Hp Lock Up Before Any Post

DOSBOOT · 02-17-2007, 04:13 PM

Cannot give history of problem just stuck with a mess.

Initial power on shows HP Screen says ESC to change boot order F2 to Setup F12 to boot from lan, then no response.
Sometimes Esc will work to the point where it will start doing a test with memory and video but just after video it will go no further.
Sometimes it will allow you to go to f12 but just blink as it is not networked like that.
It never allows me to enter setup.
I put HD on enclosure and OS was intact.
I am assumming MB but any techs out there that work on a Component level?
I can solder just about anything but I wanted to skip that could be the ?? part and go right to replacement of components.
Any help would of course be appreciated

redlover · 02-17-2007, 04:20 PM

I read your post and have some questions. First off, can you get into either the BIOS prior to booting the OS or if you can get into the OS, can you get into safe mode? From reading your intial description, it seems more like a hardware/driver issue as compared to an OS issue. Please state exactly what is happening step by step.

IE: #1 Keyboard lights turn on, #2 Hard Drive Spins, #3 Floppy/HDD Lights turn on #4 POST Beeps, Etc.

Thanks!

DOSBOOT · 02-17-2007, 04:49 PM

As soon as the unit gets powered on it appears to have all the hot keys up top come on, also the wireless light, power light, charging light (when plugged in) If a disk (like Win xp) is in rom it will spin but stop after a bit.
Looks normal at that point, 2 seconds or so after pushing the power button on there is a screen that says HP Technology and the options I gave you in previous thread.
Esc, F2 of F12. It does not allow any me to do a F2 so I cannot check Bios.
Only sometimes does it work when you press the Esc key but it will run through a mem test (ok) then once it gets to the video test (ok) it goes no further. It has sat like that for over an hr.
If it is a hardware issue, when I open it up if there is no dipswitch, do you think that reseating the CPU will work?
Thanks for your help

redlover · 02-18-2007, 09:26 AM

I am an A+ Certified Tech as an FYI. As I am not "physically" as your computer and can ONLY go by what you are posting, it would seem to be DEFINITELY hardware related now. Drivers are only an issue once the POST beeps and your OS starts to boot up. First off, how old is your computer or is it brand new coming from HP? When was the last time it worked? What has changed with the computer since it worked last (if not a NEW computer)?

Now for the fun part. Until I get those questions answered, I will be shooting in the dark so here it goes:

If you want, you CAN try reseating the CPU to eliminate that the CPU isn't the culprit. A bad seated CPU can wreak havok on your system to barely working or not working at all so give that a try. BE SURE TO DISCHARGE ALL STATIC ELECTRICITY BEFORE YOU START MESSING AROUND INSIDE YOUR COMPUTER ESPECIALLY YOUR CPU!!!

If it isn't the CPU, then the most probable causes for the issue in my opinion are either the BIOS went bad or the video card went bad. Pray it isn't the BIOS because you only have two options if it is and neither are really something you want to do. If it IS the BIOS, your options are to remove the BIOS chip with a comparable one from the same manufacturer removing the Chip from the board (ewwwwwwww) and replacing it without damaging the board; or to simply buy a new motherboard. It all depends on your finances and how old the computer is at this point to help you make your determination. If it is new, let HP handle it. If not, then you have to make a decision.

If your video card went bad, then this is the simpler option as you know that you can simply remove the card and plop another one in there. Cost is only an issue if you want the higher end PCI-E video cards (assuming your MB is capable of taking one).

I hope this helps you out and eliminates some variables for you.

Devin
CompTia A+ Certified Professional (Depot Technician) as of 12/26/06
CompTia Network+ Certified Professional as of 1/22/07

**Terrister** · 02-18-2007, 10:24 AM

There is also a chance it s a memory problem. Try running this overnight.
http://www.memtest86.com/

DOSBOOT · 02-19-2007, 11:46 AM

Mem was one of the suspects but test came up good.
soldering is one of my strong points so I am not at a loss if that is one of the problems.
I cannot give history on this as I am fixing for a customers customer, a bit weird to write but he thought he new it all, things he dont know he brings to us to fix.
Anyway I will try and reseat chip. I have pulled almost everything from the unit as far as hardware is concerned so now I will work internally and see if I can resolve the issue.
I will get back to you with the results.

DOSBOOT · 02-19-2007, 03:01 PM

The problem with the HP is that there are several small burnt capacitors due to spillage, no fixin' that except with a new Mobo. Thanks AGAIN!

redlover · 02-19-2007, 03:30 PM

Glad to help! We all knew it had to be hardware related!

Tell him to get a EVGA 680i SLI motherboard for $250

heheheh!

