This document pertains to HP Notebook PCs with Windows 7 or Windows Vista.
HP PC Diagnostics UEFI
provides access to a comprehensive set of tests to check for hardware failures. UEFI is accessed by pressing the F2 key while the computer is starting. HP Support Assistant
is accessed from Windows and includes a more limited set of hardware diagnostics tests.
Testing using HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI
HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI enables you to test the main components on your computer using quick tests or longer, more comprehensive tests. You can use HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI even if the computer does not open to Windows. Follow these steps to run the hardware diagnostics tests:
- Hold the power button for at least five seconds to turn off the computer.
- Turn on the computer and immediately press the F2 key repeatedly, about once every second, until you see one of the following screens:
![]() If this screen is displayed, continue with UEFI System and Component Testing . | ![]() If this screen is displayed, see Basic hardware diagnostics tests . |

NOTE:If your HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI is older than the version used here, you can upgrade it to the latest version. For the latest software version and installation instructions, go to Upgrade HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI
.
The HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI main menu has system information, tests, and test logs. The steps in this section describe how to run the tests and view the test logs.
UEFI System and Component Testing
Use one of the following tests to check for hardware failures:
There are two system tests; Quick Test and Extensive Test. The Quick Test checks the system for basic functionally of the main components.

NOTE:Your computer cannot be used during the tests. The Quick Test
can take up to 10 minutes to complete. The test can be ended by pressing the ESC
key at any time.
- Click Quick Test , and then Run once .
- The test can take up to 10 minutes. The test result and time remaining are shown on the screen.
- If no system component failed, continue to the Extensive Test .If a component fails a test, write down the information so you have it available when you contact HP Support. The information is also available in Test Logs on the Main Menu.
These tests are designed to comprehensively test the system components. These tests run consecutively through the listed components, and can take 2 or more hours to complete.

NOTE:Your computer cannot be used during the tests. The test can be ended by pressing the ESC
key at any time.
- Click Extensive Test , and then Run once , or Loop until error .
- The test can take 2 or more hours to complete. The test result and time remaining are shown on the screen.
- If a component fails a test, write down the information so you have it available when you contact HP Support. The information is also available in Test Logs on the Main Menu.If the System Test did not detect a hardware problem, continue with the Component Tests .
These tests are used to manually select and test the individual computer components. The Component Tests can take two hours or longer to complete. The Memory
and Hard Drive
tests include Quick Tests and Extensive Tests, and can be set to loop until an error occurs. The Video test includes a video memory test.
- Select one of the listed components and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Processor - Quick (15 second) functional test of the processors. Click Processor , and then Run once .
- Memory - There are two different memory tests available. If you think there is a problem with the memory, first try the Quick Test (about 10 minutes). If the Quick Test does not find a problem, run the Extensive Test (about 45 minutes).To run the memory tests follow the steps in Memory Test .
- Hard Drive - There are six hard drive tests, which can take from 10 minutes to 2 hours or more to complete.To run the hard drive tests follow the steps in Hard Drive Tests .
- Battery - To run the battery test and for battery information follow the steps in Battery Test .
- Keyboard - Quick interactive functional test of the keys on the keyboard. Click Keyboard , and then Run once .
- Mouse - 20 second interactive functional test to determine if the mouse is functioning correctly. Click Mouse , and then Run once .
- Optical Drive - This is a set of 1- 2 minute functional tests of the optical drives. Select one of the tests listed, and then click Run once .
- System Board - Quick (30 second) functional test of the components on the system board. Click System Board , and then Run once .
- USB Port - This test is interactive and requires you to connect an external USB device when prompted. To start the test, click USB Port , and then Run once and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Video - This test includes two tests of the video hardware on your computer. Select one of the following tests, and the click Run Once .
- Video Memory Check - 20 minute memory test.
- Palette Check - 1 minute test of the three video color components. Follow the on-screen instructions during the test.
- Wireless Module - This quick test verifies that the wireless module is detected by the BIOS and enabled. Click Wireless Module , and then Run once .
- 1394 Port - This is a 1 minute interactive functional test of the 1394 ports and requires a 1394 device such as a 1394 hard drive or camera. Click 1394 Port , and then Run once and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Main Menu - Returns to the beginning diagnostics screen.
