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Blue screen of death occurs when the computer powers up or at random times when the computer is in use. This is known as the blue screen of death (BSOD)

Let the computer restart on its own. The computer will try to troubleshoot the problem. If initial troubleshooting by computer does not resolve the issue Safe Mode must be accessed in order for additional troubleshooting: Hold down the power button for 10 seconds to shut down your computer > Press the power button again to turn on your device > On the first sign that Windows has started (most likely the manufacturer logo will appear) hold down the power button for 10 seconds to shut down computer > Press the power button again to turn on your computer > When Windows restarts, hold down the power button for 10 seconds to turn off your computer > Press the power button again to turn on your computer > Allow your computer to fully restart > Choose an option screen shows up > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup settings > Restart > after restart > press 4 to enter Safe Mode without internet or 5 with internet > scan for malware and viruses using antivirus application > Run System Restore to restore to previous stable version > Uninstall recently installed software > Update drivers > Uninstall unnecessary apps. If blue screen continues to occur, the hardware could be faulty, and thus the mother board must be replaced. Follow this gude to replace the motherboard.

Ensure the driver space is not close to being full. If so, clear up space by deleting unneeded software and files. The following will guide you to this goal: Enter settings > change pc settings > pc and devices > disk space > free up space on this PC. Additional steps: click on “See my app sizes” to determine which app(s) to delete. Click on the Recycle Bin to decide on which files should be removed from the driver space.

Malware may be difficult to be removed when the computer is not in Safe Mode. Run a full scan using your antivirus software. This must be done in Safe Mode.

Download the most current hardware device from the manufacturer’s website. Make sure your computer is in Safe Mode before starting.

The computer does not start and emit an LED

Press the power button to repeat the blinking sequence. Next look at the battery light LED which is generally a lightning bold icon. If the battery light LED flashes, the battery has insufficient charge to start the computer. Due to this, charge the computer up. While its plugged in, attempt to start the computer up. If the AC adapter features an LED power indicator, check if the AC adapter LED illuminates. Charge the battery for about thirty minutes to one hour. Lastly restart the computer.

Perform a battery test to analyze the health of the battery. Turn on the computer and search for HP PC Hardware Diagnostics Windows. Right-click the app in the search results and select “Run as administrator”. Next, Click “Component Test” in the main menu. In the list of Component Tests, click  “Power”. Then, Select  “Battery Check” , and then click “Run once”. Wait while the test is running, usually takes about two minutes. Click “Finish” on the Components page. Then, select “Tests Logs” to see the results on the battery test. Review the “Test Logs” that display the condition of the battery. If your battery passed click “Main Menu” or “Details” for more information. If your battery didn’t pass, check the information table in the Test Logs section on the main menu to access further information in regard to your battery test results. If the status of your battery test result appears as “Replace”, the battery reports a failure and needs to be replaced. Thus, follow the following instructions to replace the battery.

Certain keys will not respond when pressed or are damaged or missing

The fan does not respond when the computer runs or it is very loud due to high speeds.

Ensure the computer is on a flat and cool surface. 2-3 inches of space should surround the computer. In addition, the ideal temperature of the setting where the computer is used should be close to room temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

Power off the computer and unplug the computer if it is plugged in. The computer should have no power running through it. Use an air canister to blow away dust build up by inserting the nozzle in between the grates that holds the fan. To ensure all dust is removed, follow the guide that involves the replacement of the fan and use the canister to remove the rest of the dust as best as possible. Replacing the fan itself is not necessary unless unforeseen damages to the fan is present or removal of dust does not resolve the problem. Turn the computer back on and notice if there is a diminution in the fan speed.

You are not able to retrieve files that you know you had

Press the windows button on the keyboard and then search Storage Settings, the amount of storage left on the device will be displayed and if is full try deleting excess files or games from the device

Restart the laptop by holding down the power button 5 seconds until the power shuts off, and then turn the computer back on. If this does not resolve the issue proceed to the next suggestion: HP hard drive self test. Hold down the power button for 5 seconds until the power shuts off. Turn the laptop back on then repeatedly press f10 to bring up windows BIOS menu. Use keyboard arrows to navigate to Primary Hard Drive Self Test. The system will perform a hard drive test. If any test fails, order a replacement battery and follow this guide.

If the hard drive is creating a clicking noise, or none of the above solutions have worked the Hard Drive is most likely broken. Follow this guide on how to replace it.

You are not able to listen to sound on your computer or if sound does occur, it is static

Automatically update the laptop drivers by the following steps. Hold down the power button for 5 seconds until the laptop shuts down, then turn it back on. Restarting the laptop will allow windows to automatically update its drivers.

Manually update drivers by going to Windows Device Manager > Sound, video and game controllers section. In the list of audio device drivers, look for Realtek High Definition Audio or Conexant. Right-click and select Disable. The downward arrow displays on this driver, indicating it is disabled. Then Right-click and select Update Driver Software. Select Browse my computer for driver software. Select Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer. You should see a window that says Select the device driver you want to install for this hardware. If you see a window that says something like This is the best driver for this device, exit the window and repeat steps 4, 5, and 6. In the Model box, highlight High Definition Audio Device and click Next. At the Update Driver Warning window, click Yes. You should see a confirmation window with High Definition Audio Device displayed. Click Close. In the list of audio device drivers in the Sound, video and game controllers section, you’ll notice that the High Definition Audio Device now displays instead of Realtek High Definition Audio. At the prompt to reboot, click Yes. Then see if speakers are working

Locate the headphone jack on the laptop and use a flashlight to look inside while the laptop is off. If there is any debris try blowing inside the headphone jack or cleaning it with a small needle (a small air compressor can also be used to clean the jack if available).

If speakers are not working after testing the audio driver the speakers will have to be replaced using this guide.