Hp Zv6130us Bios help? (lengthy description)

timbular · 09-28-2007, 11:43 PM

I am new to this forum but hoping there are some bios experts out there that could give me suggestions.

My computer details:

Hp pavilion zv6130us, and Hp pavilion zv6007
both have the same bios chip.
Both have the same processor. Amd 3200+

The problem:

After having the zv6130 for about a year a glass of tea was spilled next to it and some tea got on the keyboard... It wasn't drowned in it, but there was a little bit that came out when the computer was picked up and tilted. I immediately unplugged it and removed the battery. The computer stopped working after that, if I recall it would come on and freeze up. Being stupid and cheap I did not purchase an extended warranty that would have covered this. So I decided to take the computer apart and dry and clean the parts. So I disassembled the computer while using a grounding strap. I removed the battery from the mother board and used a tooth brush and Isopropyl Alcohol to clean the sticky tea of the motherboard. The tea only got one corner of the motherboard. I removed the cooling block and fan from the CPU and then removed the CPU to make sure there was no tea anywhere. It was OK, there was no tea around the CPU. I put everything back together, but I used the old dielectric grease between the CPU and heat sink. After putting it back together, I turned it on and it worked fine. I was so relieved and happy. It worked fine for about 2 months. Then one morning I used it to look something up for my mother and it was fine. When I went back about three or four hours later it wouldn't come on. I had it set to have the screen saver kick in when Idle for about 5 min, then after another five it would hibernate. I would usually shut it completely down unless I would be back to it within a few hours. I assumed it was in hibernation, but it would not wake up. Moving the mouse, punching on keys, even hitting the power button wouldn't do anything. I had to hold down power button for 4 sec. to get it to shut off. So power it on, the fans come on, the light for the drive comes on, and that's it. Shut it down by holding the power button for 4 seconds and it shuts off. Sometimes if you look really close to the monitor when you try to start it you can see the monitor flicker once very fast. (Almost can't see it) but then all you get is a black screen. Buttons don't work, mouse doesn’t work, and you have to hold the power button down for 4 seconds to get it to shut off.

At first I thought the hard drive crashed and wouldn't let it boot up. A friend told me that even if the hard drive wasn't installed it would go to the bios page. He thought maybe the monitor was bad, so I hooked up another monitor to the VGA port on the back and got nothing. I tried inserting the start up recovery disks, and you can hear the DVD drive wind up but then nothing.

So I thought that either the motherboard is toast or the CPU went out. I did read about the heat sink grease or dielectric grease that goes between the CPU and the heat sink being very important. That it keeps the CPU cool. I bought some arctic silver and took the computer back apart and installed this grease. When I started the computer it did the same thing as before. I shut it off and then started it again. This time I got some loud beeps and some words on the screen... It showed the processor the memory and said something that it failed to boot the previous time, press f1 for setup, f2.....etc. I tried to press the key but it was locked up. I shut it off and restarted it and it does what it did before, just a blank screen. I turned it on and off a dozen times trying to get that screen to pop up again, but with no luck. Being able to get words on the screen makes me think the monitor is probably OK. I read some posts on another forum of usurer's with similar problems. One even had a link to a manual. So I read the manual and decided to reset the PC. I took the RTC battery out for over 5 minutes and then reinstalled it. Plugged in ac power cord (battery pack still removed) and pressed the power button. I got to the HP splash screen and the words Please wait... appeared in the bottom left corner. So I waited, and waited, nothing is happening. I pressed the power button for 4 seconds and shut it off. I then started it up again, this time I got no splash screen. It's back to the state it was before removing the RTC. I got no beeps, no nothing. So I removed the battery and tried it again. Nothing happened. Still a black screen. I tried resetting it again and again and still nothing. Now no matter what I do, I can't seem to get to bios or splash screen to come up again. It seems to me that something is causing the computer to crash or lock up before it can even post.

Things I've done:

I picked up a zv6007 relatively cheap. This computer works, but has a problem with the USB ports.

I removed the CPU and memory and installed the zv6130's memory and CPU in it and powered it up and it runs. Boots up and runs. This tells me that the memory and CPU are good.

