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

Use the BIOS Setup Utility to perform a memory self-test.

1. Make sure that the power cord is plugged in the computer.

2. Turn off the computer, but leave the power cord plugged in.

3. Turn on the computer, and then immediately press the f10 key repeatedly until the BIOS Setup menu opens.

4. In the BIOS Setup Utility, use the arrow keys to select Diagnostics, and then select Memory Test.

5. Press enter, and then select Yes.

6. Wait for the test to complete.

7. After the test completes, note the results, and then press f10 to Save and Exit.

8. Press enter to Exit Saving Changes.

Reseat the memory module from inside the computer.

1. Turn off the computer, and then disconnect the power cord and any cables.

2. Remove the side access panel.

   

3. Find 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Replace the side access panel, and then plug in power cord.

7. Turn on the computer.

8. 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.

Reset the Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) data for your computer.

1. Turn off your computer, and then disconnect the power cord and any cables from the computer.

2. Make sure that you have the model number for your computer, go to HP Customer Support, and then navigate to the product page for your computer.

3. Open the specifications document or service guide for system board information, and then find the steps for resetting the CMOS.

   The steps for resetting the CMOS might be named Clearing CMOS or similar.

   • If the guide lists steps to reset the CMOS: Follow the instructions.

   • If the guide does not list steps to reset the CMOS: Continue with these steps.

4. With the computer turned off, press the power button ten (10) times to fully discharge electricity from the system.

5. Ground yourself to discharge any static electricity. Place one hand on the case of the computer, and then place the other hand on a metal surface or grounded object, such as the metal part of a lamp.

6. Open the computer to access to the system board.

7. Remove or disconnect the CMOS battery from the system board.

   

8. Confirm that all sources of electricity are removed or disconnected from the computer, including the CMOS battery.

9. Press the power button for a minimum of 60 seconds to drain all power from the computer and reset the CMOS values on the system board.

10. Reconnect or reinstall the CMOS battery, and then close the computer.

11. Plug in the power cord to the desktop, and then turn on the computer.

    A message is displayed that confirms CMOS reset. The message varies by model.

    

12. Confirm that the Time in BIOS is set to 00:00.

    If not, repeat the steps to reset the CMOS, but press and hold the power button for 120 seconds when draining all the power from the computer.

Inspect the fans inside the computer to make sure that they are working as expected.

1. Turn on the computer.

2. Find the fans inside the case. Locations vary by computer model.

   CAUTION:

   You can use a flashlight to help you find each fan, but avoid using the flashlight inside the computer to prevent damaging internal parts.

   

   Callout	Fan type
   1	Power supply fan
   2	Graphics card fan
   3	Processor fan
   4	Power supply fan vent
   5	Case fan vent
   6	Case fan

3. Note any fans that might not be working or are making loud, growling noises.

Clean the desktop 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.

1. Turn off the computer, disconnect the power cord and cables, and then wait for the computer to cool down.

2. Use a vacuum to clean all exterior vents, especially around the power supply vent.

   CAUTION:

   To avoid damaging internal components, do not use the vacuum inside the computer.

   

3. Remove the side panel back from the computer.

   

4. Use canned air to clean the fans and components inside the computer.

5. Replace the side panel, reconnect the power cord, and then turn on the computer.

Reset the Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) data for your computer.

1. Turn off your computer, and then disconnect the power cord and any cables from the computer.

2. Make sure that you have the model number for your computer, go to HP Customer Support, and then navigate to the product page for your computer.

3. Open the specifications document or service guide for system board information, and then find the steps for resetting the CMOS.

   The steps for resetting the CMOS might be named Clearing CMOS or similar.

   • If the guide lists steps to reset the CMOS: Follow the instructions.

   • If the guide does not list steps to reset the CMOS: Continue with these steps.

4. With the computer turned off, press the power button ten (10) times to fully discharge electricity from the system.

5. Ground yourself to discharge any static electricity. Place one hand on the case of the computer, and then place the other hand on a metal surface or grounded object, such as the metal part of a lamp.

6. Open the computer to access to the system board.

7. Remove or disconnect the CMOS battery from the system board.

   

8. Confirm that all sources of electricity are removed or disconnected from the computer, including the CMOS battery.

9. Press the power button for a minimum of 60 seconds to drain all power from the computer and reset the CMOS values on the system board.

10. Reconnect or reinstall the CMOS battery, and then close the computer.

11. Plug in the power cord to the desktop, and then turn on the computer.

    A message is displayed that confirms CMOS reset. The message varies by model.

    

12. Confirm that the Time in BIOS is set to 00:00.

    If not, repeat the steps to reset the CMOS, but press and hold the power button for 120 seconds when draining all the power from the computer.

Prepare to replace a part of the computer by making sure that your computer, components, and workspace are ready.

1. Turn off the computer, and then wait for the components to cool.

2. Disconnect the power cord and any cables from the computer, and then unplug the power cord from the wall outlet, surge protector, extension cable, or power strip.

