't flash the BIOS because when I switch it on it shuts down as soon as it starts up now. I have no access to the BIOS whatsoever and I've tried with just the battery, just the AC Adapter and it will not start up anymore so for now I'm holding onto it until something comes up that might work even if it's a hardware replacement!
Unless there is still a way of flashing the BIOS in its present condition?

Dave76 said:

Looks like you have tried most of the troubleshooting options available to you.
Since your HDD and RAM works in another laptop and the other HDD and RAM won't work in yours, as well as the startup issues, your options seem to be leading to flashing your BIOS.

Get the latest version and procedure from your OEM site and flash your BIOS.

Click to expand...

Sounds like a hardware failure, which is more difficult to troubleshoot on a laptop.

Try:
A different PSU (AC Adapter) with/without battery.
Be sure to un-plug everything except power cable, including external mouse and keyboard.
Pull the CD/DVD unit, you can install from USB stick, or use any USB stick with stand alone OS for testing.
Re-seat CPU and GPU, clean them and apply new thermal paste. Could be bad connection.

What are/were the power settings?
Have you updated the motherboard drivers since you bought it?
There is the possibility that the motherboard is faulty.


Possible causes for Stop 0x500ff from search:
Disable hibernation
Virus
Worm
Faulty power switch or keyboard key.

My friend thinks it's either the heatsink or the processor itself that's at fault and I haven't time to try anything to see if that's the case so for now I'll be leaving it with him when I leave London during the week for a few months.

Cheers for the help though!

Dave76 said:

Sounds like a hardware failure, which is more difficult to troubleshoot on a laptop.

Try:
A different PSU (AC Adapter) with/without battery.
Be sure to un-plug everything except power cable, including external mouse and keyboard.
Pull the CD/DVD unit, you can install from USB stick, or use any USB stick with stand alone OS for testing.
Re-seat CPU and GPU, clean them and apply new thermal paste. Could be bad connection.

What are/were the power settings?
Have you updated the motherboard drivers since you bought it?
There is the possibility that the motherboard is faulty.


Possible causes for Stop 0x500ff from search:
Disable hibernation
Virus
Worm
Faulty power switch or keyboard key.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the update, we always like to hear the status.

Hope you can get it sorted, good chance your friend is right.
Best to get the easier hardware out of the way before tackling the CPU.

Let us know how it's going, when you get back.

Hey,

Sorry for the long delay in response, I hadn't gotten an email saying there was a reply
In the end I had to buy a new laptop, didn't want to but had to be done, even now the Pavilion doesn't switch on, just starts up for a second and shuts down and the HDD itself for some strange reason became unusable, couldn't even reformat it to make it an external HDD so that's been binned

Dave76 said:

Thanks for the update, we always like to hear the status.

Hope you can get it sorted, good chance your friend is right.
Best to get the easier hardware out of the way before tackling the CPU.

Let us know how it's going, when you get back.

Click to expand...