Testing for Hardware Failures

[wes_notebooks]

HP provides diagnostic software for testing hardware components on your computer and confirm hardware failures.

Start with the Fast Test to quickly identify hardware issues. If the test finds no errors but your computer still exhibits symptoms of a hardware problem, run the Extensive Test.

If a component fails a test, write down the failure ID (24-digit code) for when you contact HP Customer Support. The information is also available in Test Logs on the main menu.

Test Your HP Computer Hardware from Windows | HP Computers | HP (YouTube Video) 

Run the Fast Test (about 4 minutes)

Open HP PC Hardware Diagnostics and run the Fast Test.

1. In Windows, search for and open the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics for Windows app.

   If this app is not on your computer, download the latest version from the HP Hardware Diagnostics website.

2. On the main menu, click System Tests.

3. Click the System Fast Test tab.

4. Click Run once.

   While the test is running, the time remaining and test result for each component displays on the screen.

5. If a component fails a test, write down the failure ID (24-digit code) for when you contact HP Customer Support. The information is also available in Test Logs on the main menu.

   If no system component failed, run the Extensive Test.

Run the Extensive Test (2 hours or more)

Open HP PC Hardware Diagnostics and run the Extensive Test.

1. In Windows, search for and open the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics for Windows app.

2. On the main menu, click System Tests.

3. Click the System Extensive Test tab.

4. Click Run once.

   While the test is running, the time remaining and test result for each component displays on the screen. The test can take 2 or more hours to complete.

5. If a component fails a test, write down the failure ID (24-digit code) for when you contact HP Customer Support. The information is also available in Test Logs on the main menu.

Run tests when Windows doesn't start

Run the Fast Test (about 4 minutes)

Begin the hardware diagnostics by running the Fast Test.

1. Hold the power button for at least five seconds to turn off the computer.

2. Turn on the computer and immediately press Esc repeatedly, about once every second. When the menu appears, press the F2 key.

3. On the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) main menu, click System Tests.

   If the diagnostics are not available when using the F2 menu, run the diagnostics from a USB drive. To download the latest version of the diagnostics, go to the HP Hardware Diagnostics website. For instructions, see the section Testing with HP PC Hardware Diagnostics from an external USB device in this article.

4. Click Fast Test.

5. Click Run once.

   While the test is running, the time remaining and test result for each component displays on the screen.

6. If a component fails a test, write down the failure ID (24-digit code) for when you contact HP Customer Support. The information is also available in Test Logs on the main menu.

   If no system component failed, run the Extensive Test.

Run the Extensive Test (2 hours or more)

Run the Extensive Test if no system component failed during the Quick Test.

1. Hold the power button for at least five seconds to turn off the computer.

2. Turn on the computer and immediately press Esc repeatedly, about once every second. When the menu appears, press the F2 key.

3. On the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) main menu, click System Tests.

4. Click Extensive Test.

5. Click Run once, or Loop until error.

   While the test is running, the time remaining and test result for each component displays on the screen.

6. If a component fails a test, write down the failure ID (24-digit code) for when you contact HP Customer Support. The information is also available in Test Logs on the main menu.

The Fast Test includes:

• Battery check

• Processor check

• System board check

• Hard drive SMART check

• Hard drive short DST check

• Memory fast check

The Extensive Test includes:

• Battery check

• Processor check

• System board check

• Hard drive SMART check

• Hard drive short DST check

• Hard drive optimized DST check

• Hard drive long DST check

• Memory extensive check

• Video memory check

Running Component Tests

The component tests are used to manually select and test the individual computer components.

Opening the Component Tests menu in Windows

Use the following instructions to open the Component Tests menu in Windows.

1. In Windows, search for HP PC Hardware Diagnostics for Windows and select Run as administrator.

2. On the main menu, click Component Tests.

3. Click the plus sign next to each component to expand the selection.

   Your Component Tests menu might be different, depending on the components installed on your computer.

Opening the Component Tests menu when Windows won't start

Use the following steps to open the Component Tests menu.

1. Hold the power button for at least five seconds to turn off the computer.

2. Turn on the computer and immediately press Esc repeatedly, about once every second. When the menu appears, press the F2 key.