I ordered two PLCC Chips, one programmed with original bios, and one with the latest version. I also ordered two PLCC Sockets.

Removed the bios chip from the zv6130 and installed the socket. Installed the plcc chip with original bios, and reset the cmos. Plugged in the power cable and pressed the power button...Nothing happend...theres no power. It's like it's not plugged in. I removed the chip and inspected the socket and all the legs are soldered snugly. Double checked chip placement and orientation...everything looks good. I then reinstall the original chip that I removed from the board and pressed power button.... It comes on! But will not boot to bios. It acts like it did before...just a black screen. This makes me think that the socket is installed correctly. So now I am confused, and slightly aggravated. I contacted the people I got the chips from to verify that the correct bios data was used, and they assured me that the chips programmed successfully. I then removed the chip and installed the other new chip, and no power. Why does my chip allow power but there successfully programmed chip doesn't? I'm to the point that I am pulling my hair out.

I then remove the chip from the zv6007 and install it in the zv6130. Same chip number, and to my knowledge, same bios versions. Computer powers up, but will not boot to bios, acts just like the chip that was originally in the zv6130. Cleared the cmos, and tried again...But same results as before.

The only thing I have left to do is install the socket on the zv6007 and install the original chip from the zv6130. If this works in the 6007 then I know the chip is good and that something else is at fault. Then it would be give up time, and part it out on e-bay.

Any body got any comments or suggestions? Open to just about anything at this point.

Timmy

**TheMatt** · 09-29-2007, 04:24 PM

Hi Timmy,

Just a question, when you tried the external monitor, did you plug it in and then turn on the power? That is how you have to do it. Otherwise, the BIOS won't recognize the battery.

Keep in mind that the two different BIOSs could be slightly different. I am actually surprised the BIOSs were socketed.

Also, try swapping out the RAM. First re-seat each stick. Then, try running with one stick, then the other.

timbular · 09-29-2007, 08:53 PM

Yes, I did plug the monitor in first then the power cable and then powered up the computer. This particular laptop has an Fn key that you press along with a function key that alows the switching of the displays, so that it can be displayed on the newly added monitor only, or both of the monitors simultaneously, or extended desktop mode. Nothing but a blank screen on either monitor.

As mentioned earlyer, I did swap out memory sticks and have confirmed that they are ok.

lastly, as far as the BIOSs being socked....as I mentioned earlyer, I bought two new programed chips, one with original bios and one with latest version. Also bought the sockets. I removed the chips from the motherboard and installed a socket and the new chip. Neither chip would alow any power. No lights, no fans, no power to anything. With my original chip, I get power but it wont boot to bios, it freezes up right as it starts.

timbular · 09-29-2007, 09:44 PM

Questions that got me stumped.

Why does my original chip allow the power lights and fans to come on, and the new pre-programmed chip don't. The company has double checked my system info and assured me that the chip's flashed succesfuly? Does the bios control the power to the computer?
What would cause the computer to not boot to bios if the bios was ok? Will a computer post without memory or cpu installed? What is the CMOS and could it get damaged or corupted? Can it be replaced? Because clearing it or reseting it doesn't seem to have any effect on it. What would cause the computer to freeze up at start up?

any way thanks for the help, and if you got any suggestions or things to try, just let me know.

Timbular

**TheMatt** · 09-29-2007, 10:02 PM

I am thinking that the other BIOS chips are slightly different. You have to be very careful because even a slight difference in the BIOS it could prevent the computer from booting. Remeber - the BIOS is the second most important [socketed] component on the motherboard, second only to the CPU itself.

A computer only needs four basic things connected to the motherboard to function properly - CPU, BIOS, RAM (memory), and PSU (power supply). Missing any of these will always prevent the computer from POSTing and often not even giving off beep codes.

A computer can in fact function without a video card, but it is obviously not much use to the user to not have one. Most BIOSs will beep an error code if no video card is present. Keep in mind this is usually not a problem on most laptops though because they have integrated video.

timbular · 10-01-2007, 11:06 PM

Ok, heres an update!

