BSOD says :Boot Device not found, install an operating disk on your Hard Disc;Hard Disk(3F0)

[Shakeln]

Got a BSOD (not a full screen) after downloading  three slimware drivers, but do not remember which ones.  I F2 'd, F8'd: able to get to UEFI screen & ran more that one Hard drive Quick & long test both "passed". BSOD : says Boot Device not found; Please install an operating system on my hard disk; Hard Disk:  (3F0);F2 System Diagnostics (ran & passed).  Have Windows 10 Home Version 1809 , 64  ;installed when born; Have ATT wireless bundle, .  What should I do first & How??  Thanks, NAShakely

[Lil_Boy_Blue]

Hi

You have done the F2 Diagnostic, and the HDD passed?
First:- Turn off the computer, press and hold the PWR button for 4 seconds.

Then - Leave only keyboard and mouse connected, disconnect all externally connected
devices such as Docking Station, USB storage devices, displays, and printers.
Unplug the AC adapter from the computer.

Next - Press and Hold the Power button for 15 seconds to Hard Reset.
Rinse and Repeat; Re-Connect the AC adapter.

NOW begin checking/testing/proving the Hardware is fit for purpose.
Power on your PC, press ESC (repeatedly), then F2 at the prompt.
Choose System Tests (Fast Test does a 4 minute hardware check).

So next could be a software Repair/Rebuild/Recovery/Re-install

From 2016 onwards there is a possible recovery option via the cloud...
HP Consumer PCs - Using the HP Cloud Recovery Tool (Windows 7 & 10)
https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c06162205

Turn off the computer.

Disconnect all connected devices and cables, Media Drives, USB drives, printers, & faxes.
Remove media from internal drives, and remove any recently added internal hardware.
Do not disconnect the monitor, keyboard, mouse, or power cord.

F11 will WIPE your DATA, that is absolutely everything if it runs.

Turn on the computer and repeatedly press the F11 key, about once every second,
until the Choose an option screen is displayed, and then continue.

On the Choose an Option screen, click Troubleshoot, and work your way through the screens.

Second Part:-
This may require another PC. Find and Download your .iso from…

W10 should activate automagically from the embedded licence key.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10


Expand/Extract/Burn the iso Image onto a DVD/USB as needed.
Microsoft’s Creator Tool will make the required DVD or USB.

Even though it has NO actual HP software/drivers included, you may be able to
XCOPY the C:\Users\* area onto a ‘large’ USB stick, via the Command Prompt.

You’ll need to try various drive letters; D:..-..Z: until it’s matched - could be G; mine’s S:

C:\>XCOPY C:\Users\* S:\ /e /i /h (then files like those 3 listed below get copied over)

C:\Users\desktop.ini
C:\Users\All Users\agent.1509128044.bdinstall.bin
C:\Users\All Users\HP Deskjet 2540 series\Help\flash\zoom.swf

Then you can try System Recovery Options / Advanced Options shown in the screenshots.

NB: - W10 Begin with the Automatic Repair, then Startup Settings etc.

From either the C:\ or the X:\ prompt try the following

cd boot
bootrec /FixBoot
bootrec /RebuildBCD

If the above FAILS then please try:-

http://www.thewindowsclub.com/install-windows-10-from-usb