- If any component fails a test, write down the information so you have it available when you contact HP Support. The information is also available in the Test Logs, on the Main Menu.
NOTE:If you need to end a test before it is complete, press the ESC key.
The memory tests include a Quick Test and an Extensive Test. If you think there is a problem with the memory, first try the Quick Test (about 10 minutes). If the Quick Test does not find a problem, run the Extensive Test (about 45 minutes).
Follow these steps to run the Quick Test:
- Click Memory from the Component Tests page.
- Click Quick Test .The Quick Test begins.
- When the Quick Test is complete the results are displayed on the screen.If the memory passes the Quick Test but there is still a problem with the computer memory, proceed to the next step to run the Extensive Test.If the memory fails the tests, write down the information so you have it available when you contact HP Support. The information is also available in the Test Logs , on the Diagnostics UEFI main page.
Follow these steps to run the Extensive Test:
- Click Main Menu , and then click Component Tests .
- Click Memory , and then select Extensive Test .
- The Extensive Test begins. This test can take 45 minutes or longer.
- When the Extensive Test is complete the results are displayed on the screen.
If the memory fails one of the tests, write down the information so you have it available when you contact HP Support. The information is also available in the Test Logs
on the Diagnostics UEFI main page.
There are six hard drive tests. If you think there is a problem with the hard drive, first try the Quick Test (about 10 minutes). If the Quick Test does not find a problem, run the Extensive Test (2 hours or more).
Follow these steps to run the Quick Test:
- Click Hard Drive from the Component Tests page.
- Click Quick Test , and then select Run Once .The Hard Drive Quick Test begins. If the computer has more than one hard drive, you are asked to select a hard drive, or to test all the hard drives at once, select Test All Hard Drives .
- When the test is complete the results are displayed on the screen. Test results can also be found in the Test Logs on the Main Menu.If the hard drive passes the Quick Test, but there is still a problem with the hard drive, proceed to the next step to run the Extensive Test. This test includes the SMART Check, Short DST, Optimized DST, and Long DST.
NOTE:The Hard Drive Extensive Tests can be run individually by clicking a test in the Hard Drive Tests menu, and then clicking Run once .
Follow these steps to run the Extensive Test:
- Click Main Menu , and then click Component Tests .
- Click Hard Drive , and then click Extensive Test .
- Click Run Once .If the computer has more than one hard drive, you are asked to select a hard drive, or to test all the hard drives at once, select Test All Hard Drives . The Extensive Test runs all the tests listed on the screen for the drive selected. The Estimated Time Remaining is also shown.
- When the Extensive Test is complete the results are displayed on the screen.
If the hard drive fails one of the tests, write down the information so you have it available when you contact HP Support. The information is also available in the Test Logs
on the Diagnostics UEFI Main Menu.
HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI tests the functioning of the battery and can calibrate the battery if needed. The Battery Check takes about two minutes and the Calibration can take two hours or longer.
Follow these steps to perform the battery test:
- Click Component Tests on the Main Menu, and then click Battery .
- Click Run once .The Battery Test begins.
- When the battery test is complete, the results are displayed on the screen. For additional battery information, click Battery Details .
If the battery fails one of the tests, write down the information so you have it available when you contact HP Support. The information is also available in the Test Logs
on the Diagnostics UEFI Main Menu.
For the latest software version and installation instructions, see
HP UEFI Support Environment
.
If the hard drive is not detected or is reporting problems, the following screen is displayed with two testing options: Memory Test, and Hard Disk Check.
Running the Memory Test
To run the Memory Test, click Memory Test
.
After starting the test, there are two screens displayed: test in progress, and after the test, a pass or fail screen.
Testing using HP Support Assistant
HP Support Assistant provides information and resources related to diagnosing and repairing your computer. These troubleshooting resources are divided into categories, such as storage devices and audio/sound. HP periodically updates the categories and actions in each category to provide you with more options.

NOTE:HP Support Assistant can be used only if the computer boots into Windows. If the computer does not boot into Windows, use the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI
.Many issues with HP Support Assistant can be resolved by downloading and installing the latest version of HP Support Assistant from the
HP Support Assistant
home site (in English).
