Stuck at Blue Screen on start up

My MacBook Pro gets stuck on the blue screen at start up. Have tried all the obvious fixes but no joy.
I put my mac in target mode and connected to another MacBook Pro
Then selected my HDD as the start up disc, rebooted, and this worked fine, i was able to run my HDD and all software fine.
I conclude this shows i have a hardware problem on my mac.
Can anyone please give me a clue as to what it might be? or is it time for a visit to the apple store (and a remortgage on the house)?
Many thanks Phil.

I know you already mentioned that you "Tried all the obvious fixes" but this is the first thing that came to mind when I read your problem.
Hold down the power button until your Macintosh shuts off.
Then hold down the power button until the white light on the front of your Macintosh starts flashing rapidly.
Then release the button and see if your device boots up normally.
I had this very same problem happen to me a few weeks ago and I was able to solve it by doing those few steps.
Hope this helps!
-Benjamin

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