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HP Notebook PCs - Computer beeps or a light blinks during startup

If your computer finds a hardware error when you turn it on, it might not start. If the computer beeps or a light blinks, you can use that error code to attempt to resolve the issue.

Understanding HP Notebook PC Light and Beep Codes

In this video, will see how to interpret the light and beep codes on your HP Notebook if you find that it does not start normally. You can use these codes to understand the underlying problem and take further steps accordingly.

Power reset a notebook with a non-removable battery

Perform a power reset (or hard reset) of your notebook to clear information from the computer memory without erasing personal data.

Performing a Hard or Forced Reset on Your HP Notebook (Fixed Battery)

In this video, we will learn how to perform a hard reset on your HP Notebook with a non-removable battery. Sometimes called a forced reset, this allows you to clear the memory if Windows or other software are unresponsive or if there are problems with the display or the computer.

Turn off the computer.
Disconnect the AC adapter.
Remove any discs from the disc drive.
Remove memory cards from the card reader slot.
Disconnect all nonessential peripheral devices, such as printers, scanners, external hard drives, and USB flash drives.
With the AC adapter unplugged, press and hold the power button for approximately 15 seconds.
Reconnect the AC adapter, and then turn on the computer.

Identify the notebook light or beep code

Specific patterns of long and short light emitting diode (LED) blinks, or audible short beeps can help identify a variety of issues.

Note:

Audible beep codes are not supported on all models.

Review the following to reference the light blink or computer beep sequence.

The red caps lock light blinks represent a major error category (long blinks).
The white caps lock light blinks represent a minor error category (short blinks).
On systems that do not have a dual-color light, both long and short blinks are white.

The red light blinks twice, and then two, short white light blinks (2 long red, 2 short white)

This condition indicates that the main area (DXE) of the BIOS has become corrupted and no recovery binary image is available. Recover the BIOS.

Find product and serial numbers on the notebook label or box

Find your product name, number, and serial number on the computer or on the box it shipped in.

On the bottom of the notebook

Inside the battery compartment

Identification label in the battery compartment

On the box that the notebook shipped in

Identification label on the shipping box

On the kickstand

Identification label on the notebook kickstand

Create a BIOS recovery file on a USB drive

Create a BIOS recovery file on a USB flash drive for your notebook computer.

Note:

BIOS configurations vary, depending on computer model. For more information about accessing and navigating the BIOS menu, refer to the documentation for your computer model.

Creating a BIOS Recovery Flash Drive for HP Notebooks

Learn how to create a BIOS recovery flash drive for HP notebooks that have had hard drive failure or no longer have the HP_Tools volume or partition.

Make sure that you have a second working computer with an active internet connection.
Go to the HP Software and Driver Downloads page.
Navigate to the product page for your computer.
Select BIOS, and then review the details of the latest available version or the specific version recommended for the recovery. Confirm it is the correct BIOS update before you continue.

CAUTION:
Read the Details section to confirm that it applies to the computer. Installing the wrong BIOS could cause the computer to stop working.
Click Download, and then click Run.
Click Yes on the User Account Control screen.
On the InstallShield Wizard window, click Next, and then follow the instructions to install the update.
In the HP BIOS Update and Recovery window, click Next.
Select Create Recovery USB flash drive, and then click Next.
Select your USB flash drive, and then click Next.
Wait while the BIOS files copy to the USB flash drive.
When the message The recovery flash drive was created successfully displays, click Finish.
Close the update utility, and then remove the flash drive from the computer.

Install a BIOS recovery file from a USB drive

Install a BIOS recovery file on a USB flash drive for your notebook computer.

Restoring the BIOS with a Recovery Flash Drive on HP Notebooks

Learn how to restore the BIOS with a recovery flash drive on HP notebooks.

Turn off the notebook that requires the BIOS recovery, and then wait 5 to 10 seconds.
Make sure that the power cord is connected to the notebook. Keep it connected during the recovery process.
Insert the USB flash drive with the BIOS file into an available USB port on the notebook.
Press and hold the Windows key and the b key simultaneously, and then press and hold the power button for 2 to 3 seconds. On some notebook models, it might be necessary to press and hold the Windows key and the v key.
Select Yes to confirm.
Release the power button but continue pressing the Windows and b or v keys. You might hear a series of beeps.

The HP BIOS Update screen is displayed and the recovery begins automatically.
Follow any prompts to continue the startup and complete the recovery.
- If a message displays that the computer improperly shut down or a boot problem is detected, follow the on-screen instructions to resolve the error.
- If HP BIOS Update does not display or the issue persists, your computer might not support this function or there is a hard drive issue. Go to HP Customer Support for assistance.

