HP Compaq Presario V5303NR Troubleshooting

The laptop doesn’t show a response or a sign for powering on from the power button.

The battery may not be installed correctly on the laptop. Follow the following guide on replacing a battery to make sure the battery is installed correctly.

Battery Chargers have an indicator on the main “block” that will let you know if power is being run through the charger. Next, plug in the charger, and look at the indicator. If the indicator is is not flashing, then the charger is not working fine, as power is not being properly directed through the charger. If this case is occurring, it is recommended to buy a new battery charger.

If the charger indicator is flashing, but the laptop is still not turning on, the battery possibly can be faulty. As such, the battery may need to be replaced.

The laptop displays an error message after turning on, and doesn’t load your systems operating system.

If there is a flashing question mark appearing as an error message after starting up your computer, the laptop may not have enough RAM to boot the system. This might be caused by a faulty RAM stick. It would be recommended to replace and install RAM sticks.

Hard Drives can sometimes have an error, or a small bug, from being shut down inappropriately from hitting the power button instead of shutting down the laptop from the start menu . One way to resolve this is to insert a DVD that has the data of the Windows system your laptop may have (Windows XP for this case). When the computer first starts up, press F12. This will lead you to a menu screen that will show a “Repair Computer” option. Select that, and select “Startup Repair” option from there. If the laptop does not boot after the installation, the hard drive may need to be replaced.

Screen is dark, despite the laptop sounding like it’s up and running properly.

Hold down the Windows Key, and hit the ‘P’ button twice in succession. What the laptop screen may be displaying is a secondary background screen that is not the main screen.

If the screen still is not turning on, it is likely damaged. If this is the case, the screen needs to be replaced.

The entire keyboard or certain keys do not respond.

Sometimes, a key may be stuck because there may be an object or substance blocking the key from being pressed on the keyboard hard enough to work. You can remove a key by using your finger or a slim object under the key, and simply pop it out. You can then clean out the key socket to make sure no substance in the key slot that can prevent the key from working. Afterwards, just press the key on the slot to install it back on.

If most of the keyboard does not work, and cleaning out the key slots does not work, the keyboard may be faulty. If so, follow this guide on how to replace the keyboard.

The disk drive isn't opening or closing, preventing you from using disk-based software on the computer.

If dust, crumbs, dirt, or any other foreign particles get inside the disk drive, it may prevent it from working properly. Unplug the computer and remove the battery, then use a flat object, such as a knife, to try to clear away any debris within the space that is preventing the disk drive from working properly. If this doesn't work, try blowing compressed air into the space, and try again.

If cleaning the space surrounding the disk drive doesn't fix the problem, the disk drive itself may be broken. As such, it will need to be replaced.

Laptop can shut off with no warning or notification shut down sequence.

Internal Cooling Fans are using to keep laptops and desktop computers from overheating from constant use. Vents are used as an opening for fans to blow away heat. Follow our guide for replacing the fan, listed below, to access the fan and see if it is covered in dust. If so, use a compressed air can to carefully blow dust off the fan and laptop vent.

If cleaning the fan does not work, the fan itself may be broken. As such, the fan will need to be replaced. Follow this guide to access and/or replace the fan.

Programs can run in the background, even if a user closes that programs windows. Build up of these programs can raise the device's temperature because more system resources is needed. Hold down the Windows button, and select the R key, and paste on the command line "taskmgr.exe". Click on the Startup and Processes tabs and disable programs that you don’t need to run in the background (It is very important that you only do this for programs you know are not a base necessity the computer needs to operate normally).