3. On the main menu, click Component Tests.

4. The Component Tests menu displays.

   Your Component Tests menu might be different, depending on the components installed on your computer.

Complete list of Component Tests

Select a component Test and follow the on-screen instructions. If a component fails a test, write down the failure ID (24-digit code) for when you contact HP Customer Support. The information is also available in Test Logs on the main menu.

• Processor Test - Quick (10 second) test to make sure all the processors are functioning properly. Click Processor, then click Run once.

• Memory Tests - There are three different memory tests available. Start with the Fast Test (three minutes or more depending on the amount of system memory). If the Fast Test does not find a problem, run the Quick Test (about 10 minutes). (This test is currently not available in the Windows version of the hardware diagnostics.)

  If the Quick Test does not find a problem, run the Extensive Test. It can run once or loop until an error occurs.

• Hard Drive/Storage Tests - There are six hard drive tests, and they can take from 10 minutes to two hours or more to complete.

• Power Tests - Power tests include the Power Source Test, the AC Adapter Test, and the Battery Test.

  • Power Source Test - This test checks that both the battery and the AC adapter are functioning properly.

    To run the test, click Run once. The Power Source test time is 4 minutes. Battery Calibration time is 2 to 4 hours.

  • AC Adapter Test - This interactive test determines if the AC power adapter is functioning properly. This test requires a good battery. HP recommends verifying that your computer can receive power by connecting a known working AC adapter.

    To run the test, click Run once. The test takes 2 minutes to run.

  • Battery Test - The Battery Test checks the battery and allows you to run calibration if needed.

    The Battery Check test time is 2 minutes. Battery Calibration time is 2 to 4 hours.

• Audio Test - The Audio Playback Test checks that the audio device is functioning properly. During the test, a few music notes are played in sequence and then repeated. This test takes one minute to complete.

  To run the test, click Audio, and then click Run once. Choose either the speakers or the headphones. When asked, enter the number of notes you heard.

• Bluetooth Module Test - This test checks that the Bluetooth module is properly detected and enabled for use. (This test is currently not available in the Windows version of the hardware diagnostics.)

  To run the test, click Bluetooth Module, and then click Run once.

• Fingerprint Reader Test - This interactive test checks the fingerprint reader. During the test, you are prompted to swipe a finger over the fingerprint reader. (This test is currently not available in the Windows version of the hardware diagnostics.)

  To run the test, click Fingerprint Reader, and then click Run once.

• Keyboard Test - This interactive test checks the keyboard. This test requires a keyboard.

  To run the test, click Keyboard, and then click Run once.

  The Keyboard Test time is 3 minutes.

  NOTE:Bluetooth devices are not currently supported.

• Mouse/Touchpad Tests - This consists of two tests, the Pointer Test and the Drag and Drop Test.

  To run the tests, click Mouse/Touchpad. Select the test you want to run, and then click Run once. Follow the instructions to complete the test.

  NOTE: Bluetooth devices are not currently supported.

• Network Test - This test checks the network controller. To run this test, connect to a network with a network cable. The test will attempt to configure the network controller using DHCP and communicate with the DHCP server.

  To run the test, click Network, and then click Run Once.

  The Network test time is 1 minute.

• Optical Drive Tests - These tests include the Sequential Read Test, Random Read Test, and Write Read Compare Test.

  To run the test, click Optical Drive. Select one of the tests, and then click Run once. You need to insert a CD or DVD to complete this testing.

  Each test takes 1 to 2 minutes to run.

• Parallel Port Tests - This test lets you select several different parallel ports to test. If the test detects multiple ports, select which parallel port to test. (This test is currently not available in the Windows version of the hardware diagnostics.)

  Select one of the following tests, and then click Run once.

  • Parallel Port Control Register Check - This 1-minute test checks the parallel control registers.

  • Parallel Port Data Register Check - This 1-minute test checks the parallel data registers.

• Serial Port Tests - This test lets you select several different parallel ports to test. If the test detects multiple ports, select which serial port to test. (This test is currently not available in the Windows version of the hardware diagnostics.)

