The 17.3” Hewlett-Packard Notebook is made of plastic, but it is still a sturdy device. The laptop’s lid features a black HP logo on a silver, rigid pattern giving it a sleek design. Troubleshooting for this product is fairly straightforward.
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After entering your password there is a blank screen with a blinking cursor.
Doing a hard restart allows the computer to erase it’s memory, excluding personal data. In doing so, issues such as a blank screen, unresponsive keyboard, frozen software, and locking up of external devices may be resolved. To do a hard reset try following this guide.
If a hard reset does not work, the screen may appear black due to an issue regarding the LCD display backlight or a corrupted graphics driver. To proceed, connect the notebook to an external monitor to test the display and restart the computer. If an image pops up on the external monitor, this may indicate a graphics driver problem with the LCD display, therefore the latest graphics and chipset drivers may need to be installed.
If you can hear sounds but there is no image displayed then you may need to recover the original BIOS. Your computer has an emergency BIOS recovery feature which lets you restore and install the last recognized version of the BIOS from your hard drive. Recovering the BIOS may help solve the blank screen issue. To do so, turn off the computer, connect it to a power source, press and hold the Windows key and B key simultaneously, then hold down the Power button at the same time–hold all keys for one second then release. The power LED light should stay on while the screen may stay black for about 40 seconds. There may be beeping sounds, but ultimately an HP BIOS Update display should pop up and automatically start updating the BIOS.
If recovering the BIOS did not work, the memory module may be loosened in the computer which may be causing no display of image. Restoring the memory module may help solve the black screen problem. To continue, remove then the memory module itself from the memory slots which is located on bottom of the notebook. Replace the memory module by inserting it in a 45-degree angle until it sits tightly and properly into the memory slot, then reattach the cover. Reconnect the AC adapter, do tests to ensure that the computer can start, then simply turn on the computer.
If there is a non-blinking cursor after updating Windows 10 RS2
After performing an update to Windows 10 RS2, the computer may have a blank screen with the a non-blinking cursor potentially from 15 to 20 minutes. To solve this issue download and install the HP Image Enhancement for System Logon [need link], then restart the computer and complete the SoftPaq installation.
If your computer is missing keys and you want to replace them
If you have one or more individual keyboard keys that are broken or missing you do not need to replace the entire keyboard. You can just order the key(s) and replace it by inserting it back in. To properly do so, ensure that the keyp cap(s) is placed in the center of the retainer clips, push down on all four sides, then the key should attach to the plastic clips.
If your computer says that is has used up all available memory space
If your computer is lacking memory or no longer contains any memory available then you may have likely used it all. You can upgrade the RAM to make more memory available to use in your computer and help enhance its system performance. First locate the product number of your notebook, the placement may vary from one notebook to another. Then find important memory information about your specific computer such as amount of memory that is already installed, the type of memory, and the maximum amount of memory it can support. Once you have determined how much memory can be added, you can go on to install additional RAM. In doing so, you remove the electrical power, insert the memory, then replace the electrical power. To replace the RAM module try following this guide.
Blue/black screen of death. If your computer will turn on but the OS wont load
If the hard drive needs to be replaced then you will need to remove the back cover of the device and replace the hard drive module. With the device not connected to power remove the battery and the back cover. Once open locate and remove the hard drive module and replace with a new module. Keep in mind that any data stored on the old hard drive will be lost and upon successful installation your device will act like a brand new computer, data backup is recommended prior to this procedure so that data loss is minimized. To replace the hard drive try following this guide.
The computer will not work unless connected to power
If your battery is dead, the computer will need a power adapter/source to work or it will turn off when unplugged. Connect laptop to the designated power adapter until battery is sufficiently charged. If the battery cannot hold a charge, then the battery needs to be replaced. In order to replace the battery, flip the laptop over and locate the battery at the joint the computer hinges on. Snap the battery out and replace with a new one. To replace the battery try following this guide.
Your computer is overheating and/or the fan “whir” is not heard upon startup
If your computer is overheating, and you do not hear the cooling fan running while the computer is running then you will need to clean or replace the fan module. With the laptop unplugged and the battery removed, remove the screws holding the back casing in place and remove it. Locate the fan remove and clean. Then replace all components and test to see if fan is working. If the fan is not working, you will need to replace it. Again remove the back cover and the fan module, purchase a new fan, and replace the old one. Then put the computer back together again and test.
Your computer is not able to connect to the internet through any means such as wifi, Bluetooth, or wired connection.
If you cannot connect to the internet, and you have tried Wifi, Bluetooth, and wired connection to the router then you will need to replace your wireless card within your laptop. To do this you will need to remove the back cover, access the wireless card, and replace it. To replace the wireless card try following this guide.