3. Transfer the computer to a clear, flat, stable worksurface over a noncarpeted floor with a conductive foam pad to reduce the chance of electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage. HP recommends using antistatic wrist straps.

4. Keep and parts or components in their protective packaging until you are ready to install them.

5. Make sure that you have a Phillips or Flathead screwdriver, depending on your computer model.

Thermal paste can dry out and crack over time, making the fans inside the computer work harder and putting extra strain on the processor. Replace the thermal paste between the heat sink and processor to help the computer maintain an optimal internal temperature.

1. Turn off the computer, disconnect the power cord and any cables, and then wait for the components to cool.

2. Gather the following materials:

   • Thermal paste

   • A flathead or TR15 screwdriver

   • Cotton swabs or microfiber cloth

   • An electrostatic discharge (ESD) wrist strap or conductive foam pad for proper grounding

   • Cleaning solution, such as isopropyl alcohol or thermal compound cleaner

     CAUTION:

     Avoid using standard 70% rubbing alcohol as it can cause corrosion and damage internal parts.

3. Disconnect the power cord and any cables from the computer.

4. Push the side panel back and away from the computer, and then set the panel aside.

   Warning:

   The edges of metal panels can cut skin. Be careful not to slide skin along any interior metal edge of the computer.

5. Carefully place the desktop on its side so the system board is parallel with the worksurface.

6. Ground yourself to remove any built-up electrostatic discharge (ESD) before reaching 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.

7. Disconnect the processor fan power cable from the system board.

   

8. Remove the four screws around the processor fan in a star pattern, instead of clockwise, to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the system board.

   

9. Pull the fan up and away from the system board, and then set it with the fan facing down on a level surface.

10. Lightly dampen a cotton swab or microfiber cloth with cleaning solution, such as isopropyl alcohol.

    

11. Find the thermal paste on the processor.

    

    Callout	Description
    1	Heat sink
    2	Processor

12. Gently clean the surface of the processor until all thermal paste is removed.

    CAUTION:

    Do not remove the processor chip from its socket. There are delicate pins that can be damaged easily.

    

13. Clean the surface of the heat sink until all of the thermal paste is removed.

    

14. Check the heat sink and processor edges for thermal paste, and then clean off any paste found.

15. Apply a pea-sized amount of thermal paste in the center of the processor.

    

16. Center the heat sink on top of the processor, and then align the screws with the matching holes on the system board.

    

17. Secure the screws in a star pattern until there is resistance.

    CAUTION:

    Do not over-tighten the screws. The excess pressure can damage the processor socket and cause the system board to crack.

    

18. Reconnect the fan power cable into its slot on the system board.

19. Secure the side panel back onto the computer.

20. Reconnect the power cord, and then turn on the computer.

Inspect the fans inside the computer to make sure that they are working as expected.

1. Turn on the computer.

2. Find the fans inside the case. Locations vary by computer model.

   CAUTION:

   You can use a flashlight to help you find each fan, but avoid using the flashlight inside the computer to prevent damaging internal parts.

   

   Callout	Fan type
   1	Power supply fan
   2	Graphics card fan
   3	Processor fan
   4	Power supply fan vent
   5	Case fan vent
   6	Case fan

3. Note any fans that might not be working or are making loud, growling noises.

Clean the desktop 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.

1. Turn off the computer, disconnect the power cord and cables, and then wait for the computer to cool down.

2. Use a vacuum to clean all exterior vents, especially around the power supply vent.

   CAUTION:

   To avoid damaging internal components, do not use the vacuum inside the computer.

   

3. Remove the side panel back from the computer.

   

4. Use canned air to clean the fans and components inside the computer.

5. Replace the side panel, reconnect the power cord, and then turn on the computer.

Reset the Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) data for your computer.

1. Turn off your computer, and then disconnect the power cord and any cables from the computer.

2. Make sure that you have the model number for your computer, go to HP Customer Support, and then navigate to the product page for your computer.

3. Open the specifications document or service guide for system board information, and then find the steps for resetting the CMOS.

   The steps for resetting the CMOS might be named Clearing CMOS or similar.

   • If the guide lists steps to reset the CMOS: Follow the instructions.

   • If the guide does not list steps to reset the CMOS: Continue with these steps.

4. With the computer turned off, press the power button ten (10) times to fully discharge electricity from the system.

5. Ground yourself to discharge any static electricity. Place one hand on the case of the computer, and then place the other hand on a metal surface or grounded object, such as the metal part of a lamp.

6. Open the computer to access to the system board.

7. Remove or disconnect the CMOS battery from the system board.

   

8. Confirm that all sources of electricity are removed or disconnected from the computer, including the CMOS battery.

9. Press the power button for a minimum of 60 seconds to drain all power from the computer and reset the CMOS values on the system board.

