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Thread ID: 118414	2011-06-03 05:30:00	Laptop froze and no longer functional	chemikills (16401)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
1206606	2011-06-03 05:30:00	I have an HQ Compaq tc4200 laptop I was using it this morning and it was working fine. However a couple of hours later I jump on, load up the internet click a few links when all of a sudden the mouse pointer moves around a bit, all windows are minimised, then the mouse pointer disappears and the computer freezes. I hit Ctrl+Alt+Del and wait, nothing happens I do it again a couple of times over about 15 minutes at which point I'm having no luck getting anywhere I switch it off unconventionally and try reboot. The fan turns on, as does the power button but I have no display. I tried waiting longer for the boot up and then invisibly logging in but it would seem that didn't work (no login noise). So basically I'd like some info on what the potential problem is. It would seem unlike other problems I have had with the laptop, this one will be harder for me to fix myself. The current plan is to leave it running until the battery dies (or should I just pull the battery out), because that's all I can really do in the hope that something works again. I'm just holding out for some advice that could save me a lot of money in having to get this investigated by someone else. After a quick look on the internet a few things were mentioned with similar problems 1) Startup with an external harddrive (USB, installation CD or the like). However not sure how to do this with no display it would seem tricky to me. 2) Remove the ram, however this sounds like I'll have to open the laptop, something I'm not that keen to do without guided help Other possibly related recent problem: Recently when connecting via AC power with my adaptor I've occasionally had the batter charging notification flickering. So it would flicker between the battery power symbol and the battery charging symbol. I wasn't sure why this was happening but assumed it was the University's power supply (it only ever happened when I used my AC adaptor, which I only used at Uni) Also whilst this battery flicker occurred, occasionally the mouse would move itself and quit my open windows. This happened perhaps 4-5 times in the past week or 2 and perhaps it was a warning sign for my now severe problem (should have backed up *sigh*) Anyway that's my problem, thanks for reading and hopefully you can help :)	chemikills (16401)
1206607	2011-06-03 05:36:00	Welcome to PressF1. However a couple of hours later I jump on, ... I have found most laptops don't respond well to being jumped on :). Sorry, couldn't resist. Can't help with the main problem, alas, but I am sure there are people here who can.	Tony (4941)
1206608	2011-06-03 13:25:00	Hi chemikills Most laptops have a crappy power input plug. Often they will break away from the motherboard. I think this is what has happened in your case. Most times it's a simple matter of resoldering the contacts back again. The plug might be broken internally as well. Suggest you get professional help if this is the case. The problem could be in the power supply but not likely. Seems to me, you are running your lappie on battery most of the time. Just because the fan is going and the power button works doesn't mean squat. The display is going to draw more current. Seems to me, your battery is so flat as to be next to useless. First thing I would do is give it a decent recharge. Know anybody who has the same laptop. Use one of them to recharge your battery. Remember the battery was supplying power when the power supply could not. Do not allow your battery to go completely flat as they are don't like that. You may have to buy another if you do. Wriggle the plug around. If you have similar issues then the powerplug in the lappie needs attention. Seems like this could be quite a common occurrance in thi model. Read THIS. (h30499.www3.hp.com) Hope this helps... BURNZEE	Burnzee (6950)
1206609	2011-06-03 22:23:00	Hi Burnzee Thanks for your reply, I'll look into this, however I'm immediatly doubtful this is the case. I run the laptop off my docking station most of the time and when available I use the AC adaptor. When the laptop froze up the battery was fully charged as it had been on the docking station all night. My battery has over 3 hours life in it usually . I can recharge my battery by the docking station I believe. After the laptop froze I chose to leave it running to drain the battery (the fan was running at a higher rate than usual and who knows what else was going on). So I've done that and now removed the battery in the hope of draining all current might do something for it. But again thanks heaps for your reply I appreciate the time you put in :)	chemikills (16401)
1206610	2011-06-04 09:10:00	"After the laptop froze I chose to leave it running to drain the battery (the fan was running at a higher rate than usual and who knows what else was going on). So I've done that and now removed the battery in the hope of draining all current might do something for it." That process has completed and I then recharged it and am currently using it, yay! Based on the fact that draining the current from my laptop allowed it to revive, anyone have any ideas what the problem may have been? Always good to know to be able to keep tabs on it. Going to backup now and hope for further life :)	chemikills (16401)
1206611	2011-06-04 11:26:00	Don't know what went wrong but it has had a hard reset. To kill power to the laptop I would have removed the battery rather than run it flat. Much quicker and better for the battery (but they do have protective circuitry!). Glad it is working, now.	linw (53)
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