My HP zd8000 won't start

My HP zd8000 notebook will not turn on. Not even one iota of noise when I press the power button. Initially, the AC power adapter failed (the green LED on the power adapter did not come on). So I purchased a new HP replacement power adapter and verified that the green LED came on. When I connected it to my notebook, it would not turn on. I noted that the AC power light is on. Also, the battery light is on, however, it is blinking (which states that the battery has a low charge). Therefore, I assume the battery is not charging.

I followed instructions per HP troubleshooting article "HP Notebook PCs - Notebook Does Not Startup or Boot Displaying a Blank Screen". I re-seated the RAM, as instructed, and the notebook still does not turn
on. I corresponded with HP tech support. Aside from re-seating the RAM, they stated to re-seat the hard drive. I did this but to no avail. They said to send it in…of course, I can buy a new laptop for the price they will charge for diagnostic and repair!

Please note that when the AC power adapter initially failed, I had a spare battery (which had a charge) and continued using the notebook while waiting for the new AC power adapter to arrive. Therefore, I can conclude that the notebook is operational but it cannot receive AC power to charge the battery.

Please advise. Thanks.

 

I had a similar incident over 2 years ago with a Compaq x1010 and the problem turned out to be the graphics card. $270 later it has worked like a champ since. But - it would at least appear to POST and flash the keyboard lights when I attempted to boot it. The other thing I have seen (not on an HP) is the charger inlet on the side (back?) itself loosened to the point that it lost connectivity with the motherboard. Not good, needless to say, if thats the case. Good luck!

 

Thanks for your reply JellyGeo. My suspicions lay on the connection on the motherboard as well. When I try to turn on the computer, there is no activity at all. I am sure it is expensive to repair. Oh well, I guess I am stuck with a $1400 brick.

Anybody else has any thoughts?

 

Hopefully your zd8000 is still within warranty - then you might not be as badly off as you think. The guy who fixed my Compaq was Ken at IKenFixit if I remember correctly. The fix wasn't cheap but that is expected I guess for superb work. The other possibility if its out of warranty would be a mobo off of eBay. I have had very good luck with computers and comp parts off from eBay. I checked on HP parts and it looks like a mobo from them would run from $712-$825.... :-(

 

Thanks again JellyGeo. Unfortunately, my HP is out-of-warranty. Isn't that always the case

Before I call it quits, I will definitely do a little more researching on ebay.

Thanks.

 

If your Zd8000 uses the same form factor as my 8408us, you can purchase a motherboard which includes a 7600 Go with 256MB of dedicated ram for ~$325 from HP Parts. I would do some digging on the internet and see what you can find. If you're willing to take your 'book apart and send me some pictures then I can compare it to mine.

 

If the problem is the power socket, which is connected to the motherboard, then you may still be able to repair it. If you are comfortable disasembling the notebook, then you should be able to get to the power socket. From there, you may be able to solder the connections back to the motherbaord, or at least make the connection to the motherboard stronger. Its worth a try, but it may be difficult to accoplish.

 

From the responses I recieved in this forum and from perusing user review sites like Cnet, I am going to go out on a limb and say that I have a bad DC jack on the mother board. Maybe the solder connection is weak or something...

I wanted to see for myself and I tried removing the bottom cover myself, but I was unsuccessful. After removing all the screws (all the ones that are visible, even in the battery compartment) the case proved hard to remove. I was afraid that I might crack the bottom case. Is it supposed to be that hard to remove? I am sure it will come off with some TLC. What do you guys think?

I will try again and probably look at some websites for suggestions. Thanks again everybody for your help!

 

Sometimes manufacturers hide screws in the most inaccessible and awkward of places. Have a look at some guides on opening the notebook on the Internet. You should be able to see from them where, if any, the other screws are located, and how to remove the panel on the underside.

 

Yep...I downloaded the HP Service and Maintenance guide for the ZD8000. A few screws...nah...a lot of screws

I will do a little studying up on the guide and try my luck at it again. Thanks.

 

Read, Read, and Read Again. I have a long history with computer hard and an EE degree and I was a little worried once I had stripped mine apart. At least you have a service guide to follow. Take your time, and triple check each step.

 

Hi,
I have the same problem that you describe with my HP ZD8000. My new power adaptor that I bought seems to be working (the LED is light and the AC power light is on). The battery light is flashing and when I try to turn it on, the battery light flashes quickly.
Have you had any luck fixing yours?
Thanks

 

Greetings,
Got another one, same problems, HP ZD8000, no power, new ac adapter, power lights on, battery light flashes, no run.
Socket is tight to motherboard. I saw somewhere about the video card being loose...
Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

Have any of you tried this? It worked for my ZD7020. Remove the battery and AC power from the notebook. Hold the power button down for 30 seconds. Install battery and AC and power on.