I installed a socket on the zv6007 and then inserted the bios chip from the zv6130us and it booted to windows. This tells me that the chip is good! This also raises questions about the two new chips I purchased, since none of them will work in either computer, will not alow power (as described in original post). So assuming the zv6130us has a bad mother board I proceded to put the zv6007's mother board into the others case, once done It powers up and boots to bios, as well as windows.

Here is where it gets interesting.... I put the zv6130us mother board into the other case to get it ready to put on ebay for parts. Onece together I turned it on and it booted to a screen and beeped loadly. The screen showed the cpu, memory, etc. all passed. but had an error on previous boot. I pressed F10 to go into setup, and the bios came up. I reset to the default saving the changes and it booted back up to windows! I selected a user and it started to load, I could see all my icons come up, so I left the room for a second and when I came back the hour glass with the pointer was on the screen but it would not move, I pressed cntrl + Alt + Del but nothing happend. so I pressed the power button and nothing happend. I then held down the power button for 4 sec. and it shut off. I restarted it and pressed F10 to enter the bios, and went to set the date and time, and then I went to admin password (clear) and selected that and it asked for passwords, and I just pressed enter, and then it said changes are being made.. and then froze up. wouldn't continue, couldn't select anything else. restarted computer and now I am getting the same thing as before. blank black screen. Wont boot to bios.

I thought I was pulling my hair out before.... Now I am realy dumbfounded. So I removed the bio's chip and installed it into the other computer and it comes right up to the bios screen. reinstall it into the computer and still nothing. I got an intermitent problem with my mother board I guess.

Any thoughts? Don't think that it could be a windows problem could it? I mean it locks up before it even gets to windows, but once in windows it locked up then. What about tempurature, could it be geting false readings and think that the cpu is over heating and lock up? I was prepared to sell it for parts on ebay, until it hickuped and came back to life.

Timbular

**TheMatt** · 10-02-2007, 02:58 PM

My first thought of the beeping is that it is a temperature alarm. Is there any way you can check the temps? It may be hard to use a program but if you have an infrared thermometer then that is always a good idea.

I would do a fresh application of thermal paste on the heatsink/heat pipe assembly. Also make sure the fan is spinning properly.

Can you boot into Safe Mode in Windows?

lazyklaze · 04-18-2009, 04:50 PM

Excuse me Sir...
If I could trouble you for some information like where did you get the last chip(the one that worked) and maybe if you still have the manual? You see I too have a Zv6130us and while it did a winflash it did say it backed up the bios(I dont know where) and froze up while re writing back to the bios...sigh...and now I too have a large paper weight. I suppose I might get lucky if I remove the cmo battery. It is completely dead...no power, no screen, nothing....