You can troubleshoot your computer and gather system information by selecting different categories in the Troubleshoot menu. The following categories are available:
- Storage devices
- General Specifications
- Graphics, Video and Display
- Network and Internet Connectivity
- Audio and Sound
- Warranty and Services
- Performance and Software
- Around the computer (keyboard, mouse, printers)
- Power, Thermal and Mechanical
In each category, you can find information and resources to help you diagnose and repair your computer. HP periodically updates the resources and actions in each category to provide you with more troubleshooting options.
To access the troubleshooting categories, click the Troubleshoot
button on the HP Support Assistant home page.
Click a category to find information and resources to help you diagnose or repair the problem.
Click a category button to open troubleshooting information. For example, click Storage Devices
to find information and troubleshoot the hard drive, flash media, and optical drives.
Use the following steps to troubleshoot your storage devices such as hard drives and optical drives, and see the status of flash memory.
Click the Storage Devices
tile to view the available diagnostics for disk drives.
Follow these steps to perform the HP Hard Disk Check:
- The Storage Devices page opens to the Hard Drives tab. The Hard Drives tab lists the drives in the computer, the volumes on each drive, the free space on each volume, as well as the resources available to help you troubleshoot. You can run the Disk Defragmenter or check the hard drives.Click the arrows next to HP Hard Disk Check to open the HP Hard Disk Check tool.
- If the Welcome to HP Hard Drive Check screen displays, click Next .
- Select the drives you want to test, and then click the arrows next to Start the test .
NOTE:This test can last up to six minutes per drive. - Wait while the drive is being tested. This screen displays the percent complete, and the time remaining.
- When the testing is complete, review the test results. Click the X in the upper right to close the Hard Drive Check and return to the Storage Devices screen.
- If the drive failed the test, write down the Failure ID , and then click Action Needed .
- To resolve the problem, click Get Assistance , click Contact HP , and select a contact option, and provide the failure ID to the support agent.
NOTE:Use the Call with Data Transfer contact option if it is available.
Follow these steps to check the optical drives:
- To check the optical drives (CD/DVD), click the Optical Drives tab. The Optical Drive tab lists the optical drives in the computer and the resources available to help you troubleshoot problems with them.To check the optical disc drives (ODD), click the arrows next to HP Optical Drive Check .
NOTE:This test can take up to six minutes to complete. - If the Welcome to HP Optical Disc Drive Check screen displays, click the arrows next to Next . Select the optical drive you want to test, and click the arrows next to Next .
- Insert a disc for testing.If you want to do write testing, insert a blank, writeable CD or DVD, close the tray, and click the arrows next to Next .If you do not have blank media for testing, insert a CD or DVD that has data on it, and click Skip . Read-only testing will be performed.
- Wait while the media is identified, and then click the arrows next to Next to start the test.
NOTE:The disc in this example is a data disc, so a Read test will be performed. - Wait while the drive is being tested.
- When the testing is complete, review the test results and make any recommended actions. Click the X in the upper right to close the Optical Disc Drive Check and return to the Storage Devices screen.
NOTE:Since the disc in this example was not blank, the write check and the erase check were skipped.
To learn how to back up your computer or your files, to make recovery discs, or to see whether a recovery drive is available on the computer, click the Backup and Recovery
tab.
The following options are available:
- Backup and recovery - Open the Help and Support Center to read topics about backup and recovery.
- Microsoft Windows System Restore - Windows System Restore can help fix problems that might be making your computer run slowly or stop responding. System Restore does not affect any of your documents, pictures, or other personal data. However, recently installed programs and drivers might be uninstalled.
- Backup and Restore Center - Schedule a time to back up the computer or to restore files from a backup.
Use the tools in the Network and Internet Connectivity section to see if your computer is connected to the network, get technical information about the network, run diagnostics, renew your IP address, see all available wireless networks, and link to articles to help you better understand and troubleshoot networking problems.
- Click the Network and Internet Connectivity tile to view the network and Internet information and troubleshooting tools.
