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Strange or garbled image on the screen

The display is showing fuzzy text or blurry images regardless of whatever application you open.

Restart the computer

Upon restarting the computer, some display issues may self-correct. If the image and text quality return to normal after the restart, you have successfully completed troubleshooting. However, if the problem persists, please proceed to the next troubleshooting step.

Adjust the display resolution

Sometimes the display resolution can be adjusted by video games or different applications.

  1. Begin by entering "resolution" into the Windows Search field, and then choose "Change the resolution of the display" from the search results.
  2. Inside the Display settings window, click the dropdown arrow next to "Display resolution" to access the list of available display resolutions.
  3. Select the "Recommended display resolution" and then close the window.
  4. If the image and text quality have improved after modifying the resolution, your troubleshooting is complete.
  5. If the issue continues, proceed to the next troubleshooting step.

Update the graphics driver software

To tackle certain image and text quality problems, consider updating your graphics driver, which can be done using Windows Update.

In Windows, search for and open the system setting labeled "Check for Updates". If there are any available updates, they will begin automatically. If prompted, click on "check online for optional updates" usually Driver and Firmware updates are displayed here.

Battery not Charging

Upon connecting your laptop to a power source, it's typically accompanied by a notification sound or the presence of a small LED light, serving as a familiar signal that everything is functioning correctly with the battery. Unfortunately, if you've discovered that plugging in your laptop's AC adapter (laptop charger) fails to elicit any of these reassuring cues in response, it could indicate a potentially serious issue.

Check the Power Source

Make sure the power outlet and power source that you are using is not the issue. This can be tested by plugging a different device into the power source.

Inspect the Laptop Charger

There may be a malfunction with the charger itself. Inspect the charger to ensure there is no physical damage. Also ensure that the charger is able to connect securely to the laptop and the power source.

Try a Different Outlet

Try a different outlet with the same charger to rule out any problems with the outlet.

Perform a Hard Reset

Sometimes, laptops can get stuck in a state where they won't turn on. To perform a hard reset, disconnect the AC adapter, remove the laptop's battery (if removable), and then hold down the power button for 15-20 seconds. Reconnect the battery and AC adapter, and try turning the laptop on again. A link to a guide can be used here.

Investigating Battery Issues

If your laptop's battery is completely drained or has failed, it may not turn on even when connected to the AC adapter. Try removing the battery and running the laptop solely on AC power. If it powers on without the battery, it's likely a battery issue that needs to be addressed.

Hardware or Motherboard Problems

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, there may be a hardware problem with the laptop's charging circuit or motherboard.

Pressing one Key Types Several Characters 

Experiencing a keyboard issue where pressing a key once types multiple characters can be frustrating. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, and here are steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially fix the problem on an HP Notebook: 

Check for Physical Debris and Damage:

  • Make sure there's no debris, like crumbs or dust, lodged between the keys that might be causing them to stick.
  • Inspect the keyboard for any visible physical damage.

Restart Your Notebook:

  • Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve keyboard issues caused by temporary glitches.

Check for Software Issues:

  • Ensure your operating system and drivers are up to date. Visit the HP website and download and install the latest keyboard and chipset drivers if necessary.

Clean Your Keyboard:

  • Turn off the notebook.
  • Use compressed air to blow out any debris from under the keys.
  • You can also carefully remove the keycaps (if they are removable) and clean them individually.
  • Be very gentle when removing keycaps to avoid breaking them.

Sticky Keys and Key Repeat:

  • Check if Sticky Keys or Key Repeat settings are enabled in your computer's accessibility settings. Disable them if they are causing the issue.
  • On Windows: Go to Control Panel > Ease of Access > Change how your keyboard works.
  • On macOS: Go to System Preferences > Accessibility > Keyboard.

Test with an External Keyboard:

  • If you have an external USB keyboard, connect it to your notebook and see if the issue persists. If the external keyboard works fine, it might be a hardware problem with the built-in keyboard.

Run the HP Hardware Diagnostics:

  • HP Notebooks often come with built-in diagnostic tools. Restart your laptop and press the necessary key (usually F2 or F12) during startup to access these diagnostics. Run a keyboard test to check for hardware issues.

Check for Malware and Viruses:

  • Sometimes, malicious software can cause keyboard issues. Perform a full system scan with your antivirus software to ensure your computer is clean.

Reset BIOS/UEFI Settings:

  • Resetting BIOS/UEFI settings to default may help if the issue is related to incorrect hardware configurations. Be cautious when modifying BIOS settings.

Hardware Repair or Replacement:

  • If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it's possible that there is a hardware problem with the keyboard.

Screen is Black and Unresponsive

Check for Power:

* Ensure that your laptop is receiving power. Make sure the power adapter is connected properly and that the battery is not completely drained. If the battery is low or dead, plug in the charger and wait for a while to see if the laptop turns on.

Restart the Laptop:

  • Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve software-related issues. Press and hold the power button for at least 10 seconds to force a shutdown, then turn it back on.

External Monitor:

  • Connect your laptop to an external monitor using the appropriate cable (HDMI, VGA, etc.) and see if you can see anything on the external display. If the external monitor shows the display, it could be an issue with your laptop's screen.

Brightness Adjustment:

  • Sometimes, the screen brightness may be set to the lowest level, making it appear black. Try adjusting the brightness using the function keys on your keyboard.

BIOS/UEFI Settings:

  • It's possible that changes in BIOS/UEFI settings can cause display issues. If you're comfortable, you can reset the BIOS/UEFI settings to default. To access BIOS/UEFI, usually, you need to press a specific key (e.g., F2, Del, Esc) during startup. Refer to your laptop's manual for instructions on accessing BIOS/UEFI.

Hard Reset:

  • Disconnect all external devices (such as USB drives, printers, and external monitors), unplug the power adapter, and remove the laptop battery (if removable, though some HP laptops have non-removable batteries). Then, press and hold the power button for about 15 seconds. Reconnect the battery and power adapter, and turn on the laptop.

BIOS/UEFI Update:

  • Check if there is a BIOS/UEFI update available for your laptop on HP's support website. Sometimes, updating the BIOS/UEFI can resolve hardware-related issues.

Check for Loose Connections:

  • If you're comfortable with hardware, you can open up your laptop and check for loose connections, especially the display cable that connects the screen to the motherboard. Ensure everything is securely connected.

Safe Mode:

  • Boot your laptop into Safe Mode to see if a third-party software or driver is causing the issue. In Safe Mode, Windows loads only essential drivers. If the screen works in Safe Mode, you may need to update or uninstall problematic drivers or software.

System Restore:

  • If you suspect a recent software update or installation caused the issue, you can perform a System Restore to revert your computer to a previous state where it was working fine.

Professional Repair:

* If none of the above steps work, it's possible that there is a hardware problem, such as a faulty graphics card or a defective screen. In such cases, it's best to contact HP support or take your laptop to a professional repair service.

Bernard Kanega

Member since: 09/07/23

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Gateway, Team A-1, Gonzalez Fall 2023 Member of Gateway, Team A-1, Gonzalez Fall 2023

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