2 issues with hdx18 laptop

So got this laptop given to me but has some issues, tried searching on google for people with the same issues but found none.
1st issue: when i try to power it up i push the power button and it starts and then immediatley shuts off, it will do this 5-8 times then it powers up and loads to desktop.

2nd issue: the screen is dim and sorta flickers. cant find any option to turn the brightness up

 

well this is wierd, i turned it on and only had to push the button once, and the screen flickered for a minute or two, then a noise that i thought was normal went away and the screen went bright and stopped flickering, turn it on and off 3 times now and works perfectly

 

I think the laptop is going to die soon though.

This behavior usually has to do with a failing component, such as the mobo. As long as the system is warmed up it seems to be running smoothly, but it struggles every time you want to perform a cold boot.

 

seems about right, i let it sit for 3 hours and just turned it back on first try it booted back up.... but the monitor flickered for 2 minutes then it was fine, like it needed to warm up.
so you think its the mobo?

 

I am not an expert, but from past experience it was usually the mobo.

My HDX 16 died recently after 6 years of intense usage, see here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/hp-hdx16-owners-lounge.300646/page-302

But in my case I think it is a graphics card issue or a monitor issue, as the rest of the laptop is operational. In your case the entire laptop has problems
powering up, in a simple scenario it could be just the PSU.

Perhaps there is a manual with which you could identify problems with the laptop by blinking led lights or sounds, but I am not aware of one.