- The Network and Internet Connectivity screen shows the status of all the network devices installed on the computer, and whether they are connected to a network.Click the arrows next to Internet tools to open Help and Support Center and view help topics about Internet connectivity. Click the arrows next to Visit the HP Support Forums to view the forums and post questions about Internet connectivity.
- To test the network and Internet connections, click the arrows next to HP Network Check .
NOTE:This test takes about one minute to complete. - If the Welcome to HP Network Check window opens, click the arrows next to Next .
- Wait while the tool gathers the information.
- When the test is finished, the results display on the screen showing the network status, including IP addresses and MAC addresses. If a wireless network adapter is installed, the test detects and displays all wireless networks within range.In the Related Tools area of the results screen, you can click Test URL to check the network, renew the network (DHCP), perform Windows network diagnostics, and get help with the Windows firewall.
The Performance and Software category provides shortcuts to performance information, common tasks that can increase performance, as well as a link to purchase HP Performance Tune-Up Service.
- Click the Performance and Software tile to open the category.
- The Performance and Software category opens to the Performance tab.
- Use the following performance resources:
- Performance
- Clear Internet Explorer's temporary Internet files
- Buy HP Performance Tune-Up Service
- Empty Recycle bin
- Clear Temporary folder
- Click the Software, drivers and BIOS tab to see the operating system, the system BIOS version, installed software programs and drivers, and to add or remove programs. You can also visit the HP Support Forums and purchase HP SmartFriend Assistance.
The Power, Thermal and Mechanical window displays the power status and battery charge status. You can also view a Help and Support topic about power plans.
To run a battery check, click the arrows next to Battery Check
. The battery check starts.
When you click the Around the Computer tile, the Keyboard, Mouse and Other Devices tab opens. This tab shows the keyboards and pointing devices (mouse, touchpad) connected to the computer. Click Pointing Device (mouse/touchpad) settings
to open the settings window.
Click the Printing and Imaging
tab to view the status of printers, scanners, faxes, and other devices connected to the computer. Click View Printers
to open the Printers window. You can also visit the HP Support Forums.
Click the Graphics, Video, and Display
tile to view the graphics information and visit the HP Support Forums. Some of the information displayed on this screen includes the type of graphics adapter, the screen resolution and refresh rate, and the graphics driver version.
Click the General Specifications
tile to view the computer information, in case you need to contact support or want to upgrade the memory, for example. The General Specifications screen also provides shortcuts to the Ease of Access Center, the Support and Troubleshooting page on HP.com for your computer model, and the User Guides.
Some of the information displayed on this screen includes the serial number, product name and number, the processor, system memory, graphics adapter, screen resolution, network, drives, and BIOS version. Be sure you scroll down to see all the information.
Use the resources in the Warranty and Services category to check the warranty status of your computer and get online information specifically for your product.
- Click the Warranty and Services tile.
- The Information Request screen displays. To have HP Support Assistant check the warranty status of your computer, click Yes, I agree to send data to HP to check my warranty status .
NOTE:You must be connected to the Internet to have HP Support Assistant get information on your product warranty. - Wait while the information is retrieved.
Testing using HP System Diagnostics
HP System Diagnostics is a program built into the BIOS of your computer and is a quick and easy way to identify basic computer hardware problems. Since it is built into the BIOS, HP System Diagnostics can be opened even when you cannot open the computer to Windows.

NOTE:Some computers that came with Windows Vista may not have HP System Diagnostics.
Complete the following steps to open HP System Diagnostics:
- Turn off the computer.
- Use one of the following methods:
- Turn on the computer and immediately press the F2 key repeatedly, about once every second, until the HP System Diagnostics program opens.
- Turn on the computer and immediately press the Escape key repeatedly, about once every second, until the Startup menu opens. Then press F2 .
The System Diagnostics window allows you to run several diagnostic tests. Each test determines if the hardware is functioning properly, and displays an error message and a warranty ID if there is a hardware failure.
The UEFI System Diagnostic is available on most HP notebook PCs, manufactured after late-2008. An updated BIOS and updated System DIAGNOSTIC may be available for your computer. If so, download and install the BIOS and then install the UEFI. On the
Software & Driver Downloads
page, select both the BIOS and the HP System Diagnostics (UEFI) updates. See
Updating the BIOS
for more information.
