Stuck on background image without login-unable to reboot or power off

martinovich · 01 Oct 2017

I have an HP Pavillion 2.0 hybrid which is currently stuck on a stock image that should appear behind the login prompt. However, no login prompt appears, and there is no shut down/re-start button visible. Holding down the power button on the side of the machine causes the screen to flicker briefly, but the machine does not shut down. When I swipe or touch the screen the time and date appear and disappear, but I still don't get a login box or a restart button (only the battery life and wifi strength images are visible). How can I re-boot if I can't shut down? Ctrl-Alt-Del won't work.

Plankton · 01 Oct 2017

I would pull the battery for 10 minutes.....while the battery is out, press and hold down the power button for 30 to completely discharge it. After 10 minutes.....reinstall the battery and power up as normal.

dalchina · 01 Oct 2017

Has this just suddenly happened or was there a history of symptoms before this?

Assuming it still will not boot, and assuming you can get it to boot from an external disk:
Try downloading and booting from Kyhi's boot disk, available from the top of the Software and Apps section here, then run HD Tune (on the disk- see picture where you download it) and use the Health tab to check the SMART params of your disks.
You can also use the Error Scan to check your system disk.

Gordon7 · 01 Oct 2017

You have to disconnect the AC power adapter from your laptop, before pulling the battery pack!

Then you can do the discharging procedure - holding the power bottom pressed in for 30-60 sec.

martinovich · 01 Oct 2017

Thanks for the advice folks. Unfortunately I can't remove the battery as it is a hybrid laptop-tablet and the battery is sealed into the tablet section.

No symptoms before this. And not sure how I can boot from an external disk if I can't get it to shut down first?

dalchina · 01 Oct 2017

So this is your machine..?
Spec Sheet

CPU: 1.33GHz Intel Atom Z3736F (quad-core, 2MB cache, 2.16GHz with Turbo Boost)
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics
RAM: 2GB DDR3L SDRAM
Screen: 10.1-inch, 1,280 x 800 WXGA WLED IPS touchscreen display
Storage: 32GB eMMC
Ports: 1 x USB 2.0; 1 x micro HDMI; headphone/mic combo jack; microSD card reader
Connectivity: 802.11b WLAN and Bluetooth
Camera: HP TrueVision HD Webcam (front-facing) with integrated digital microphone
Weight: 2.61 pounds (1.12kg)
Size: 10.39 x 6.81 x 0.78 inches (W x D x H) (264 x 173 x 19.81mm)

HP Pavilion x2 review: Specifications and performance | TechRadar

martinovich · 01 Oct 2017

HI Dalchina, Actually I have the 64GB version, Intel Atom Z8300 (1.44GhZ) Processor, 2048 MB DDR3 SDRAM.

dalchina · 01 Oct 2017

Sounds like an issue we can't help with as it's so tied to your hardware..

martinovich · 01 Oct 2017

OK, well thanks for clarifying that at least. And thanks for your attempts to answer this too. Appreciated.

dalchina · 01 Oct 2017

Sorry can't help more... someone might yet have a bright idea. See what happens when the battery discharges...