09-28-2007, 11:43 PM	#1 (permalink)
timbular Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 4 OS: WinXP sp2	Hp Zv6130us Bios help? (lengthy description) I am new to this forum but hoping there are some bios experts out there that could give me suggestions. My computer details: Hp pavilion zv6130us, and Hp pavilion zv6007 both have the same bios chip. Both have the same processor. Amd 3200+ The problem: After having the zv6130 for about a year a glass of tea was spilled next to it and some tea got on the keyboard... It wasn't drowned in it, but there was a little bit that came out when the computer was picked up and tilted. I immediately unplugged it and removed the battery. The computer stopped working after that, if I recall it would come on and freeze up. Being stupid and cheap I did not purchase an extended warranty that would have covered this. So I decided to take the computer apart and dry and clean the parts. So I disassembled the computer while using a grounding strap. I removed the battery from the mother board and used a tooth brush and Isopropyl Alcohol to clean the sticky tea of the motherboard. The tea only got one corner of the motherboard. I removed the cooling block and fan from the CPU and then removed the CPU to make sure there was no tea anywhere. It was OK, there was no tea around the CPU. I put everything back together, but I used the old dielectric grease between the CPU and heat sink. After putting it back together, I turned it on and it worked fine. I was so relieved and happy. It worked fine for about 2 months. Then one morning I used it to look something up for my mother and it was fine. When I went back about three or four hours later it wouldn't come on. I had it set to have the screen saver kick in when Idle for about 5 min, then after another five it would hibernate. I would usually shut it completely down unless I would be back to it within a few hours. I assumed it was in hibernation, but it would not wake up. Moving the mouse, punching on keys, even hitting the power button wouldn't do anything. I had to hold down power button for 4 sec. to get it to shut off. So power it on, the fans come on, the light for the drive comes on, and that's it. Shut it down by holding the power button for 4 seconds and it shuts off. Sometimes if you look really close to the monitor when you try to start it you can see the monitor flicker once very fast. (Almost can't see it) but then all you get is a black screen. Buttons don't work, mouse doesn’t work, and you have to hold the power button down for 4 seconds to get it to shut off. At first I thought the hard drive crashed and wouldn't let it boot up. A friend told me that even if the hard drive wasn't installed it would go to the bios page. He thought maybe the monitor was bad, so I hooked up another monitor to the VGA port on the back and got nothing. I tried inserting the start up recovery disks, and you can hear the DVD drive wind up but then nothing. So I thought that either the motherboard is toast or the CPU went out. I did read about the heat sink grease or dielectric grease that goes between the CPU and the heat sink being very important. That it keeps the CPU cool. I bought some arctic silver and took the computer back apart and installed this grease. When I started the computer it did the same thing as before. I shut it off and then started it again. This time I got some loud beeps and some words on the screen... It showed the processor the memory and said something that it failed to boot the previous time, press f1 for setup, f2.....etc. I tried to press the key but it was locked up. I shut it off and restarted it and it does what it did before, just a blank screen. I turned it on and off a dozen times trying to get that screen to pop up again, but with no luck. Being able to get words on the screen makes me think the monitor is probably OK. I read some posts on another forum of usurer's with similar problems. One even had a link to a manual. So I read the manual and decided to reset the PC. I took the RTC battery out for over 5 minutes and then reinstalled it. Plugged in ac power cord (battery pack still removed) and pressed the power button. I got to the HP splash screen and the words Please wait... appeared in the bottom left corner. So I waited, and waited, nothing is happening. I pressed the power button for 4 seconds and shut it off. I then started it up again, this time I got no splash screen. It's back to the state it was before removing the RTC. I got no beeps, no nothing. So I removed the battery and tried it again. Nothing happened. Still a black screen. I tried resetting it again and again and still nothing. Now no matter what I do, I can't seem to get to bios or splash screen to come up again. It seems to me that something is causing the computer to crash or lock up before it can even post. Things I've done: I picked up a zv6007 relatively cheap. This computer works, but has a problem with the USB ports. I removed the CPU and memory and installed the zv6130's memory and CPU in it and powered it up and it runs. Boots up and runs. This tells me that the memory and CPU are good. I ordered two PLCC Chips, one programmed with original bios, and one with the latest version. I also ordered two PLCC Sockets. Removed the bios chip from the zv6130 and installed the socket. Installed the plcc chip with original bios, and reset the cmos. Plugged in the power cable and pressed the power button...Nothing happend...theres no power. It's like it's not plugged in. I removed the chip and inspected the socket and all the legs are soldered snugly. Double checked chip placement and orientation...everything looks good. I then reinstall the original chip that I removed from the board and pressed power button.... It comes on! But will not boot to bios. It acts like it did before...just a black screen. This makes me think that the socket is installed correctly. So now I am confused, and slightly aggravated. I contacted the people I got the chips from to verify that the correct bios data was used, and they assured me that the chips programmed successfully. I then removed the chip and installed the other new chip, and no power. Why does my chip allow power but there successfully programmed chip doesn't? I'm to the point that I am pulling my hair out. I then remove the chip from the zv6007 and install it in the zv6130. Same chip number, and to my knowledge, same bios versions. Computer powers up, but will not boot to bios, acts just like the chip that was originally in the zv6130. Cleared the cmos, and tried again...But same results as before. The only thing I have left to do is install the socket on the zv6007 and install the original chip from the zv6130. If this works in the 6007 then I know the chip is good and that something else is at fault. Then it would be give up time, and part it out on e-bay. Any body got any comments or suggestions? Open to just about anything at this point. Timmy