The red light blinks twice, and then three, short white light blinks (2 long red, 3 short white)

This condition indicates that the Embedded Controller/Keyboard Controller policy requires you to type a key sequence. Reset the embedded controller.

Disconnect the AC power from the computer.
Press and hold the power button for more than 12 seconds, and then release.
Wait for the computer to turn on and start normally.
Reconnect the AC power to the computer.

The red light blinks twice, and then four, short white light blinks (2 long red, 4 short white)

This condition indicates that the Embedded Controller/Keyboard Controller is checking or recovering the boot block. Reset the embedded controller.

Disconnect the AC power from the computer.
Press and hold the power button for more than 12 seconds, and then release.
Wait for the computer to turn on and start normally.
Reconnect the AC power to the computer.

The red light blinks three times, and then two, short white light blinks (3 long red, 2 short white)

This condition indicates a potential memory failure. Reseat the memory module from inside the computer.

CAUTION:

This product contains components that can be damaged by electrostatic discharge (ESD). HP recommends using an anti-static wrist strap and working over a non-carpeted floor with a conductive foam pad to reduce the to reduce the chance of electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage.

Turn off the computer, disconnect the power cord, and then remove the battery.
Turn over the computer, and then remove the cover to access the memory.

Some computers might not have a cover that provides access to the memory. Have the computer serviced if you cannot access the memory.
Locate the memory module.

To find the location of the memory module, go to HP Customer Support, and then open the Maintenance and Service Guide for installed memory information for your computer.
Ground yourself to discharge any static electricity by placing one hand on the case of the computer, and then touch the other hand to a metal surface or grounded object, such as the metal part of a lamp.
Reseat the memory modules in the computer, aligning the notches on the modules with the tabs in the memory slot. Press down on the memory module to secure the it in place.
Replace the cover, battery, and then plug in power cord.
Turn on the computer.
Confirm that the computer can start up and run in the Windows operating system.

Contact HP Customer Support if the computer does not start into Windows.

The red light blinks three times, and then three, short white light blinks (3 long red, 3 short white)

This condition indicates a potential graphic chip failure.

Contact HP Customer Support for repair due to graphics or video failure.

The red light blinks three times, and then four, short white light blinks (3 long red, 4 short white)

This condition indicates a potential power system failure.

Check the power cable connections.
Confirm that any external power adapter has sufficient capacity for the system.

The red light blinks three times, and then five, short white light blinks (3 long red, 5 short white)

This condition indicates that the computer does not detect the processor (CPU).

Contact HP Customer Support for repair due to system board or CPU failure.

The red light blinks three times, and then six, short white light blinks (3 long red, 6 short white)

This condition indicates that the processor does not support an enabled feature.

Clear the CMOS, and then do not use the chosen setting.
If you confirm the CPU supports the setting, replace the CPU.

The red light blinks four times, and then two, short white light blinks (4 long red, 2 short white)

This condition indicates that the processor (CPU) might be overheating. When temperatures inside the computer rise, the risk of damaging important internal components increases. Decrease the risk by reducing the heat inside the computer.

Clean the notebook air vents

Clean the notebook air vents to remove any dust or debris that might have accumulated in and around the air vents over time. Dust and debris can obstruct the airflow and cause the fans to work harder than normal to remove the heat.

Turn off the computer, disconnect the power cord and cables, and then wait for the computer to cool down.
Move any objects near the computer.
Find the vents on your notebook. They are usually underneath and on the sides of the computer.
Use canned air to remove the dust from the vents.
Wait for the computer to cool down, approximately 10 minutes.
Reconnect the power cord, and then turn on the computer.

The red light blinks four times, and then three, short white light blinks (4 long red, 3 short white)

This condition indicates that the ambient temperature might be too high. When temperatures inside the computer rise, the risk of damaging important internal components increases. Decrease the risk by reducing the heat inside the computer.

Clean the notebook air vents

Turn off the computer, disconnect the power cord and cables, and then wait for the computer to cool down.
Move any objects near the computer.
Find the vents on your notebook. They are usually underneath and on the sides of the computer.
Use canned air to remove the dust from the vents.
Wait for the computer to cool down, approximately 10 minutes.
Reconnect the power cord, and then turn on the computer.

The red light blinks four times, and then four, short white light blinks (4 long red, 4 short white)

This condition indicates that the graphics processing unit (GPU) might be overheating. When temperatures inside the computer rise, the risk of damaging important internal components increases. Decrease the risk by reducing the heat inside the computer.

