HP g6000 Blank screen

rose28454

My daughter has a HP G6000 that is about 3 years old. Has been reliable on the whole but now has a problem. When it is switched on most of the time just get a blank boot screen and wont boot up. Just took me about 10 attempts at switching on and off before I got it to work. Any ideas what to try. I have a new external hard drive so can remove all data if necessary.

bikerchris

Hi Rose,

When you press the on button, do you see any lights? You probably know, but the on button should be illuminated when you turn it on - is it illuminated? Also, there are 3 other lights to the left of the touchpad and on the edge, do any of them stay on/off or flicker?

Does it sound like it's turned on, i.e. fan noise/hard drive noise?

rose28454

bikerchris wrote: »

Hi Rose,

When you press the on button, do you see any lights? You probably know, but the on button should be illuminated when you turn it on - is it illuminated? Also, there are 3 other lights to the left of the touchpad and on the edge, do any of them stay on/off or flicker?

Does it sound like it's turned on, i.e. fan noise/hard drive noise?

Yes the on button is on plus of the 3 buttons at left han corner on button is on, plus the one with what looks like a flash and the third one which looks like a stack of records is flashing sporadically. The fan does come on even when the screen does not as do the lights as mentioned. It is working now and I am typing this on it.

bikerchris

Right, the one that looks like a stack of records and flashes (well described!), in general shows that the main 'innards' are working. At this point I would assume there is either a problem with the cable to the screen, or the internal graphics chip.

From a quick look on the net, it seems this model can have issues with the graphics chip, so you have two options (you're likely to go with the first):

• Accept that 3 years is a reasonable time for a laptop and buy a replacement
  
• Find a local (and qualified) PC specialist to diagnose the problem - the faulty component has an extended warranty, you would have to prove it's faulty before getting a new part. They may or may not pay for the PC Specialist to install it as well as pay for the initial diagnosis - but this could turn into a long road, as you also need to find proof of purchase from 3 years ago.

If you were a client of mine (I do Residential/Small Business PC support), I would recommend replacing the laptop because it's simply not cost effective to pay someone like me to resolve the problem from start to finish - you could pay at least half way towards a new machine instead.

I hope that helps, sorry I can't be more positive.

rose28454

bikerchris wrote: »

• Accept that 3 years is a reasonable time for a laptop and buy a replacement
  
• Find a local (and qualified) PC specialist to diagnose the problem - the faulty component has an extended warranty, you would have to prove it's faulty before getting a new part. They may or may not pay for the PC Specialist to install it as well as pay for the initial diagnosis - but this could turn into a long road, as you also need to find proof of purchase from 3 years ago.

If you were a client of mine (I do Residential/Small Business PC support), I would recommend replacing the laptop because it's simply not cost effective to pay someone like me to resolve the problem from start to finish - you could pay at least half way towards a new machine instead.

I hope that helps, sorry I can't be more positive.

Yes that would seem to be a reasonable suggestion. The screen was replaced under an insurance claim about 18 months ago but dont think it is still covered. I think it is just a case of removing all her data to the other hard drive and just accepting it will probably stop working altogether soon.

bikerchris

When it does work, get the information off as soon as possible. Don't forget, if it does 'die', because this is a graphic related issue the information will still be intact. Normally you can remove the hard drive and plug it into another machine (via a SATA-USB adaptor) and access the contents.

Hope I've helped - and if I have, clicking the 'thanks' button is always nice

robmar0se

A few other things to try.....
1) One of the F function keys allows you to turn the screen off - its F4 on mine - have you tried toggling this?
2) Try attaching an external monitor, and use the same F function key to see if you get a picture?
3) Could you in a dark room see any shadow of what might be on the screen?

Its possible that the screen may have gone again, might be the inverter, or just the screen cable needs reconnecting or replacing all possible (as well as the motherboard, but the other possibilities would be cheaper to resolve)

rose28454

bikerchris wrote: »

When it does work, get the information off as soon as possible. Don't forget, if it does 'die', because this is a graphic related issue the information will still be intact. Normally you can remove the hard drive and plug it into another machine (via a SATA-USB adaptor) and access the contents.

Hope I've helped - and if I have, clicking the 'thanks' button is always nice

I have 2 hard drive caddies for that very purpose. I will remove all her data this morning and then she can just keep using it until it dies. Thanks

bikerchris

Ah well done, you're better prepared than most!

rose28454

bikerchris wrote: »

Ah well done, you're better prepared than most!

Yes I have kind of taught myself lots of computer issues in the last couple of years. Mainly because it annoys me when I cant fix something and have to pay someone a lot to do it.