**hwm54112** · 02-20-2007, 09:55 PM

motherboardrepair.com

02-17-2007, 04:13 PM	#1 (permalink)
DOSBOOT Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 14 OS: XP	Hp Lock Up Before Any Post Cannot give history of problem just stuck with a mess. Initial power on shows HP Screen says ESC to change boot order F2 to Setup F12 to boot from lan, then no response. Sometimes Esc will work to the point where it will start doing a test with memory and video but just after video it will go no further. Sometimes it will allow you to go to f12 but just blink as it is not networked like that. It never allows me to enter setup. I put HD on enclosure and OS was intact. I am assumming MB but any techs out there that work on a Component level? I can solder just about anything but I wanted to skip that could be the ?? part and go right to replacement of components. Any help would of course be appreciated

02-17-2007, 04:20 PM	#2 (permalink)
redlover Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 28 OS: Win XP	Can you give specifics? I read your post and have some questions. First off, can you get into either the BIOS prior to booting the OS or if you can get into the OS, can you get into safe mode? From reading your intial description, it seems more like a hardware/driver issue as compared to an OS issue. Please state exactly what is happening step by step. IE: #1 Keyboard lights turn on, #2 Hard Drive Spins, #3 Floppy/HDD Lights turn on #4 POST Beeps, Etc. Thanks!

02-17-2007, 04:49 PM	#3 (permalink)
DOSBOOT Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 14 OS: XP	Hp Lockup As soon as the unit gets powered on it appears to have all the hot keys up top come on, also the wireless light, power light, charging light (when plugged in) If a disk (like Win xp) is in rom it will spin but stop after a bit. Looks normal at that point, 2 seconds or so after pushing the power button on there is a screen that says HP Technology and the options I gave you in previous thread. Esc, F2 of F12. It does not allow any me to do a F2 so I cannot check Bios. Only sometimes does it work when you press the Esc key but it will run through a mem test (ok) then once it gets to the video test (ok) it goes no further. It has sat like that for over an hr. If it is a hardware issue, when I open it up if there is no dipswitch, do you think that reseating the CPU will work? Thanks for your help Last edited by DOSBOOT; 02-17-2007 at 04:50 PM.

02-18-2007, 09:26 AM	#4 (permalink)
redlover Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 28 OS: Win XP	My Suggestions I am an A+ Certified Tech as an FYI. As I am not "physically" as your computer and can ONLY go by what you are posting, it would seem to be DEFINITELY hardware related now. Drivers are only an issue once the POST beeps and your OS starts to boot up. First off, how old is your computer or is it brand new coming from HP? When was the last time it worked? What has changed with the computer since it worked last (if not a NEW computer)? Now for the fun part. Until I get those questions answered, I will be shooting in the dark so here it goes: If you want, you CAN try reseating the CPU to eliminate that the CPU isn't the culprit. A bad seated CPU can wreak havok on your system to barely working or not working at all so give that a try. BE SURE TO DISCHARGE ALL STATIC ELECTRICITY BEFORE YOU START MESSING AROUND INSIDE YOUR COMPUTER ESPECIALLY YOUR CPU!!! If it isn't the CPU, then the most probable causes for the issue in my opinion are either the BIOS went bad or the video card went bad. Pray it isn't the BIOS because you only have two options if it is and neither are really something you want to do. If it IS the BIOS, your options are to remove the BIOS chip with a comparable one from the same manufacturer removing the Chip from the board (ewwwwwwww) and replacing it without damaging the board; or to simply buy a new motherboard. It all depends on your finances and how old the computer is at this point to help you make your determination. If it is new, let HP handle it. If not, then you have to make a decision. If your video card went bad, then this is the simpler option as you know that you can simply remove the card and plop another one in there. Cost is only an issue if you want the higher end PCI-E video cards (assuming your MB is capable of taking one). I hope this helps you out and eliminates some variables for you. Devin CompTia A+ Certified Professional (Depot Technician) as of 12/26/06 CompTia Network+ Certified Professional as of 1/22/07

02-18-2007, 10:24 AM	#5 (permalink)
Terrister Moderator Hardware Forum Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: West Georgia, USA Posts: 7,081 OS: Xp	There is also a chance it s a memory problem. Try running this overnight. http://www.memtest86.com/ __________________

02-19-2007, 11:46 AM	#6 (permalink)
DOSBOOT Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 14 OS: XP	the hp Mem was one of the suspects but test came up good. soldering is one of my strong points so I am not at a loss if that is one of the problems. I cannot give history on this as I am fixing for a customers customer, a bit weird to write but he thought he new it all, things he dont know he brings to us to fix. Anyway I will try and reseat chip. I have pulled almost everything from the unit as far as hardware is concerned so now I will work internally and see if I can resolve the issue. I will get back to you with the results.

02-19-2007, 03:01 PM	#7 (permalink)
DOSBOOT Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 14 OS: XP	The problem with the HP is that there are several small burnt capacitors due to spillage, no fixin' that except with a new Mobo. Thanks AGAIN!

02-19-2007, 03:30 PM	#8 (permalink)
redlover Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 28 OS: Win XP	Glad to help! We all knew it had to be hardware related! Tell him to get a EVGA 680i SLI motherboard for $250 heheheh! __________________ Devin Cho CompTIA A+ Certified Professional (Depot Technician) CompTIA Network+ Certified Professional

02-20-2007, 09:55 PM	#9 (permalink)
hwm54112 TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 2,233 OS: WINXP	motherboardrepair.com