Member Avatar for Mark_70

I am having a problem, my power light is blinking but laptop won't boot up, however when I push and hold either the FN key or the Windows key the screen comes on and it starts to boot. As long as I hold down either one of those keys the computer works, however if I let the key up the screen goes off and it shuts down to the power button blinking again. If I push either of the buttons again it boots up again.... what the heck could be causing this?
HP Pavillion

Edited by Mark_70
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  • Latest Post Latest Post by rproffitt

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’s symptom — power LED blinking and the machine only staying on while either Fn or the Windows key is held — strongly suggests a hardware/firmware power-control interaction rather than a normal OS boot fault. As implied, model/age and the exact blink cadence are important missing details; those narrow whether this is a keyboard/EC (embedded controller) problem, a power-circuit fault, or something caused by a peripheral or OS.

A practical, low-risk checklist to isolate the fault:

  • Remove all external devices (USB, SD, external drive) and try powering on.
  • Perform a power-reset: disconnect AC and remove a removable battery, then press-and-hold the power button ~15–30 seconds to drain residual charge before reconnecting power.
  • Try booting with an external USB keyboard attached; if holding keys on an external keyboard is not required, the internal keyboard or its cable is suspect.
  • Boot into BIOS/UEFI or a USB live environment to confirm whether the shutdown happens before the OS loads (pre-OS failure points to firmware/hardware).
  • Inspect the left keyboard area for sticky keys or visible liquid damage; carefully reseat the keyboard flat-flex cable if comfortable doing so (observe ESD precautions).
  • Note the exact blink pattern (number and timing of flashes) and consult HP/repair docs or run built-in hardware diagnostics.

Most likely outcomes: a failing keyboard matrix or shorted ribbon will produce exactly this behaviour and is usually fixable by reseating or replacing the keyboard. If the fault remains with the internal keyboard disconnected, the EC or power circuitry on the motherboard is a probable cause and will need firmware/board-level work. Opening the chassis requires caution; professional service is recommended when unfamiliar with laptop internals. When seeking further help or official support, include the full model string, BIOS/UEFI version, battery type (removable or not), and the precise blink cadence.

Member Avatar for rproffitt

Quite the odd duck there. It's a strange one so I'd want to know more about the PC as to make, model, age before I'd guess what it is this time.

HP Pavillions were desktops, laptops, etc. Mostly cheaps so you always consider repair versus replacement costs.

Be sure to try it without any bootable media to see if something bizarre is going on with the installed OS. If the machine is a few years old, pop in a new CMOS battery. Yes you can get out the Volt meter but I find many folk that get into PC repair don't get one right away. The usual CR2032 is a few dimes here so only your newest repair person balks at popping in a new one to remove this as a possible problem source.

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