Elitebook 850 G8 boot loop

[zoah666]

I have an Elitebook 850 G8 that got stuck in a boot loop after restoring a system image. It's stuck on the "HP/Wolf Security" logo and won't go any further. I can't access the BIOS settings or hardware tests, or any of the other options; it just shows the "delwhida" option message and then restarts. I tried leaving it like that to see if it would automatically reset (it's supposed to self-repair), but it didn't. I tried holding the power button for 39 seconds to supposedly erase the system image, but that didn't work either. I tried disconnecting the main battery, but nothing changed. I tried removing the SSD, and nothing changed. I even tried removing one of the RAM modules; it detected the change, but it's still stuck.

The Caps Lock and Num Lock LEDs (which indicate a hardware problem) don't light up, and there are no beeps to indicate any malfunction. Only the HP logo loops. The operating system never loads.

What can I do to get my equipment back?

[Deep_World]

Hi  @zoah666 
 
Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thank you for reaching out. 

I can certainly understand how concerning this situation is, especially after already trying several advanced troubleshooting steps. I appreciate the detailed information you've shared.
 

Based on your description, it appears the system is not progressing past the HP/Wolf Security screen and continues to restart before loading Windows or allowing access to BIOS or HP Hardware Diagnostics. Since the issue persists even after removing the SSD, disconnecting the battery, and testing the memory modules, we'd like to gather a few more details to better understand the behaviour.
 

Could you kindly confirm :

• Did the restart loop begin immediately after the image restoration process completed?
• Are you able to access the Startup Menu by repeatedly tapping the Esc key immediately after powering on the notebook?
• When the message referencing "HP/Wolf Security" appears, do you see any error codes, QR codes, or additional messages on the screen?

In the meantime, kindly try the below steps and confirm : 

Perform a CMOS Reset - Click here for steps 

1. Turn off the notebook.
2. Disconnect the AC adapter.
3. Press and hold the Windows Key + V together.
4. While holding these keys, press and hold the Power button for 2-3 seconds, then release the Power button while continuing to hold Windows + V for another 15-20 seconds.
5. Check if the BIOS recovery screen appears.

Attempt BIOS Recovery Using Windows + B - Click here for steps  

1. Connect the AC adapter.
2. Turn the notebook off.
3. Press and hold Windows + B.
4. While holding the keys, press and hold the Power button for 2-3 seconds.
5. Release the Power button but continue holding Windows + B for up to 40 seconds.
6. If the BIOS Recovery utility appears, follow the on-screen instructions.

Test with Minimal Hardware

Since you've already removed the SSD and tested memory changes, kindly test:

• One RAM module at a time (if two modules are installed).
• Different memory slots, if available.
• Remove any external USB devices, docking stations, SD cards, or accessories connected to the system.

If the unit still remains stuck at the HP logo and does not allow access to BIOS, Startup Menu, or Diagnostics, it may indicate firmware corruption or a motherboard-level issue requiring further diagnosis.

I hope this helps.