HP Pavilion dv7-1448dx Troubleshooting

The computer does not respond to the power button, or displays blue or black screen with error messages.

The computer is unable to turn on due to low charge. Try connecting the laptop to a power source. If it does not charge, the battery may need to be replaced. See the section "Battery Will Not Charge."

If the AC adaptor light is on and the computer does not respond when the power button is pressed, there may be an issue with the motherboard. This problem may also cause the screen to freeze at the HP logo. Follow this guide to replace the motherboard.

If the laptop does not respond to the power button and the AC adaptor light is off, a replacement AC adaptor may be required.

The computer does not respond to commands correctly.

Make sure that all drivers from HP are up to date. Exit out of any unnecessary applications. Create space on the hard drive by uninstalling undesired programs in order to prevent slow performance or freezing.

If freezing occurs, perform a hard reset. To begin, turn the computer off and disconnect all outside devices. Unplug the AC adaptor and remove the battery (see guide for instructions). Press the power button for about 15 seconds. Reinsert the battery and AC adapter. Turn on the computer. The startup window should open . Select Start Windows Normally and reconnect external devices.

The computer performs tasks much slower than usual.

If the computer is running abnormally slowly, insufficient RAM may be the issue. To run preliminary tests, completely shut down the computer and plug in the AC adaptor. Turn the computer on by pressing the power button and press the F10 key repeatedly; this will allow you to enter the BIOS setup window. Press the right arrow key until the Diagnostics tab is highlighted. Press the down arrow key until the Memory Test option is highlighted, then press enter. If the test reports any errors, replacement of the RAM may be required. Follow this guide for help with this process.

The keyboard is not responding correctly or keys are missing

If the keys are pressed but do not display on the screen, it could be caused by the keyboard software. First restart the computer. If the setup window opens, and the keys are able to navigate in the setup window, the software is the issue. Uninstall the keyboard by clicking “View” and then “Show Hidden Devices.” Click the arrow next to keyboard, and uninstall each name in the category by right clicking and selecting “Uninstall.” Restart the computer and open windows; it should now work.

If keys are slow to respond, it may be due to the “Filter Keys” function. To disable filter keys, go to settings and click “Ease of Access.” Select “Keyboard” and switch “Filter Keys” off. This should make the keyboard more responsive.

If keys are missing on the keyboard, replace them with this guide.

If the key is stuck, it may be due to a dirty keyboard. If this is the case, remove the key and clean the space with an alcohol swab. Follow this guide for key removal.

The charge level increases slowly when plugged into power or does not hold a charge.

This test should be run preceding any other solutions. It will help diagnose the issue and find the correct fix. First, unplug and restart the computer. When the HP or Compaq logo displays, press the escape key to access the start menu. Plug the power cord back in to the laptop. Press F2 then select the following options: F2 System Diagnostics->Battery Test->Start Battery Test. Based on the result displayed, follow instructions in the matching category below.

Plug in the power cord and charge the battery to full capacity. Unplug, then restart the computer. When the HP or Compaq logo displays, press the escape key to access the start menu. Press F2, then select the following options: F2 System Diagnostics->Hard Disk Test.

Leave the computer on until the battery is depleted and the screen shuts off. Plug in the power cord and charge the battery to full capacity. Run the battery test in these instructions. If the results display “PASSED,” the battery is functional, but needed to be calibrated. If the results display “Calibrate,” run the procedure once more. If “Calibrate” is displayed as the result of the second calibration, replace the battery with this guide.

Follow this guide to replace the battery.