In for repair running Windows Vista, a Compaq Presario C500 which will not start every time.
I have saved all the Data on the HD by removing it and coping the data to another HD.

On other occasions it will start and we see the narrow bar with scrolling blocks moving in this normal start screen, this will sometimes be distorted.

(eg multiple images of the scrolling bar side by side)

There is no battery in the laptop (faulty and owner has removed it)
It has a universal PSU set at 18 volts.
If the start button is pressed some times it will light, or flash 4 or 5 times, also the Mute button to the right of the start button will also light up some times.
If I keep trying some times the PC will start normally,
I have tried with half the Ram removed (normally 1GB) them replaced Ram with the other half.

Still the same..will not start up.

I have replaced the 3 volts battery which was reading 1.57 volts.

I am a qualified electronic engineer but do not know to much about laptops layouts.

Were could I get any advice.
Thanks
Richard

I suspect the flashing leds are POST error codes.

To find out what they mean, you will need to go to HP's web site, and look in the support section for your model. There is doc there for the codes, and what components are likely the problem.

I would also check into the power you have for that system. Flacky power can cause all sorts of problems.

I looked for Model C500, it listed over twenty models. Have a look for a model sticker, often on the bottom of the system to identify the exact model. Error codes may ( probably ) differ on some models, depending on BIOS level and BIOS maker.

1 members found this post helpful.

Thank you Cliff for your advice

Richard.

UK