HP Mini 210 Troubleshooting

The netbook does not respond to the power button or other wake-up events. This means that the display remains off and no indicator lights on the computer's body turn on. The computer appears to be 'dead'.

Perform a hard reset

1. If the computer suddenly fails to start up properly, perform a hard reset as the first action. Performing the hard reset will correct many problems.

2. To perform a hard reset, first disconnect all peripheral devices and remove all external storage and USB devices. Disconnect the AC power adapter, remove the battery and then press and hold the power button for at least 15 seconds to drain all residual power and restore default start up settings.

3. Reconnect the AC power adapter (but do not insert the battery), press the power button. If the computer starts normally after performing a hard reset, you are done troubleshooting.

It is possible that the battery is simply dead. Without a charge, the battery cannot provide the necessary power for the netbook to run.

Try plugging the netbook into its AC power adapter to charge the battery. Make sure the power adapter is connected to a working wall socket. The computer's charging light should turn on, indicating that it is receiving power.

If the netbook does not turn on or stay running without the power cord, your battery might need to be replaced. Refer to the battery installation guide for replacement instructions.

It is possible that the netbook's A/C power adapter, or one of its cables or connectors, has failed. Make sure the power adapter is plugged into a known-working power outlet and that each of the power adapter's cables is firmly connected to the adapter.

Try checking the power adapter with another compatible laptop. If the other laptop reports it's charging, there may be an issue with your computer's power port or motherboard.

A cracked LCD displays damage in a number of different patterns, including multiple horizontal and vertical lines or large white or black areas on the screen. These areas may be seen as soon as power is supplied to the screen. As there is no work around the screen must be replaced. The notebook can only be used by connecting it to an external monitor.

If the notebook computer screen remains black or blank after start up, and there are no error messages on the screen, there may be a problem with the screen or there may be a problem starting the computer.

To test for a defective display, follow the steps below.

1. Connect the computer to an external monitor with a VGA connector cable.

2. Connect the AC power to the notebook and external monitor.

3. Press the power button on the computer and external monitor.

If an image displays on the external monitor but not on the notebook display, download and install the latest BIOS, the latest graphics driver, and the latest CPU chipset. If there is still no image on the notebook display, there is a hardware problem with the notebook display.

If there is no image on either the notebook display or external monitor and the computer does not start properly, this indicates a start up problem, not a display problem.

Each time you start your computer, it completes a step called POST ('power on self test'). This is a series of tests verifying that everything appears normal. The computer will not start unless all of these tests pass. There are several cases that may cause these tests to fail.

The CMOS battery may have died. Try replacing the CMOS battery. Replacing CMOS battery

The RAM modules inside your computer may have become

Clean the RAM connector pins and socket. Verify that the RAM module is inserted properly. If it is still faulty, replace the RAM.

The CMOS battery powers your computer's internal clock, BIOS settings, and other standby functions. If this battery discharges, your computer may not pass the power-on self-test. You should replace the CMOS battery.

The netbook turns on, but does not boot the installed operating system (such as Windows 7).

If the operating system does not boot, or if it crashes during boot, boot files may be corrupt. If able, verify this by booting to an operating system on an alternative media source, such as a USB hard drive, USB thumb drive, or SD card. Boot to system recovery, or reinstall the operating system.

If the operating system does not boot because of a disk read error, the hard drive may be faulty. Clean the hard drive connector pins and socket with a lens cleaning brush. Listen for hard drive noises. If the drive makes scratching or whining noises, it may be faulty. If able, verify this by booting to an operating system on an alternative media source, such as a USB hard drive, USB thumb drive, or SD card. If you can verify it is faulty, or it is still not working, replace the hard drive.

If your computer seems to be getting hotter than usual or louder than usual, you may have a problem with your ventilation system.

Like you and me, your computer needs to breathe. It does this through several vents around the computer. If these get blocked, the computer can suffocate. If the cooling fan makes unusual noises or the computer gets very hot, make sure these aren't blocked. Avoid resting the computer on pillows, blankets, comforters, or other fabric material. Use a lap-board or notebook as a buffer between you and your computer to ensure adequate airflow.

If the fan is not spinning, this may indicate that the fan has encountered a blockage or has failed. Check for obstructions like lint or dust. These often can slow your fan down enough to cause noticeable change in temperature. Canned air can be helpful to clean fans inside the computer.

The operating system crashes during normal operation.

It is possible that the RAM modules inside your computer have become loose in their slots or even disconnected. This can happen due to jarring that comes with everyday use. This can cause intermittent connections that can fail at any given time.

Ensure the RAM is seated properly. Remove the RAM, ensure both the RAM contacts and the RAM slot are clean and free of lint, and re-insert the memory. If problems persist, the RAM may be faulty.

Replace the RAM.

The netbook does not respond correctly to keyboard button presses.

Ensure that no keys are stuck in the "pressed" position. If a key does appear to be stuck, attempt to free it. Clean the key with a damp cloth to prevent it from sticking again.

The keyboard's connection cable may have come loose. To re-seat this connector, remove the keyboard and reinstall it. Make sure the connections are clean and seated properly.

The netbook does not respond to trackpad gestures.

The trackpad's connector may be loose. To re-seat the connector, remove the top case and palm rest and disconnect the trackpad. Ensure the connectors are clean before re-installing.

The surface of your trackpad may be dirty. Clean the sufrace of the trackpad with a damp cloth.

If it seems one of the trackpad buttons is stuck, try to wiggle it loose and lift the button. Clean the crevice surrounding the trackpad with a toothpick or cotton swab.

Disk defragmenter is designed to solve a problem that occurs because of the way hard disks store data. Disk defragmenter consolidates fragmenter files and then move them into better and secure storage spaces. As a result, the hard drive operates faster and more efficiently. It's recommanded to defragmenter your hard drive at least once a month.

1. Click the start button.

2. In the search field type "Disk Defragmenter".

3. Select Disk defragmenter when it become available on the screen.

4. If you wish to modify or create a defragmenter schedule, click modify schedule or

configure schedule button.

5. Click defragmenter or defragmenter disk when you want to manually

defragmenter your hard drive.