To identify a specific startup problem, prepare and start your computer as shown below. When the computer stops operating, or displays an error message, review the Problem Descriptions and follow the links to the selected Resolution.

Prepare to Diagnose the Computer

Perform the following actions to prepare the computer for troubleshooting a startup problem.

1. Remove the battery and AC adapter from the notebook.
2. Remove any optical disks (CD or DVD), and disconnect any external devices or peripherals such as USB devices, printers, docking stations etc.
3. Plug the AC adapter directly into a functioning wall socket.
4. Press the Power button to turn on the computer.

Symptoms and Resolutions

When the notebook stops responding or displays an error message, click on the symptom that most closely resembles what is seen on the Notebook PC screen.

• Screen is blank with no cursor or text
• An error message is displayed on a black background
• An error message is displayed on a blue background
• PC stops responding on a red Compaq or blue HP logo screen
• PC Stops responding on the Windows logo screen
• The Microsoft Windows 'Advanced Options Menu' is displayed
• PC stops responding with a blinking cursor is displayed in the upper left corner of a black screen.
• Password is requested but password is forgotten or lost.
• Microsoft Windows starts, but a 'serious error' message is displayed that prompts you to send an error report to Microsoft for evaluation.
• Microsoft Windows starts , but the PC stops responding or restarts automatically
• Display is very dim during and after startup
• Microsoft Windows starts, but runs abnormally slow