  Select one of the following tests, and then click Run once.

  • Serial Port Register Check - This 1-minute test checks the serial port registers.

  • Serial Port External Loopback Check - This 1-minute interactive test checks the serial ports.

• System Board Test - This test makes sure the components on the system board are functioning properly. (This test is currently not available in the Windows version of the hardware diagnostics.)

  To run the test, click System Board, and then click Run once.

  The System Board Test checks the following components:

  • PCI Device Check - attempts to access all PCI devices listed connected to the system board.

  • Memory Check - attempts to retrieve the total memory size through the UEFI Boot Service. The test compares that value to the total memory size from the SMBIOS table.

  • Video Memory Check - attempts to detect onboard graphic devices and retrieval of video memory information. This includes the base address and video memory size.

  • Audio Check - attempts to initialize the audio controller and codec.

  • USB Check - attempts to find a USB Host Controller in the system.

  The System Board Test takes 30 seconds to complete.

• Thunderbolt Test - This test checks for the presence of the Thunderbolt controller on the system. (This test is currently not available in the Windows version of the hardware diagnostics.)

  To run the test, click Thunderbolt, and then click Run once.

• Touch Screen Test - Quick interactive test to determine if the touch screen is functioning correctly. (This test is currently not available in the Windows version of the hardware diagnostics.)

  To run the test, click Touch Screen, and then click Run once.

• USB Port Test - This interactive test requires a connected external USB device, like a mouse, keyboard, or USB flash drive. (This test is currently not available in the Windows version of the hardware diagnostics.)

  Before running the test, make sure there are no USB devices connected to the port you want to test.

  To start the test, click USB Port, click Run once, and then connect a USB device to the port you want to test.

  Repeat the steps if you need to test other USB ports on the computer.

• Video Tests - This test includes three tests of the video hardware on your computer.

  To run the test, click Video, select one of the following tests, and then click Run Once.

  • Video Memory Fast Check - 3-minute video memory test

  • 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.

• Webcam Connection Test - This test initiates video streaming on the webcam. If the test detects multiple webcams, select the webcam you want to test. (This test is currently not available in the Windows version of the hardware diagnostics.)

  The run the test, click Webcam Connection, and then click Run once.

• Wireless Module Test - This test checks that the BIOS detects the wireless module and that it is enabled.

  To run the test, click Wireless Module, and then click Run once.

  The Wireless Module Test takes 30 seconds to complete.

The following table describes the available component tests.

