Notebook Keeps Rebooting Every (3) Seconds ??

[Katmandu]

I have a HP ZE 4400 here that after the power button is pushed, it will reboot itself after (3) seconds. It continues this rebooting issue until the system is turned off.

It will not turn off using the power button since in reverts to the battery. I have to pull the battery to get it to turn off.

What's going on here ?

TIA

 

[Xantus]

Try to disconnect the battery and the power and if possible try to clean the button, maybe the connection is faulty.

 

[Katmandu]

Originally posted by: Xantus
Try to disconnect the battery and the power and if possible try to clean the button, maybe the connection is faulty.

Still does it on and off battery power as well. No difference.

Any other ideas ?

Could it be the thermal paste on the CPU dried out or maybe the thermal chip on the motherboard ?

How do I troubleshoot this problem ?????

 

[Xantus]

Does it reboot itself if enter the setup? If not your os could be damaged.

 

[Katmandu]

Originally posted by: Xantus
Does it reboot itself if enter the setup? If not your os could be damaged.

It doesn't even get to Setup before it Reboots itself.

I tried another HD and that's futile because it's rebooting BEFORE it even starts looking for the HD. I reset the RAM module and no difference.

I'm in the middle of tearing it all down to check the CPU/Heatsink/Thermal paste issue.

Any other ideas ????

 

[Katmandu]

I tore the laptop down and looked at the CPU/Heatsink connection. The old thermal pad is very discolored and appears wasn't making good contact.

Now, how can I tell if the CPU was actually damaged OR if it was just that the thermal pad deteriorated ???

 

[Old Hippie]

Now, how can I tell if the CPU was actually damaged OR if it was just that the thermal pad deteriorated ???

Short of replacing the CPU, you're not. Replace the paste, and try again.