Try one thing before I tell you what you should have done to check memory.

Cold boot holding down Fn key and Power button. Look for any lights (other then the CAP) that blink. If you find one, repeat boots until you can get blinks count (short, long, etc). 

Did that and no other lights blink, only the one on the caps lock button. I did notice that the power light where the cord is plugged into the laptop stays red for a while before turning blue.

I assume you tried this, but.........does this thing boot on battery?

It does but not now. Never had any issues booting up on battery or A/C.

A bad AC adapter could have drained the battery....we'll get back to that.

As to the memory:

Alternately pull each stick and attempt boot with one stick utilizing each slot.

As an aside:

Just out of curiosity, how did you manage that 2.6 on a 320?

furthering yrag's instructions,

when re-seating the memory make sure that the memory contacts on the module are fully into the socket BEFORE latching down the memory module.

and from my googleing of the specs for rthe laptop,

I found a hp workshop manual (http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c02641795.pdf) that tells me that the craphics is INTEGRATED into the motherboard, and that there is at least two varients of the motherboard(one with an ati 4250 and onr without), and that there is two different amd 2.6 ghz cpus(AMD Turion II N550 and AMD Phenom II P650)and that the TOP processor is a 3ghz AMD Phenom II N660, and the 320 is a valid size of hdd for the machine (ranges from 160gb to 750gb

from the above info,

I would suggest check the memory is properly seated,

then try booting with an external screen and only powersupply(no battery) and ONE memory module at a time,

if neither screen displays with each memory module,

then it is most likely either a ram/motherboard issue or powersupply issue,

the cheapest test is to obtain a clone powersupply to suit the computer and test with it,

and if still faulty ten remove the hdd and BACK UP all the files and data on the hdd , then reinstall it and go to compaqs local service centre and sweettalk them.

hope this helps

harpo

"320" refers to the stock AMD P320 2.1 not the HD. I found no reference to availability of the N550 in that model. My inference was an overclock That said, if that's what he has, that's what he has.

If it boots on one stick, it's memory. Failing that, on a powerup, if all the lights are on (including HD) it's booting without visuals and it's the integrated (aka: MB). If all the lights are on (excluding HD), it's the adapter.  

yrag --- Uvah is not one to run out. He was most likely using another computer to try and work this out and lost access to it. I'm sure as soon as he can get back on you will hear from him.

I'm back. Sunday access is not possible. I tried the memory test yrag. one at a time in each slot. No, change. The light on the caps lock blinks only once but continuously, about once per second. I also tried going with Doc's suggestion and even had all the screws loose but I was unable to open the case. I didn't want to force it. I'm beginning to think the video chip burnt out.

 [quote] that there is at least two varients of the motherboard(one with an ati 4250.....[quote] this is the one I have. If that's done then.....right now I'm hoping its the power supply. Normally when I plug it in the light goes blue. Now its a constant red. I'll see if the battery charges.

For what it's worth, here's my take;

It's one of two things.

The non- sequential blinking indicates a corrupted bios. Additionally, the power button hold should have reset it. The other is the adapter. The latter is far more likely than the former.

Take it to any computer store/shop and have them plug in a good adapter (or if you know anyone with an HP, that will do). Any place that wants a sale will do it for free.

If it boots, buy it.

Thanks yrag.

Don't wear glasses, eh?

Sure I do Dr. Guy. How do you think I was able to tell that I needed a really small screwdriver to open my lappy. I asked one of the staff here if I could borrow a small phillips and he hands me one big enough to take the Eiffel Tower apart. Then I made him look in the directors office. I got one and now its mine. lol. Just wish I could get it fixed.

You will probably just have to bite the bullet on this one Uvah and take it to a PC repair technician.

I know LS but it won't happen any time soon I'm afraid. They are way too expensive and my laptop is past warranty. With my luck it'll be cheaper to buy a new one and that ain't gonna happen.