18 replies to this topic

[High-Tone]

Hi, I have been having this problem for the past five days now. Whenever I try to get my laptop out of sleep mode it computer comes on, I can tell by the indicator lights around the border of the monitor, but the monitor itself remains black. To get the monitor going again, I usually have to power the machine off at least two or three times. My laptop is an HP Pavilion, model tx1110ca, running Vista Home Premium. It has an Nvidia GeForcd Go 6150 graphics card. I updated the display driver with the most recent one found on HP's site. I have tried to do a system restore, but I can't complete the restore because one the machine restarts the screen is also black. I must hard boot, and then the restore fails. On the restart, I only have to Hard Boot once, but coming out of sleep it might take two or three hard boots. Thank you.

[jephree]

Greetings,

Here is the HP main page for your model:

http://h10025.www1.h...t...ng=en&cc=us

I am clicking: Solve a Problem then Monitor; graphics; etc.

http://h10025.www1.h...product=3388321

From the FAQ all I find is: Notebook PC May Intermittently Shut Down and Reboot With No Display

http://h10025.www1.h...product=3388321

The suggestion is the latest drivers and BIOS.

Your symptoms can also indicate a failing LCD screen.

When you boot/reboot do you always see the HP splash screen? Can you access the BIOS Setup? In other words is it just Windows failing or does the BIOS fail to show as well?

[High-Tone]

Thank you for your response Jephree, it was very comprehensive. I took your advice and tried to update the BIOS, but found that the latest version was already installed. The notebook symptoms also worsened today, it is now powering itself off after a few minutes maximum. >> When you boot/reboot do you always see the HP splash screen? No splash screen, just darkness, until I power off a few times. >> Can you access the BIOS Setup? Yes, when the monitor does come on I am able to enter the BIOS. I chatted with an HP tech tonight and she had me sit in the BIOS for many minutes without touching the computer and it did not power off. I am currently running the Hard Disk Self Test. Will post an update later.

[jephree]

Thanks for the update. Let us know how it goes. You might also consider a Heat issue. Do you notice a change in the heat of the laptop? Have you ever cleaned it inside? If you are in contact with an HP tech you might also ask about possible heat issues and cleaning.

[High-Tone]

I haven't noticed a change of heat. It has always run quite hot, even when brand new. I try to ensure that it is well ventilated when I use it. I'm not in contact with the tech at the moment, our chat had ended. I have never cleaned inside, but I did a google and it seems like others with similar symptoms resoved them by cleaning inside, I'll give it a shot. Thanks again. My Hard Disk Self Test just complted, it passed. The tech recommended doing a full restore after determining the hard disk is not faulty.

[jephree]

This might help:

http://h10025.www1.h...product=3388321

Also:

http://h10025.www1.h...n...88321&lang=



...

Edited by jephree, 28 March 2009 - 10:14 PM.

[High-Tone]

Hi Jephree, Thank you for the new links. 1) After running the Disk Test last night, the monitor would no longer come on. 2) I used the compressed air to clean the computer, still no motor. 3) I connected it to the TV, but no use, as I believe Windows must be logged in to switch to external display. 4) I connected it to a CRT monitor, but no effect. Thanks.

[jephree]

Are you running off the AC adapter?

[High-Tone]

Yes.

[jephree]

At first I would have suspected the LCD panel but the external monitor failure as well sort of throws that out. As it is not even getting the HP screen or BIOS I would also not suspect Windows at this time. The shutdown issue, if not heat, still points towards hardware. If you start it up and leave it on even though there is no display will it stay on or does it still shut itself down?

[High-Tone]

I agree, I was suspecting the LCD also. I've connected it the TV in the past, but never an external monitor, should automatically come on when it's plugged into the laptop? Last night I ran in the BIOS for over an hour when the disk test was running, so I don't think it's heat. It has been running for a couple of hours now with no display and hasn't shut down.

[jephree]

I believe it should auto-detect but am not certain. I will download the manual tonight and see if I can find anything there. At the moment I must run out for a few hours. If it were a desktop I'd tell you to clear your CMOS but I am not sure that is an option on that laptop. That is something to check in the manual as well.

[High-Tone]

Thanks Jephree.

[jephree]

Here is the end user manual:

http://h10032.www1.h...l/c00818934.pdf

OK here we have the key to test your exterior monitor:

Alternate between computer display and external display. fn+f4

With your external connected press fn+f4

Also review the function lights on page 6 and let us know what lights you see.


Here is your service manual:

http://h10032.www1.h...l/c00853874.pdf

If the external monitor still fails after the switch then:

If you are comfortable in opening this laptop please read through this manual as to ESD protection and all safety features mentioned.

If you are not then taking it to a shop might be your best bet or re-contacting HP for further assistance. Do the latter especially if you are still under any warranty.

The first thing I would try is re-seat your RAM as seen on page 43.

To clear the CMOS you need to temporarily remove then replace the motherboard or RTC battery as seen on page 62.

You will note if you go this far it requires removing the keyboard and other components first so you are getting into a somewhat extended project at this point.

Those are the two most basic operations which might trigger a resolution to your issue.

[High-Tone]

>> Alternate between computer display and external display. fn+f4 This had no effect. In the past, when outputting to the TV, Windows had to be logged in to switch with fn+f4 >> Also review the function lights on page 6 and let us know what lights you see. The power light and battery lights remain light, the drive light blinks for a 2 or 3 seconds then goes dark. The four lights listed on page 7 remain lit. >> The first thing I would try is re-seat your RAM as seen on page 43. I tried this, but it had no effect. >> To clear the CMOS you need to temporarily remove then replace the motherboard or RTC battery as seen on page 62. This was more involved than I felt comfortable with. I think I'll need a tech to do this for me.