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Usual story - girlfriend's step-brother's laptop is broken. I don't know a huge amount about what occurred before it broke, but I do know the following:

  • When you try to turn the laptop on, it beeps 15 times exactly.
  • The screen remains black.
  • The LED on the Caps Lock key flashes continuously.
  • If left on, the laptop never boots - as far as I can see.
  • If left on, on a stable surface with decent ventilation for a relatively short period of time, the laptop (below keyboard, but not where the RAM/HDD are) gets very hot.

I've tried doing what most websites appear to recommend for similar problems, which is to disconnect AC and battery then hold the power button down for a minute before reconnecting the AC and trying to turn the laptop on - no difference.

EDIT I've also tried re-seating the RAM, to no avail.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance,

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How old is it? Any warranty still valid? I suspect a failed CPU fan, but don't open the case if there is any warranty left. – Daniel Andersson Apr 12 '12 at 18:11

3 Answers

up vote 2 down vote

I have encountered the same problem with a Compaq Presario CQ56. 15 beeps, 'CAPS LOCK' light flash, and blank screen.

Problem: Improperly seated keyboard cable, keyboard cable or keyboard is broken.

Solution: Make sure you tuck the cable deep into the slot for good contact. If this doesn't work, get a new keyboard.

Hope this helps.

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up vote 1 down vote

That beep code means CMOS RAM checksum error. But like Dave M stated that does not match HP's beep codes. I would recommend removing the battery and power from the laptop. Then hold the power button for 15 seconds. Then reconnect the battery and power to the laptop and power it on. It the computer does the boot at this point then you will need to contact HP support. You can also use the following page to referance the flashing lights and beep codes - http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=bph07107&lc=en&cc=de&dlc=en&product=5116406

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Hi Jeff, as per my post, I've tried this method but it appeared to make no difference. – dunc Apr 12 '12 at 18:49
It sounds like the CMOS RAM is the issue with this computer. The only wa to have it repaired is to call HP support and send the laptop in. – Jeff Chilton Apr 12 '12 at 19:05
up vote 0 down vote

15 beeps does not seem to match HP info. Check HP BIOS Beep codes for more info.

Have there been any chages recently? New RAM, external devices? Try reseating RAM as a start.

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Have tried re-seating the RAM, no luck. – dunc Apr 12 '12 at 18:47

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