HP Pavilion dv5000 Troubleshooting

When you plug in your flash drive the computer does not display it being found anywhere.

Try connecting the flash drive to all available USB ports on the computer to see if the issue can be narrowed to a specific port.

Try connecting another USB device into all of the ports on the computer to detect if the flash drive is faulty.

Connect flash drive to different computer, to see if the issue is being caused by the flash drive itself.

The computer is slow to respond, or has no response to certain keystrokes.

Dust and debris can collect under the keys, which can lead to their malfunction. Use compressed air to blow any debris out of the keyboard.

If this does not solve the problem, gently pry off the troubled keys to see if there is anything still stuck underneath, which may still be inhibiting their function.

Remove one troubled key and one functioning key, examine the mechanism beneath both to see if the faulty one is visibly different or broken. Compare resistance of depression between both. If there is a noticeable difference between the functioning and faulty key issue is likely a broken key which will require a full keyboard replacement to fix.

Alternatively, use external keyboard to circumvent the troubled key.

Keyboard doesn't work

If the keyboard does not respond when you type, it could be the result of hardware issues or software issues.

Connect an external keyboard to your computer and see if it works. If it is does work, then you need to reconnect the internal keyboard connectors. If that does not work, then replace your keyboard. See the "Removing HP dv5000 Keyboard" repair guide for instructions.

If the external keyboard does not work, then you need to replace your mother board.

Black or blank screen

Especially if the computer is 5 years old or older (or has been left unplugged for a long time.) The RTC battery allows your PC to keep track of the time and date between boots, and maintain the CMOS setting needed to boot itself. If the battery is low, the CMOS settings may get scrambled, and prevent it from booting.

The RTC (Real-time clock) battery is a watch battery (usually a #2032.) It is located under the Wi-Fi card, in the same bay as the RAM memory. Remove the big regular battery, unplug the power, then remove the RTC battery. Before inserting the new RTC battery, flip the PC over, and hold the on/off switch for 10 seconds to completely discharge any remaining charge, and clear the CMOS memory. Flip the machine over again, and insert the new RTC battery.

If a black screen arises, it means a critical component of the laptop is damaged or missing. In most cases, the component is loose because the computer was dropped. The components most common are the hard drive and the RAM.

If the components are secure, the mother board might be broken. A replacement mother board will then be required.

No power source available

If a laptop cannot hold a charge on its own, even for a minute, then the battery is most likely dead. Batteries can be bought from the manufacturer or a local battery store.

Computer won't boot

Test to see if the laptop runs fine on the battery. If the battery is discharged, borrow a battery or a power adapter. If either one runs fine, then the power adapter needs to be replaced.

There may not be enough RAM to boot the operating system. Unless the RAM inside the computer is less than the required amount for an operating system, the RAM is either dislodged or faulty.

The hard drive may have been erased. If this is the case, reformat the hard drive and re-install the operating system. If the hard drive is damaged or corrupted, you'll need to replace it.

The operating system may be corrupt. Try running an Operating System off a CD or a system restore if possible (if a backup exists). If this fails, re-install the operating system.

WiFi connection is always weak. slow internet, WiFi disconnects sporadically.

Large networks can be slowed down dramatically by high numbers of users. Try connecting to a small local wireless network, to compare quality of internet connection.

If you are using a household wireless router, disconnect it for 5 minutes to reset the network connection.

Connect your computer to a form of wired internet i.e. Ethernet, to make sure that the problem is not being caused by your internet provider, or a fault in their system.

No sound is produced when performing normal functions like listening to music, watching videos, and playing games. Speakers are non-responsive volume button.

Check both computer volume settings, as well as each specific programs audio settings.

Use control panel to ensure volume settings and buttons are not locked.

Examine audio settings to find where audio out signal is going. Make sure the settings are not trying to send audio to an external device which may or may not be connected.

Connect the computer to external speakers

After completing the previous speaker troubleshooting topics, if audio is played when connected to external speakers, but not through internal speakers, the speaker is probably broken and will need replacing.

When you try to scroll, or move the mouse via the track pad, it does not react or is slow to respond.

It is always best to start by restarting your computer, because this will ensure default settings are loaded, which could be the root of the problem.

The track pad can be manually disabled, to check if it has been, click Start => search "mouse" => if disable toggle is selected, select enable.