10. Reconnect or reinstall the CMOS battery, and then close the computer.

11. Plug in the power cord to the desktop, and then turn on the computer.

    A message is displayed that confirms CMOS reset. The message varies by model.

    

12. Confirm that the Time in BIOS is set to 00:00.

    If not, repeat the steps to reset the CMOS, but press and hold the power button for 120 seconds when draining all the power from the computer.

Inspect the fans inside the computer to make sure that they are working as expected.

1. Turn on the computer.

2. Find the fans inside the case. Locations vary by computer model.

   CAUTION:

   You can use a flashlight to help you find each fan, but avoid using the flashlight inside the computer to prevent damaging internal parts.

   

   Callout	Fan type
   1	Power supply fan
   2	Graphics card fan
   3	Processor fan
   4	Power supply fan vent
   5	Case fan vent
   6	Case fan

3. Note any fans that might not be working or are making loud, growling noises.

Clean the desktop 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.

1. Turn off the computer, disconnect the power cord and cables, and then wait for the computer to cool down.

2. Use a vacuum to clean all exterior vents, especially around the power supply vent.

   CAUTION:

   To avoid damaging internal components, do not use the vacuum inside the computer.

   

3. Remove the side panel back from the computer.

   

4. Use canned air to clean the fans and components inside the computer.

5. Replace the side panel, reconnect the power cord, and then turn on the computer.

Reset the Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) data for your computer.

1. Turn off your computer, and then disconnect the power cord and any cables from the computer.

2. Make sure that you have the model number for your computer, go to HP Customer Support, and then navigate to the product page for your computer.

3. Open the specifications document or service guide for system board information, and then find the steps for resetting the CMOS.

   The steps for resetting the CMOS might be named Clearing CMOS or similar.

   • If the guide lists steps to reset the CMOS: Follow the instructions.

   • If the guide does not list steps to reset the CMOS: Continue with these steps.

4. With the computer turned off, press the power button ten (10) times to fully discharge electricity from the system.

5. Ground yourself to discharge any static electricity. Place one hand on the case of the computer, and then place the other hand on a metal surface or grounded object, such as the metal part of a lamp.

6. Open the computer to access to the system board.

7. Remove or disconnect the CMOS battery from the system board.

   

8. Confirm that all sources of electricity are removed or disconnected from the computer, including the CMOS battery.

9. Press the power button for a minimum of 60 seconds to drain all power from the computer and reset the CMOS values on the system board.

10. Reconnect or reinstall the CMOS battery, and then close the computer.

11. Plug in the power cord to the desktop, and then turn on the computer.

    A message is displayed that confirms CMOS reset. The message varies by model.

    

12. Confirm that the Time in BIOS is set to 00:00.

    If not, repeat the steps to reset the CMOS, but press and hold the power button for 120 seconds when draining all the power from the computer.

Remove any recently installed hardware if the computer is not working as expected.

1. Check your computer for any recently installed hardware.

2. Remove any recently installed hardware.

Reset the Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) data for your computer.

1. Turn off your computer, and then disconnect the power cord and any cables from the computer.

2. Make sure that you have the model number for your computer, go to HP Customer Support, and then navigate to the product page for your computer.

3. Open the specifications document or service guide for system board information, and then find the steps for resetting the CMOS.

   The steps for resetting the CMOS might be named Clearing CMOS or similar.

   • If the guide lists steps to reset the CMOS: Follow the instructions.

   • If the guide does not list steps to reset the CMOS: Continue with these steps.

4. With the computer turned off, press the power button ten (10) times to fully discharge electricity from the system.

5. Ground yourself to discharge any static electricity. Place one hand on the case of the computer, and then place the other hand on a metal surface or grounded object, such as the metal part of a lamp.

6. Open the computer to access to the system board.

7. Remove or disconnect the CMOS battery from the system board.

   

8. Confirm that all sources of electricity are removed or disconnected from the computer, including the CMOS battery.

9. Press the power button for a minimum of 60 seconds to drain all power from the computer and reset the CMOS values on the system board.

10. Reconnect or reinstall the CMOS battery, and then close the computer.

11. Plug in the power cord to the desktop, and then turn on the computer.

    A message is displayed that confirms CMOS reset. The message varies by model.

    

12. Confirm that the Time in BIOS is set to 00:00.

    If not, repeat the steps to reset the CMOS, but press and hold the power button for 120 seconds when draining all the power from the computer.

Use HP Support Assistant to find and install updates, including BIOS updates, for your computer with Windows.

1. In Windows, search for and open HP Support Assistant, or click the app icon in the taskbar.

   Note:

   Make sure that you are using HP Support Assistant version 8 or later. If this version of the app is not installed on your computer, download the latest version from the HP Support Assistant website.

2. On the My Dashboard tab, find your computer, and then click Updates.

3. Wait while HP Support Assistant analyzes the system.

4. After the analysis completes, select the listed updates, download and install the updates, and then follow any on-screen instructions.

5. If prompted, restart the computer, and then close the tool.