Image Update Causes Chromebook to Stop Responding on Restart

Summary: The following article provides information about a No Post issue with the Chromebook 3120 during a restart after an image update.

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.
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Symptoms

The Chromebook 3120 may stop responding during the No Power-On Self-Test (POST) stage of restarting after an image update. The Chromebook turns on but stops responding before video is displayed on-screen after an update using either a USB drive or the Auto Update.

Note: Some people may mistakenly believe that their Chromebook is Not Powering on. This is not what is happening. A No Power is where there are no signs of life when the AC adapter is connected or you press the devices power button. However, the Chromebook involved here is giving signs of life before it stops responding. It does not finish booting into Chrome, so it is a "No POST" issue you are experiencing.

Cause

The turn off (Power down) sequence does not meet Intel's specifications because of an abnormal cold reboot. The Central Processor Unit (CPU) stops responding the next time the Chromebook starts up. When the Chromebook stops responding, it displays No POST symptoms.

Resolution

Using the ChromeOS Automatic Update Resolves the Start Up Issue

A solution to this problem is in Firmware version 15217.504.0 for the R124 Auto Update. (Which was released starting from the beginning of June 2024.)

Additional Information

Resetting the Embedded Controller (EC) is the best way to see if the Chromebook can be recovered.

  • An EC reset can be done by pressing "Refresh + Power Button."

If the issue still happens, you can use the following recovery method:

  • Connect the power adapter to the USB-C port.
  • Press "Refresh + Power Button," then unplug the power adapter within 5 seconds.
  • Wait for 20 seconds, plug the power adapter to the Chromebook, and it is expected to turn on and boot.

Affected Products

Chromebook 3120
Article Properties
Article Number: 000227458
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 31 Oct 2025
Version:  7
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