09-29-2007, 04:24 PM	#2 (permalink)
TheMatt TSF Enthusiast Join Date: May 2006 Location: Boston Posts: 13,702 OS: Win 3.1, 98, NT 4.0, XP Debian 4.0, Kubuntu 6.06 My System Blog Entries: 3	Re: Hp Zv6130us Bios help? (lengthy description) Hi Timmy, Just a question, when you tried the external monitor, did you plug it in and then turn on the power? That is how you have to do it. Otherwise, the BIOS won't recognize the battery. Keep in mind that the two different BIOSs could be slightly different. I am actually surprised the BIOSs were socketed. Also, try swapping out the RAM. First re-seat each stick. Then, try running with one stick, then the other. __________________ - Matt M - KB1OSC - Folding@Home 85015 [url="http://www.techsupportforum.com/hardware-support/"] If TSF has helped you, please consider donating. If I have stopped responding to a thread, feel free to send me a PM with a link to the thread. It is advisable to subscribe to threads so you will receive updates when replies are posted. You can subscribe to threads from the "Thread Tools" Menu. »Memtest86 »Prime95 »UBCD »SpeedFan »NHC Personal »Everest »Sandra »PC Wizard »RivaTuner »ATi Tool Click here for Useful Articles and Guides

09-29-2007, 08:53 PM	#3 (permalink)
timbular Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 4 OS: WinXP sp2	Re: Hp Zv6130us Bios help? (lengthy description) Yes, I did plug the monitor in first then the power cable and then powered up the computer. This particular laptop has an Fn key that you press along with a function key that alows the switching of the displays, so that it can be displayed on the newly added monitor only, or both of the monitors simultaneously, or extended desktop mode. Nothing but a blank screen on either monitor. As mentioned earlyer, I did swap out memory sticks and have confirmed that they are ok. lastly, as far as the BIOSs being socked....as I mentioned earlyer, I bought two new programed chips, one with original bios and one with latest version. Also bought the sockets. I removed the chips from the motherboard and installed a socket and the new chip. Neither chip would alow any power. No lights, no fans, no power to anything. With my original chip, I get power but it wont boot to bios, it freezes up right as it starts.

09-29-2007, 09:44 PM	#4 (permalink)
timbular Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 4 OS: WinXP sp2	Re: Hp Zv6130us Bios help? (lengthy description) Questions that got me stumped. Why does my original chip allow the power lights and fans to come on, and the new pre-programmed chip don't. The company has double checked my system info and assured me that the chip's flashed succesfuly? Does the bios control the power to the computer? What would cause the computer to not boot to bios if the bios was ok? Will a computer post without memory or cpu installed? What is the CMOS and could it get damaged or corupted? Can it be replaced? Because clearing it or reseting it doesn't seem to have any effect on it. What would cause the computer to freeze up at start up? any way thanks for the help, and if you got any suggestions or things to try, just let me know. Timbular

09-29-2007, 10:02 PM	#5 (permalink)
TheMatt TSF Enthusiast Join Date: May 2006 Location: Boston Posts: 13,702 OS: Win 3.1, 98, NT 4.0, XP Debian 4.0, Kubuntu 6.06 My System Blog Entries: 3	Re: Hp Zv6130us Bios help? (lengthy description) I am thinking that the other BIOS chips are slightly different. You have to be very careful because even a slight difference in the BIOS it could prevent the computer from booting. Remeber - the BIOS is the second most important [socketed] component on the motherboard, second only to the CPU itself. A computer only needs four basic things connected to the motherboard to function properly - CPU, BIOS, RAM (memory), and PSU (power supply). Missing any of these will always prevent the computer from POSTing and often not even giving off beep codes. A computer can in fact function without a video card, but it is obviously not much use to the user to not have one. Most BIOSs will beep an error code if no video card is present. Keep in mind this is usually not a problem on most laptops though because they have integrated video. __________________ - Matt M - KB1OSC - Folding@Home 85015 [url="http://www.techsupportforum.com/hardware-support/"] If TSF has helped you, please consider donating. If I have stopped responding to a thread, feel free to send me a PM with a link to the thread. It is advisable to subscribe to threads so you will receive updates when replies are posted. You can subscribe to threads from the "Thread Tools" Menu. »Memtest86 »Prime95 »UBCD »SpeedFan »NHC Personal »Everest »Sandra »PC Wizard »RivaTuner »ATi Tool Click here for Useful Articles and Guides

