Question HP Desktop won't start. 3 Long Beeps - 2 Short Beeps - but not RAM related

[shawnc]

HP Envy / Win10 / i7 / 32 GB Ram (4x8GB) / integrated graphics desktop about 6 years old. . Otherwise very dependable - first hardware issue since new.
3 long beeps - 2 short beeps is supposed to indicate memory issue.
4 x 8 GB ram in use for 2 yrs no problems.

What happened:
Mouse was randomly locking up which I thought was odd as mouse battery was fine. It would happen when I moved the case/tower slightly
to plug in a USB connection in back. (using different mice/keyboards etc).
I was needing to restart the desktop to unlock the frozen mouse. Pulling out batteries/usb dongle was not resetting it, only restarting the computer.

I was getting frustrated with it happening several times a day and since it seemed motion related, I tapped (slapped) the side of the case/tower.
That was a bad idea. The monitor went into a green/red checkerboard patchwork christmas zombie quilt looking pattern.

Restarting resulted in 3 long - 2 short beeps and no display/monitor output (dead screen).
Everything online says those beeps are Ram related and if Ram is not the issue you probably need a new motherboard. No other options listed.
It has 4 ram slots. I tried every combination of single stick, 2 sticks, swapping each stick and slot and nothing worked. Secured lock tabs tightly. No dust etc.
The ram has been fine for 2 years, not new. Very great fast computer till this week.

HP says to check ram enter BIOS but nothing will get me past the beeps.
"Keep plugged in, turn off, hold power 15 seconds"-turns off then immediately turns back on with beeps even with F10 depressed
"unplug, hold power 15 seconds, plug back in, F10" - goes straight to beeps.

It will not power off. It stays on/fan running/beeping. The only way to turn off is unplug. So I was doing that 30x testing the different ram configs,
etc. When power button is held in it shuts off momentarily then immediately powers on into beep mode.

I have the case wide open and do not see any cables or anything loose or damaged.

Nothing is getting me to bios or any screen display at all.
The only thing I noticed was after changing ram configuration, it would take 10 seconds to assess the new config before going back into beep mode.
Without changing ram config, it would immediately go into beeps within a few seconds of power.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[Lutfij]

HP Envy Win10 i7
HP is the brand, Envy is the series from which the prebuilt is from, please pass on the model and SKU for said prebuilt.

4 x 8 GB ram in use for 2 yrs no problems.
Did it come this way or was this an upgrade? If the latter, got a link tot he ram kit used?

It would happen when I moved the case/tower slightly
Does the prebuilt have a mechanical drive? While moving, was the power cord manipulated?

I was getting frustrated with it happening several times a day and since it seemed motion related, I tapped (slapped) the side of the case/tower.
A PC is only as smart as the user that's using it. Beating the PC doesn't do anything actually.

Everything online says those beeps are Ram related and if Ram is not the issue you probably need a new motherboard. No other options listed.
It could be a sign of a corrupt BIOS, i which case you could probably recover the BIOS using the internal recovery tool(if that exists with your model of HP Envy) or the use of a CH341A BIOS Programming toolkit.

Moved thread to Prebuilt & Enterprise section from Systems section.

 

[shawnc]

Thanks. I don't think power cord was manipulated enough to effect the solid plug connection. The power cord was definitely moved along with the tower. There was never a power loss due to moving the unit. I normally have many apps open and never want an unexpected restart. It may have wiggled a bit but not much.

I don't know if graphics were freezing along with mouse or not. Couldn't interact with computer.
Display did not change until case was tapped, then went to red/green checkerboard pattern. Once that occured I powered off to restart. That was the last time there was output to monitor.

HP ENVY 795qd Desktop PC
Product number: 4AB22AV
Serial number: xxxxxx7J4Q
Purchased Dec 2018 (longer ago than I thought)

Primary drive: 1 TB SSD
HDD backup drive

RAM all new upgrade 2019: (link in next reply)
Ballistix Sport LT 32GB Kit (8GBx4) DDR4 2666 MT/s (PC4-21300) SR x8 DIMM 288-Pin - BLS4K8G4D26BFSEK (Red)

 

[shawnc]

ram link: https://www.amazon.in/Ballistix-Sport-8GBx4-PC4-21300-288-Pin/dp/B06XJ5LSC8?th=1

 

[Misgar]

I tapped (slapped) the side of the case/tower.

Not a good idea if there's a spinning hard disk drive inside. Hard blows can cause head crashes and permanent data loss, but I doubt that's your problem. I remember bashing old TVs when they went wrong. Good way to kill the heated filament in a valve (tube).

If this was my computer, I'd test the RAM in another machine using MemTest86. Not possible if this is your only PC.

Next, I'd unplug and replug the power DC cables from the PSU to the motherboard, to clean the contacts and ensure correct seating.