Select the F2 option on the Startup Menu to access the following diagnostic tests. Most of the tests run until you press the esc
key to cancel. Read a section below for more information.
The Start-Up test analyzes the core system components that are required to boot the computer, including memory, the system board, chipset, CPU, and hard disk. Use the start-up test whenever the computer fails to boot properly. This diagnostic is highly accurate and determines if the problem is hardware-related or software-related in about ten to fifteen minutes.
The following tests are performed in sequence.
- Memory test
- Hard Drive Quick test
- SMART check
The Run-In Test repeats the Start-Up Test and checks for intermittent problems that the short start-up test does not detect. The test will run continuously until it is manually stopped by pressing the esc
key.
Use the Run-In Test to determine the cause of intermittent problems. For example, if the computer boots correctly and suddenly shuts down due to a critical error, the Run-In Test attempts to detect the root cause of the problem. Additionally, if the computer does not boot at all, the Run-In Test attempts to determine the cause of the boot failure.
The Hard Disk Test analyzes the physical condition of the hard disk, and then checks every bit of data in every sector on the hard disk. If the test detects a damaged sector, it attempts to retrieve the data from that sector and move it to a good sector. It also marks the damaged sector, so that the computer does not attempt to write data to this sector again.
The Hard Disk Test may take an hour or more, depending on the size of the hard drive.
- Quick test
- Full test
- SMART check
The Error Log provides a historical record of the diagnostic tests and their results. This log is particularly valuable when you can contact HP Customer Service for assistance.
See the Failure Codes and recommended actions
for information on the individual codes and recommended actions.
If you see a failure code after the system diagnostic tests complete, write it down and contact HP for support. Otherwise, the agent may want you to go through the diagnostic testing process again to obtain the failure ID.
The HP failure code contains four fields of six characters each, such as XXXXXX-XXXXXX-XXXXXX-XXXXXX
,
where X is an alpha-numeric character.

NOTE:Having a failure code does not mean that your computer is still under warranty. The warranty start date on the computer determines if it is still under warranty. The agent can assist you with this when you contact HP.
The BIOS displays the following error codes and messages. The error code consists of two parts. The first byte represents the Field Replaceable Unit (FRU), and the second byte represents the test that failed. If you receive an error code, contact HP with the Error Code for assistance. You are encouraged to contact an HP support agent for assistance because an error code may indicate different conditions or corrective actions depending on the specific models.
| FRU | Code |
|---|---|
| System Board | X0 |
| CPU | X1 |
| Memory | X2 |
| Hard Disk | X3 |
| Optical CD/DVD Disk | X4 |
| BIOS | X5 |
| Battery | X6 |
| Wireless | X7 |
| Test Description | Failure Description | Error Code | Possible Corrective Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product Information | Invalid value | 00A | |
| Start-up Test | Memory Module | 200 | You can attempt to reseat the memory module and then repeat the test. See Computer Does not Start (Windows 7, Vista, XP) for details on troubleshooting start-up issues. If the memory module still fails, contact HP Support. |
| Start-up Test | Hard Disk 1 SMART | 301 | You can attempt to reseat the hard drive and repeat the test. The hard disk drive may have failed. Contact HP Support for further assistance. |
| Start-up Test | Hard Disk 2 SMART | 302 | The hard disk drive may have failed. Contact HP Support for further assistance. |
| Start-up Test | Hard Disk 1 Quick | 303 | The hard disk drive may have failed. Contact HP Support for further assistance. |
| Start-up Test | Hard Disk 2 Quick | 304 | The hard disk drive may have failed. Contact HP Support for further assistance. |
| Run-in Test | Memory Module | 200 | You can attempt to reseat the memory module and then repeat the test. See Computer Does not Start (Windows 7, Vista, XP) for details on troubleshooting start-up issues. If the memory module still fails, contact HP Support. |
| Run-in Test | Hard Disk 1 SMART | 301 | You can attempt to reseat the hard drive and repeat the test. The hard disk drive may have failed. Contact HP Support for further assistance. |