10-01-2007, 11:06 PM	#6 (permalink)
timbular Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 4 OS: WinXP sp2	Re: Hp Zv6130us Bios help? (lengthy description) Ok, heres an update! I installed a socket on the zv6007 and then inserted the bios chip from the zv6130us and it booted to windows. This tells me that the chip is good! This also raises questions about the two new chips I purchased, since none of them will work in either computer, will not alow power (as described in original post). So assuming the zv6130us has a bad mother board I proceded to put the zv6007's mother board into the others case, once done It powers up and boots to bios, as well as windows. Here is where it gets interesting.... I put the zv6130us mother board into the other case to get it ready to put on ebay for parts. Onece together I turned it on and it booted to a screen and beeped loadly. The screen showed the cpu, memory, etc. all passed. but had an error on previous boot. I pressed F10 to go into setup, and the bios came up. I reset to the default saving the changes and it booted back up to windows! I selected a user and it started to load, I could see all my icons come up, so I left the room for a second and when I came back the hour glass with the pointer was on the screen but it would not move, I pressed cntrl + Alt + Del but nothing happend. so I pressed the power button and nothing happend. I then held down the power button for 4 sec. and it shut off. I restarted it and pressed F10 to enter the bios, and went to set the date and time, and then I went to admin password (clear) and selected that and it asked for passwords, and I just pressed enter, and then it said changes are being made.. and then froze up. wouldn't continue, couldn't select anything else. restarted computer and now I am getting the same thing as before. blank black screen. Wont boot to bios. I thought I was pulling my hair out before.... Now I am realy dumbfounded. So I removed the bio's chip and installed it into the other computer and it comes right up to the bios screen. reinstall it into the computer and still nothing. I got an intermitent problem with my mother board I guess. Any thoughts? Don't think that it could be a windows problem could it? I mean it locks up before it even gets to windows, but once in windows it locked up then. What about tempurature, could it be geting false readings and think that the cpu is over heating and lock up? I was prepared to sell it for parts on ebay, until it hickuped and came back to life. Timbular

10-02-2007, 02:58 PM	#7 (permalink)
TheMatt TSF Enthusiast Join Date: May 2006 Location: Boston Posts: 13,702 OS: Win 3.1, 98, NT 4.0, XP Debian 4.0, Kubuntu 6.06 My System Blog Entries: 3	Re: Hp Zv6130us Bios help? (lengthy description) My first thought of the beeping is that it is a temperature alarm. Is there any way you can check the temps? It may be hard to use a program but if you have an infrared thermometer then that is always a good idea. I would do a fresh application of thermal paste on the heatsink/heat pipe assembly. Also make sure the fan is spinning properly. Can you boot into Safe Mode in Windows? __________________ - Matt M - KB1OSC - Folding@Home 85015 [url="http://www.techsupportforum.com/hardware-support/"] If TSF has helped you, please consider donating. If I have stopped responding to a thread, feel free to send me a PM with a link to the thread. It is advisable to subscribe to threads so you will receive updates when replies are posted. You can subscribe to threads from the "Thread Tools" Menu. »Memtest86 »Prime95 »UBCD »SpeedFan »NHC Personal »Everest »Sandra »PC Wizard »RivaTuner »ATi Tool Click here for Useful Articles and Guides

04-18-2009, 04:50 PM	#8 (permalink)
lazyklaze Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 1 OS: windows XP service pack 3	Re: Hp Zv6130us Bios help? (lengthy description) Excuse me Sir... If I could trouble you for some information like where did you get the last chip(the one that worked) and maybe if you still have the manual? You see I too have a Zv6130us and while it did a winflash it did say it backed up the bios(I dont know where) and froze up while re writing back to the bios...sigh...and now I too have a large paper weight. I suppose I might get lucky if I remove the cmo battery. It is completely dead...no power, no screen, nothing....