Laptop won't boot!?

Question

BRAND NEW HP dv6448se will not boot at all. It immediately comes up with an error message. There isn't even enough time to get to "safe mode." System recovery disc will not work at all. Ordered one from HP and that one won't work either. Optical drive is also functioning. After hitting F10 and running the system test(s), both tests pass.

Anyone have a clue what's going on here? HP doesn't know what's wrong and neither does Geek Squad.

By the way, it has windows Vista. (Which I personally hate.)

I can't get into the BIOS at all. If I could, then I could at least boot in "safe mode."

Answer 1

You said that there was an error, if you could possibly tell the error we can start from there, however we can troubleshoot parts from your laptop (say the laptop is out of warranty) don't do anything if the laptop is in warranty but you may call the hp technical support so that you have a record stating that you do the troubleshooting with them so that the warranty will not be void or do the troubleshooting by your own.

Problem: HP Notebook PCs - Notebook Does Not Startup or Boot Displaying a Blank Screen

Description
When pressing the notebook power button nothing is displayed on the screen or display. The cause of this problem may be a failed AC adapter, the RAM needs to be reseated or a failed notebook system board component which will require an HP certified repair.

Troubleshooting:
> Reseating the RAM
Reseating the RAM may resolve this issue. On most notebook PCs, removing and reinserting the memory is a simple step and does not require advanced technical knowledge of the computer. HP recommends re-seating the memory module before arranging for warranty service repair. If you are not confident following the steps for removing and replacing the memory module in this document, contact an HP support specialist for assistance.
NOTE: If someone other than HP installs or upgrades the RAM, any damage caused by the RAM and/or by the person when trying to install or upgrade the RAM is excluded from coverage under the product warranty. The customer assumes all risk and liability for damages for any such installation or upgrade.
NOTE: Some HP notebooks may have a secondary memory module located under the keyboard. For removal and replacement instructions pertaining to the second memory module contact HP service and support.
Use the following steps to remove and replace the memory modules:

WARNING:
This product contains components that are easily damaged by Electrostatic Discharge (ESD). To reduce the chance of ESD damage, work over a non-carpeted floor, use a static dissipative work surface (like a conductive foam pad), and wear an ESD wrist strap that is connected to a grounded surface, like the metal frame of a PC.

Step 1 - Remove the battery

1. Slide and hold the battery release latch to the unlock position.
2. Use your finger to lift the battery up and out.

Step 2 - Remove the memory module
Link for manual (Locating memory): Might take awhile to open http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c01138825.pdf
the memory bank is on page 47 just copy and paste the link to your browser (IE or Mozilla firefox)

1.Locate the memory module cover on the bottom of the notebook.
2.Remove the screw that covers the memory module.
3.Use your finger or a flat head screw driver to lift the inside edge of the memory module and remove it.
4.Push both tabs outward simultaneously to release the memory module.
5. Grasp the memory module by the edges and pull gently to remove it.
6.After removing one module, replace the memory expansion cover and then replace the screw.

Step 3 - Replace the battery

1.Insert the battery into the notebook.
2.Push the battery into the base enclosure until you hear a click.
3.Connect the AC adapter and turn on the notebook.

NOTE: If the PC will not start up and you experience another failure not covered in this article, see Related links .
After the memory is reseated, connect the AC adapter and turn on the notebook:

*If the notebook boots normally and the Windows desktop appears no further action is needed. If this problem re-occurs often, contact an HP Support Specialist to schedule a repair.
*If the notebook continues to stop responding at the Compaq or HP logo, turn off the notebook continue to the next section of this document.

Determine the cause of the blank display during boot
Follow the steps below to determine whether the problem is related to the AC adapter or your notebook system board:

1.Remove the battery and disconnect all external devices from the computer.
2.Connect the AC adapter to a wall outlet and plug the other end into the computer .
3.Press the Power button. (Figure 1.)
Figure 1: Power button symbol and Power indicator light (LED) on your HP Notebook PC
4. Is the Power indicator light (LED) on or off?

Power indicator light (LED) is on
If Notebook power indicator light (LED) is on, the AC adapter is working correctly. The problem is a result of a hardware failure in the notebook itself. To repair this problem it will be necessary to send the notebook to a HP certified service center.
Power indicator light (LED) is off
If the power indicator LED is off, the AC power adapter may need to be replaced. To determine if the AC power adapter needs to be replaced follow the steps below:

1. Ensure that the AC adapter is plugged directly into a known working wall outlet.
NOTE: To check the wall outlet, plug in a different known working device like a light, radio etc.
2.Check all of the following connections:
* The connection from the AC adapter to the wall outlet.
* The connection into the power adapter from the wall outlet.
* The connection from the AC adapter to the notebook.
3.Press the power button again to test the notebook PC.
4. If the power indicator does not turn on, remove the AC power adapter from the notebook PC and re-insert the battery. Then press the power button.
If the power indicator light still does not turn on, then the AC Adapter needs to be replaced.

If none of the methods above resolved the issue, please contact HP Service and Support for further assistance.

Another Troubleshooting:
Related links: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&product=3439478&lang=en&docname=c00372703
HP Notebook PCs - Troubleshoot a Startup or No Boot Problem in Windows 2000 and XP

Hope might help you!

Regards,
smallminute

Answer 2

WHAT ERROR MESSAGE ? How do you know the optical drive works? The BIOS drive test is only for the hard drive. Did you set it to factory defaults while you were there? If you have enough time to get to F10 menu then you should have time to get to F8 menu. Did you keep on pushing F8 rapidly while it was trying to load. In F10 is it set to load from optical first? If not move the optical drive to the first position. If it already there move the hard drive into the first position. It is posible you got a bootsector virus. That would require a deep format basically a complete wipe of your hard drive. That would have to be done by another machine.

Answer 3

I've experienced a similar situation w/ my last HP. If HP telephone support is unable to help you and Geek Squad (Best Buy?) is of no help either, then you should return your product as defective. Esp. if there is a return time limit (2 weeks, 30 days etc.) You may be charged a "restocking fee" (*****!) but it may be worth your while. Hopefully you paid w/ a credit card so you can dispute the charges if they try make it your problem.

Answer 4

Go into BIOS settings and make sure it sees the hard drive and it is set to boot from it.

Otherwise, use the manufacturer's warranty.

Answer 5

i dont know y ppl hate vista but....if u have warranty get a new one....like the way u said there is no other way to boot it