Component test	What the test does	Test duration	What the test does not check	Interactive/Non-interactive
Processor	Validates if all processors are functioning and initialized by the BIOS.	10 seconds	Thermals, processor performance speed	Non-interactive
Memory - Fast	Runs algorithms on memory which include March LR, Random Address, and Data Pattern.	3+ minutes for 4 GB	Thermals	Non-interactive
Memory - Quick	Runs algorithms on memory which include March LR, Random Address, and Data Pattern plus additional test cases.	10 minutes for 4 GB	Thermals	Non-interactive
Memory - Extensive	Runs algorithms on memory which include March LR, Random Address, and Data Pattern plus additional test cases.	45 minutes for 4 GB	Thermals	Non-interactive
Hard Drive - Quick	SMART Check + Short DST Check.	3 minutes		Non-interactive
Hard Drive - Extensive	SMART Check + Short DST Check + Optimized DST + Long DST.	2 hours and 15 minutes		Non-interactive
Hard Drive - SMART Check	Monitors drive attributes and determines if drive reaches its threshold.	30 seconds		Non-interactive
Hard Drive - Short DST	Reads a small percentage of the sectors on the drive for errors independent of system.	2 minutes		Non-interactive
Hard Drive - Optimized DST	A read test on the sectors of the drive used by the OS.	10 minutes		Non-interactive
Hard Drive - Long DST	A read test on all the sectors of the drive.	2 hours		Non-interactive
AC Adapter	Tests to determine if the AC power adapter is functioning properly.	2 minutes		Non-interactive
Audio	Tests the system audio subsystem functions, including audio controllers and codecs.	60 seconds per Audio output port		Interactive
Battery	Checks battery data and determines if battery is working properly.	2 minutes		Non-interactive
Bluetooth Module	Checks for the detection of the Bluetooth module.	30 seconds	Bluetooth communication	Non-interactive
Fingerprint Reader	Test to check the fingerprint reader.	1 minute	Security verification	Interactive
Keyboard	Test to check each key on the keyboard.	3 minutes	Multi-media buttons, Bluetooth devices	Interactive
Mouse	Test checking the pointer and drag/drop functions.	3 minutes	Scroll, Bluetooth devices	Interactive
Network	Checks the network controller for cable connection and an IP address obtained via DHCP.	60 seconds	Data transfer	Non-interactive
Optical Drive	Interactive; tests the read and write features of the optical drive.	2 minutes per test	Media quality	Non-interactive
Parallel Port	Checks the parallel port registers.	30 seconds		Non-interactive
Serial Port	Checks the serial port registers.	30 seconds		Non-interactive
System Board	Accesses, lists, and verifies communication with all PCI devices. Checks internal bus lanes, memory, video memory, audio and USB.	30 seconds	RTC battery, PCIMA slots, express card ports, serial ports, parallel port	Non-interactive
Touch Screen	Test checks touch screen response.	3 minutes	Calibration	Interactive
USB Port	Tests the connectivity of the USB ports.	60 seconds per port	Write test	Interactive
Video Memory	Tests the video controller subsystem.	20 minutes	Graphics Processor Unit, thermals	Non-interactive
Video Palette	Tests the color values.	1 minute	Graphics Processor Unit	Interactive
Webcam Connection	Test to detect a connected webcam.	30 seconds		Interactive
Wireless Module	Reads the BIOS information regarding the status of the WLAN controller.	30 seconds	Connectivity	Non-interactive

Installing HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI

When you are unable to start Windows, download HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI at the HP Hardware Diagnostics website.

Install the Hardware Diagnostics to a blank USB drive if necessary. Access them from a USB drive by disabling Secure Boot.

1. On the HP Hardware Diagnostics website in the Unable To Boot Windows, Or Is Windows Locked Up? section, click Download HP Diagnostics UEFI.

2. Choose where to save the file and click Save.

3. Navigate to the folder on your computer or the flash drive where you downloaded the .exe file and double-click the .exe file.

   The InstallShield wizard opens.

4. Click Next.

5. Accept the terms of the license agreement and click Next.

6. Choose where to save the files and click Next.

   NOTE: The InstallShield Wizard automatically saves the files on the computer hard drive.

7. Select the language for the installation. Then click OK.

8. Click Next to open the Setup Wizard.

9. Select the installation location for the Hardware Diagnostics program, then click Next.

   • To download onto the computer to test, select UEFI Partition on Hard Drive.

   • To download to a USB drive, select USB Flash Drive.

10. Click Install.

11. Click Yes to create the HP_TOOLS partition.

12. Wait while the software installs. Click Finish to close the wizard.

Testing with HP PC Hardware Diagnostics from an external USB device

If the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics cannot test the computer from the hard drive, run the tests from a USB device. To do so, download and install the latest version of HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) on a USB device.

1. Turn off the computer.

2. Insert the USB device with the PC Hardware Diagnostics into a USB port on the computer.

3. Turn on the computer, then press the Esc key repeatedly until the Startup menu displays.

   NOTE:

   If you cannot start the computer from the USB storage device, temporarily disable Secure Boot from the BIOS. 

4. Press F2 to select System Diagnostics.

5. Select your preferred language from the list.

   The HP PC Hardware Diagnostics home page opens, showing the version number and USB.

   The system is ready to begin testing.

[JenJen42]

Bluetooth has failed on my three-week-old Spectre, and this is so far my last-ditch effort to try and save this $1500 purchase. Could you offer some explanation as to why your support tool doesn't diagnose Bluetooth issues? I can't get help from your technicians despite purchasing a Care Pack, and I can't get help via your onboard tools, and no one with this problem online seems to have found a solution. I'm so, so disappointed with this purchase so far based on my experience of your support tools and service.