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    Computer not working HELP

    Discussion in 'HP' started by completenovice, Jun 23, 2009.

  1. completenovice

    completenovice Notebook Enthusiast

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    hello all new to the forum.

    I have a hp pavilion dv400 quite an old comp i know. the problem has just appeared from no where.

    when i open the lid to turn the laptop on after pressing the on button the computer goes straight to a blank screen and starts beeping, this is all the computer does?

    any ideas?

    Thanks for any help
     
    completenovice, Jun 23, 2009
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  2. RF71

    RF71 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Is there a pattern to the beeps?

    Remove things like battery, hdd, memory, etc, and reseat it
     
    RF71, Jun 23, 2009
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  3. Meemat

    Meemat Notebook Evangelist

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    Is it close to the wall? I.e. does it have its back flush with one? Or are the side vents being blocked? You're not using it on a bed, are you?
     
    Meemat, Jun 23, 2009
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  4. vertical2010

    vertical2010 Notebook Consultant

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    The beeps mean something. Check your manual if you have one, if not research online. The frequency and number of beeps indicate different error codes.

    My best guess, without knowing the details, is that your CMOS battery is almost dead (not unusual for older laptops), especially if it gives you a BIOS screen when plugged in but not on battery power. If that's the case, it's easily replaceable in most laptops. You can find one on eBay for less than $10. Next best guess: It's not finding a usable LCD screen due to a defect or loose connection. 3rd & final guess: A cooling fan has failed.

    If you're not into fixing it yourself, you might be better off getting a new laptop for the last two problems, since they are so cheap now. You can stick your old drive into a portable USB enclosure to copy what you need. Good luck!
     
    vertical2010, Jun 24, 2009
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  5. completenovice

    completenovice Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi thanks everyone for the replys, the beep is like of a hartrate monitor just continous beep,beep,beep,beep,beep and keeps going no real break as such in between them.

    Its not next to anything its on a desk if that helps. I have managed to get it to work by taking the battery and power supply out, and holding the on/off button down for a minute(summet i found in google) then plug the power supply back in / no battery. and it works as usual. untill when i turn it off then the same process doesnt seem to work for a while then does?

    how do i put my old drive into a portable USB enclosure to copy what you need?

    Thanks alot for anymore answers i`m very greatfull
     
    completenovice, Jun 24, 2009
    #5