HP desktop wont boot past "HP Invent" screen

Marc Williams

Reputable
Sep 13, 2014
5
0
4,510
I was given an old HP PC under the standard "If you can get it working it's yours" deal.

The machine will not enter BIOS or system recovery and has been sitting for the last 30 minutes like this: http://imgur.com/zVrnRA2

I do not get post beeps or further than that screen. I have tried the following:

:: Removing RAM and Graphics card - saw no obvious failure markings like discoloration etc

:: Removed the CMOS battery for about 30 then reinserted the same way it came out.

:: Removed the optical and hard drives - no changes

:: Power cycled about 50 times now

Can anyone offer any advice on how to fix it or is it toast?

Thanks. I'm submitting this on my phone so if it doesn't make sense I'll do my best to elaborate.
 

Marc Williams

Reputable
Sep 13, 2014
5
0
4,510


Thanks but It wont boot from the optical drive either - I have tried a Windows XP and the Official disks that came with the unit and it wont budge from the HP Invent screen.
 
Hello... That is why the next step is "Flash Bios"... not the same as booting from a Windows Disk... it is the most fundimental method/Step of getting the motherboard or any other electronic hardware Programed... Firmware is another name for it.
"It is not for the faint hearted... and takes doing your most basic DOS commands and eviroument... But it is most Mentally rewarding after you can bring the DEAD back to Life, a few times"~~~ Diary of a Mad Computer Geek.
 

Marc Williams

Reputable
Sep 13, 2014
5
0
4,510


I know it's different to trying to boot a Windows disk but my point is I don't have anyway to flash the BIOS as the PC doesn't boot from anything. Unless you have mastered a telepathic way of sending data to a BIOS chip...
 
Hello... Well first step is to determine your non-telepathic method of data transfer available to the MB... is there a floppy drive channel? is there a USB port? is there a CD/DVD port available?
The Second step is to determine if you have a Good Working Floppy drive/USB/CD, that you can format as BOOtable media, with the required Flash Program needed for your MB... you will Need another Good Computer to confirm all this.... if you can boot the flash program from another computer, then you know you have Good non-telepathic Data/hardware Flashing media.
 

Marc Williams

Reputable
Sep 13, 2014
5
0
4,510
I have created a Dos boot cd and USB drive both with the lastest firmware and tried both of them and yes asshole I tried the USB drive in every USB port.

It does not make a difference, it still will not boot.