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HP pavillion 4540

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by lncrwley

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I picked up an HP Pavillion 4540 at a yard sale for $3.00. I asked what was wrong and was told that it kept saying press any key. When any key was pressed it would reboot and say the same thing. I took it home and plugged it in. I can't get past theHP splash screen. It does not go to POST. I thought it might be the processor and got another one that I knew was good. It still won't go past the HP splash screen. When I boot it up, I can hear the hard drive working but that's as far as it goes. Any suggestions????

Lynne

4 replies

by thechas

Looking over information on HP's web site, the Pavillion series use a "quiet boot" set up.

The HP splash screen you are seeing IS the POST test.

Here is a link on how to enter BIOS setup:
http://tinyurl.com/ehhx

I would start by removing and re-seating the RAM modules.

Remove any plug-in cards.

Clear the CMOS / replace the CMOS battery.

Enter BIOS setup, and see what you can disable.

If the problem is not from a loose memory module, or lost BIOS settings, I suspect a friedmodem.

If the victim of a lightning strike, the modem can cause the PCI bus to hang.

If possible, look at the modem area of the system board, and see if there are any signs of burnt or bulging parts.

Best Wishes,

Chas

by lncrwley

Thank you! Once I got into the BIOS, I realized it wasn't reading the hard drive. The boot sequence was off as well. Once that was fixed it booted right up. That computer will be for my childrens' games. Now I can get them off mine!
Thanks again!
Lynne

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