| Run-in Test | Hard Disk 2 SMART | 302 | The hard disk drive may have failed. Contact HP Support for further assistance. |
| Run-in Test | Hard Disk 1 Quick | 303 | The hard disk drive may have failed. Contact HP Support for further assistance. |
| Run-in Test | Hard Disk 2 Quick | 304 | The hard disk drive may have failed. Contact HP Support for further assistance. |
| Hard Disk Test | Hard Disk 1 SMART | 301 | You can attempt to reseat the hard drive and repeat the test. The hard disk drive may have failed. Contact HP Support for further assistance. |
| Hard Disk Test | Hard Disk 2 SMART | 302 | The hard disk drive may have failed. Contact HP Support for further assistance. |
| Hard Disk Test | Hard Disk 1 Quick | 303 | The hard disk drive may have failed. Contact HP Support for further assistance. |
| Hard Disk Test | Hard Disk 2 Quick | 304 | The hard disk drive may have failed. Contact HP Support for further assistance. |
| Hard Disk Test | Hard Disk 1 Full | 305 | The hard disk drive may have failed. Contact HP Support for further assistance. |
| Hard Disk Test | Hard Disk 2 Full | 306 | The hard disk drive may have failed. Contact HP Support for further assistance. |
| BGA Detect | BGA Integrity | 001 | |
| Boot Device Manager | Boot device not found | 3F0 | This indicates a potential problem with the hard drive. Please run the hard drive test. See Testing a Hard Disk from the BIOS for more information. |
| Boot Device Manager | Hard Disk 1 Error | 3F1 | This indicates a potential problem with the hard drive. Please run the hard drive test. See Testing a Hard Disk from the BIOS for more information. |
| Boot Device Manager | Hard Disk 2 Error | 3F2 | This indicates a potential problem with the hard drive. Please run the hard drive test. See Testing a Hard Disk from the BIOS for more information. |
| Boot Device Manager | Hard Disk 1 SMART | 301 | This indicates a potential problem with the hard drive. Please run the hard drive test. See Testing a Hard Disk from the BIOS for more information. |
| Boot Device Manager | Hard Disk 2 SMART | 302 | This indicates a potential problem with the hard drive. Please run the hard drive test. See Testing a Hard Disk from the BIOS for more information. |
| BIOS Recovery | BIOS Recovery Occurred | 500 | This is message indicates that BIOS recovery was completed successfully. No further action is required. |
| BIOS Application | BIOS Application Error | 501 | The BIOS installation may have become corrupted. Download the latest version of the BIOS and install it. See
Updating the BIOS
for more information. If re-installing the BIOS fails, contact HP support for further assistance. |
| CMOS Recovery | CMOS Recovery Occurred | 502 | This is message indicates that CMOS recovery was completed successfully. No further action is required. |
| Battery Check | Primary Battery Replace | 601 | This indicates that the primary battery has very low capacity. See Testing and Calibrating the Battery (Windows 7) or Testing the Battery (Windows Vista) for details on using the HP Support Assistant to verify the battery capacity and, if necessary, order a replacement. |
| Battery Check | Secondary Battery Replace | 602 | This indicates that the secondary battery has very low capacity. See Testing and Calibrating the Battery (Windows 7) or Testing the Battery (Windows Vista) for details on using the HP Support Assistant to verify the battery capacity and, if necessary, order a replacement. |
| Wireless Module | Not installed or responding | 701 | Reseat the wireless LAN adapter module, if your notebook supports it. Because seating or reseating a wireless LAN adapter is unique to each HP notebook PC model, it is recommended that you go to www.hp.com and perform a search using the keywords reseat wireless . When the list of articles appears on the search results page, look for any articles that match your notebook model. Not all notebooks support the ability to remove and/or install a wireless LAN adapter module. If the memory module still fails, contact HP Support. |
| Fan | Fan not operating correctly | 90B | The system fan may be malfunctioning. For information on troubleshooting heat-related issues, see Fan is Noisy and Spins Constantly, PC is Warmer than Normal . It is also recommended that you perform a hard reset as that can sometimes restore the system fan to working order. See Use Hard Reset to Resolve Hardware and Software Issues for details. If the system fan continues to malfunction, contact HP support. |
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