Then I'd replace the PSU in case one of the supply rails is faulty. It is 6 years old after all and the warranty might have ended.

A CPU swap might restore normal operation if your i7 has died. Second hand CPUs can be quite cheap on eBay, but you can't be sure how good they are.

Finally it's motherboard change time. You might find an identical HP mobo on eBay at a reasonable price. But of course it might not work too.

By now most people would have given up bought a replacement computer.

My apologies if you don't have an infinite supply of spares, cash or patience, but when faced with a dead machine, I start changing parts, until the only thing that remains is the case.

 

[shawnc]

Amazing, thank you for the very thorough reply. The 70's TV bash guaranteed 20 minutes interference free viewing when my sister did it with a fireplace log, which she could barely lift.

The original problem may not be related to the current one. That was the mouse losing connection when moving the cabinet to change other USB connections, the mouse would act like it lost BT connection and only solution was restart. I'll assume your working order has considered that.

There is a BustBuy here with Geek Squad, should I bring it there and see if they'll test the ram quickly and possibly swap one into my unit or do other quick tests?

The motherboard plugs were all clean and dust free, no change after plugging/unplugging.

Is it possible to test the PSU output with a voltmeter before replacing? PSU is one of the few parts available online.

HP has no parts available.

motherboard PN: 335.0AU01.0001 (MAC address also shown)
-Nothing on ebay or google.

Open to new, have done well with HP however I'm in Puerto Rico and they don't ship here. Their laptop batteries have been terrible though, lasting just an hour or 2 after 1 year and quickly becoming zero within shortly after purchase, maybe 2 years.

Thank You! I'll reply if I have any progress.

 

[Misgar]

Is it possible to test the PSU output with a voltmeter before replacing? PSU is one of the few parts available online.

You can test a PSU with a voltmeter, but this doesn't guarantee the PSU is capable of delivering rated power, or even sufficient power to run the computer.

Even if the supply rails (+12V, +5V and +3.3V) are all inside the ATX PSU limits, you still won't know if the rails are "clean" with acceptable ripple voltage, or "dirty" with excessive ripple voltage, caused by failing electrolytics. For that you'd need an oscillosope.
https://www.evga.com/support/faq/FAQdetails.aspx?faqid=59665

You can buy cheap "testers" but all they do is measure the voltage, without applying a representative load.
https://www.amazon.com/Computer-PC-Tester-Connectors-Enclosure/dp/B076CLNPPK

I'd use a cheap multimeter, but again, on a non working computer, it's nothing more than a confidence check that Volts are present. Most of the time I can't be be bothered to dig out the 'scope.

Best option is to swap PSUs if you have a spare or a compatible system you can rob. It would probably rule out or confirm if your PSU is the culprit.

There is a BustBuy here with Geek Squad, should I bring it there and see if they'll test the ram quickly and possibly swap one into my unit or do other quick tests?

You can but ask, but they may expect payment or a commitment to purchase parts. There are no Best Buy stores where I live, but I'd expect to pay a significant amount of money, if I asked my equivalent local store to do any work. They probably tell me to go away if I hadn't bought the computer from them. Are there any local repair shops or technicians near you?

 

[Unolocogringo]

At this time I would remove all ram.
Then short Clear MOS jumper with the power supply unplugged and after pressing the start button several times.
Try to boot.
Clean contacts on the memory sticks with a pencil eraser. Carefully!
Insert 1 stick in correct slot for your motherboard.
Try to boot.
If successful install another in appropriate slot.
Try to boot.
Repeat..

If not successful try a different stick and place the non working aside.
Repeat as above.
If you have a graphics card, remove it and clean contacts and reinstall..
The checkerboard pattern you describe is usually memory related or or corrupted data delivery.

 

[shawnc]

Thanks very much Misgar for the detailed reply. Wanted to reply sooner but wanted to have some progress to report, unfortunately haven't gotten anywhere, may do a DIY build. I'd be fine replacing parts in this unit but MB not available so if PSU doesn't work or RAM, I may begin DIY.

Best option is to swap PSUs if you have a spare or a compatible system you can rob. It would probably rule out or confirm if your PSU is the culprit.

I'm considering a self build so may buy the power supply first and try it.

You can but ask, but they may expect payment or a commitment to purchase parts.

>> BestBuy here asked for $99, probably won't take it there.
Thank You!

 

[shawnc]

At this time I would remove all ram, short Clear MOS jumper with the power supply unplugged.

If you have a graphics card, remove it and clean contacts and reinstall..
The checkerboard pattern you describe is usually memory related or or corrupted data delivery.

Thank You very much LocoGringo for the detailed reply, very helpful. RAM tests not getting anywhere unfortunately. A customer at BestBuy told me about a thumb drive ram test I will try. This unit has integrated graphics. Waited to reply to post progress but none yet. May do DIY build. Great suggestions, much appreciated!