Any solutions for starting my computer?

[NColeman]

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]

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]

@ 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]

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]

@ 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]

@ 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]

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]

@ Maguscreed

Good to know, thanks.

 

[TGSoldier]

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]

@ 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.

 

[TGSoldier]

Then follow the instructions posted by Maguscreed and let us know.

We will then be able to further assist you from there.

Also, posting the exact model of your laptop will help as well.

 

[NColeman]

@ TGSoldier

I will do that. I have as much info as I know about my computer listed in my system specs if that helps. I will keep you updated on how things go.

 

[TGSoldier]

You should be able to find the model number underneath the laptop on a white or black sticker.

 

[NColeman]

@TGSoldier

There is a white sticker under the laptop, but it does not show the model number on it. It shows Windows 7 HP, bar codes & Product Key. Would it be located elsewhere?

 

[NColeman]

I found the model number under the battery. Here it is: CQ62 - 209WM.

 

[NColeman]

Okay, now I feel like a moron...the model number is also right below the monitor. It shows Presario CQ62.

 

[NColeman]

@ Maguscreed & TGSoldier

I removed both RAM that was located under the laptop (detached a cover & they were there) & nothing helped. I removed one first, then booted & nothing. The same thing when I removed the second one. I even tried with both removed. I didn't get any beeps either. Not sure if there is another located elsewhere in the computer, I could take it apart to investigate. Should I even bother?

 

[Maguscreed]

I hate to say this man, but unless you have a lot of time on your hands and are comfortable with opening the thing up, it may be time to run it by a tech.
If the motherboard is dead he'll at least be able to recover the data off the hdd for you.
As for that being the case, I think the graphics may have chosen to burn out on you. They are part of the motherboard in most laptops.
This generally means the end of the laptop as and entire replacement laptop will not be much more money than fixing the old.

I hope I'm wrong , but that's what it is looking like to me. You need someone that has proper gear to hardware test it though.

I would pull the hdd and create a backup at this point regardless of what you plan to do from here on out.
If you don't have an external enclosure you can get one for about 20 bucks, (that will let you just connect the hdd to another computer via usb) which is cheaper than paying someone to do it.

sorry the post seem a little 'skitzo'
but I'm considering both possibilities for continuing from here, as it does seem it's about to get really involved.

 

[NColeman]

Thanks Maguscreed. Of course I was hoping that wouldn't be the case, but had a bad feeling it was going to be. But, I do appreciate all your help. Thanks a bunch!

 

[gregrocker]

You can also remove the HD to insert in another laptop and copy out your data, or buy an inexpensive conversion cable from Amazon to plug laptop 2.5" HD into USB.

How to access HD: How To Dismantle, Clean and Repair an HP Laptop - Tim Trott