Resolved Computer will not boot up

I have been lurker on this site for years and have found it to be a great resource. This is my first post here so please excuse any rule violations. I have not encountered any problems severe enough until now that required me to post so here we go.

Here is the problem I am encountering.

My laptop computer that is primarily used on docking station so battery has not been properly exercised and does not hold charge well. I was running on AC power supply when power cord became unplugged and computer turned off immediately.

I reconnected power supply turned on computer and Windows XP screen appeared but would not start up. My brief research lead me to think it is hardware problem and directed me to perform system recovery. Restarted computer again and used esc key to get to start up menu. Message appeared stating problem with battery. Attempted to begin system recovery and password prompt box appeared. Entered password and it was rejected as incorrect. Traveling and out of time to deal with problem, turned computer off.

Back home, turned computer on and now HP screen appears but goes no further. Does not respond to esc key or ctrl/alt/delete. I am stuck!

I will add that I am novice user and diligently keep all programs updated, have anti virus protection and perform maintenance regularly.

Any help with my problem would be appreciated.

 

Update. Removed battery. Hooked up to AC power supply. Turned on, HP screen appears. Hit esc, menu appears. F2 system diagnostics, F4 hard drive test. Hard disk test failed, disk not installed. This does not look good.

 

It doesn't I'm afraid, You could try running the manufacturers diagnostics (if you know the model of the drive then post it here). Or installing the drive in another system (with laptop drives ie 2.5" it'd probably be easier to install it in an external enclosure).

 

Still barely under HP 3 year warranty. Sending back today for hard drive replacement.

Thankfully, I heeded the advice of many and backed up often so I should be back in business soon.

 

Good call (I had assumed it would be out of warranty, my bad), let us know how things go.