Clean the notebook air vents

Turn off the computer, disconnect the power cord and cables, and then wait for the computer to cool down.
Move any objects near the computer.
Find the vents on your notebook. They are usually underneath and on the sides of the computer.
Use canned air to remove the dust from the vents.
Wait for the computer to cool down, approximately 10 minutes.
Reconnect the power cord, and then turn on the computer.

The red light blinks five times, and then two, short white light blinks (5 long red, 2 short white)

This condition indicates that the Embedded Controller/Keyboard Controller cannot find valid firmware. Reset the embedded controller.

Disconnect the AC power from the computer.
Press and hold the power button for more than 12 seconds, and then release.
Wait for the computer to turn on and start normally.
Reconnect the AC power to the computer.

The red light blinks five times, and then three, short white light blinks (5 long red, 3 short white)

This condition indicates that the embedded controller cannot reach the BIOS within the established time limit.

Remove all accessory devices from the notebook.
Contact HP Customer Support if the issue persists.

The red light blinks five times, and then four, short white light blinks (5 long red, 4 short white)

This condition indicates that the embedded controller reaches its time limit waiting for the BIOS to return from system board initialization.

Remove all accessory devices from the notebook.
Contact HP Customer Support if the issue persists.

Notebook battery power light is off or blinks

The battery power light that is off or blinking indicates the condition of the power supply.

Connecting the AC power adapter

Connect the HP AC power adapter to an HP notebook to charge the battery and power the notebook.

Confirm that the power adapter and the notebook are both genuine HP parts.

CAUTION:
Do not use an HP power adapter on non-HP equipment and do not use a non-HP power adapter on HP equipment.
Connect the DC connector to the power port on the notebook and make sure that the connector is completely inserted into the power port.

Connect the power cord to the power adapter, and then connect the power cord to a working AC wall outlet.

Note:

Power cords vary in appearance by region and country.

Callout	Description
1	AC power adapter
2	DC connector
3	Power cord

Make sure that the notebook is receiving power

Check the wall outlet, AC adapter, and notebook for signs that the system is receiving power.

Disconnect the AC adapter from the wall outlet.
Test the wall outlet by plugging in a small lamp or other device that you know is working.

If the wall outlet is not providing power, test the lamp or other device on different wall outlets until you find a working wall outlet to use.
Make sure that the AC adapter cords are securely connected to the AC adapter and the notebook.
Reconnect the AC adapter to the wall outlet, and then confirm that the light on the AC adapter is on. If the light is not on, there might be a problem with the AC adapter.

Note:
Some AC adapters do not have a light indicator.
Check the power port on the computer to make sure that the light is on. If the light is not on, the AC adapter might not be working correctly or the notebook system board might be damaged. Contact HP Customer Support for further assistance.
If you have a power cord that you know works, try using that power cord with your AC adapter. If it works, the power cord needs to be replaced and not your AC adapter.
Locate the Windows battery icon.

Note:
Windows displays a battery charging activity icon in the system tray. You can find this icon on the Windows desktop, next to the time and date.
- If the battery charging icon is displayed, the AC adapter is working correctly and powering the notebook.
- If the battery power meter icon is displayed, the AC adapter is not working correctly, and needs to be replaced.

Order an AC adapter

AC adapters are designed for specific notebook models. Find your product number, and then use it to order an AC adapter from the HP Parts Store.

Note:

Some countries or regions might not be supported when ordering parts from HP. See your local HP retailer or contact HP directly to purchase additional AC adapters, batteries, or other parts.

Find the product number for your notebook. Do one of the following: , or press fn + esc to open the HP System Information window.
- Look on the notebook for a product information tag
- In Windows, search for and open HP Support Assistant. The system information is shown on the main screen.
Note:
In Windows 10, you might need to download HP System Information from the Microsoft Store.
Go to the HP Parts Store.
In the Find your part field enter your product number, and then press the enter key.

Note:
Remove the suffix from the product number. For example, DZ357U#ABA is entered as DZ357U.
If prompted, select your model number.
In the Category search box, select Batteries and Adapters from the drop-down menu. One or more compatible AC adapters is displayed in a parts list.

Note:
Unless explicitly written in the description, the AC adapter does not come with a power cord (the cable that connects to the AC adapter and the wall outlet).
To choose a AC adapter, type the quantity, and then select the check box in the last column.
Click Proceed to checkout to finish ordering the part, or click Add to Cart to add the part and continue shopping for other parts.

Contact HP Customer Support

Contact HP Customer Support for further assistance if the issue persists.

Go to HP Customer Support - Contact.
Enter your product serial number to view warranty status and to change your location, if necessary.
Select a support option. Support options vary by country/region.

Additional support options

Try one of our automated tools or diagnostics

Ask a question on our HP Support Community page

Get in touch with one of our support agents

Enter a topic to search our knowledge library

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