I'm trying to fix this HP for a friend and can't get it working. Here's what happens:
Every time you turn the computer on, it shows the splash image from HP and stays there. On the bottom there's 3 options:
ESC = Boot Menu
F1 = Setup
F10 = System Recovery
Well, none of them work. I originally guessed the problem would be with the hard drive (WD2500 Sata), but that was wrong.
I took the hard drive out, and keep trying to access the System BIOS, with no results. If I click one of the above mentioned keys, nothing happens.
If I try to shut it off, I have to hold the power key for 5 secs, it does not do it automatically (like it would happen before the OS started).
Any ideas of what might have caused the problem and how to solve it?

Thanks a lot
(I didn't know where to post a BIOS problem, that's why is here on hardware, even if is a little of topic... sorry about that)

If the KBoard is USB and the BIOS has reverted to default due to weak battery you may not have KBoard functionality. Do you know if the HP originally came with a USB KB? You might try a PS/2 KBoard. If the KBoard then functions try SETUP and enable Legusy USB support in the BIOS screens. Check to see if the time and date are correct. An old date is an indication the battery is dead. If the machine is left plugged in to a hot outlet the settings should hold until the battery can be changed.

I'm using a PS/2 Keyboard from the beginning.

Try loading a diagnostics program on startup ie. Bart PE.....

Good Luck :

JiffyTech Services

I'm running on RedBull!

ops, I forgot to mention:
I tried to boot it from the CD with ERD 2005, Windows XP, Mem test, Hiren's Boot Cd....
Nothing worked.
And it does not have a Floppy Disk.

i recently had a pc that just stopped like that and would not enter the bios etc and that was cured by replacing the ram

Do you have extended warranty?
Does the computer beep on startup?
Good Luck :

JiffyTech Services

I'm running on RedBull!

I will try take the ram of and try some different ones.
I'm crossing my fingers...

Bingo!!!!!
It was the RAM!
Thank all you guys, specially cliffpage, for the winning call.

Not too often RAM goes bad. I suggest you try that RAM again. Contacts get oxidation on them and just the action of R&Ring usually is suffiecent to screb it off. Some suggest using an eraser to clean the contacts on the RAM.