Black Screen Preparing Automatic Repair

[trsha4au]

Windows 10 two year old HP Envy x360 Notebook has black screen and is in a loop "Preparing Automatic Repair". After a long time, it gets a message: "You ran into a problem and needs to restart. We will restart for you." It never restarts, returns eventually to the same thing. I have done the "esc" and checked every single thing and all passed. There are no issues. I did the 15 second holding down the start button. Then tried to start, does the same thing. I tried an F11 System Restore, same thing. There is no start up disc because there is no disc player. What can I do???

[Sneha_01]

Hi @trsha4au,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

If your HP Envy x360 is stuck in a "Preparing Automatic Repair" loop and you cannot get past it, it suggests that there might be a serious issue with the Windows operating system or the boot configuration. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and potentially fix the issue:

1. Try Safe Mode

1. Force Shutdown: Hold the power button for 10 seconds to shut down the laptop completely.
2. Power On and Interrupt: Turn it back on and as soon as you see the HP logo, press and hold the Shift key while repeatedly pressing F8. This might bring up the recovery options.
3. Enter Safe Mode:
   • Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings.
   • Click Restart.
   • Once the laptop restarts, select 4 or F4 to start in Safe Mode.

2. Use Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)

Create a Windows 10 Installation Media:

• Use another computer to download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool.
• Create a bootable USB drive with Windows 10.

Boot from the USB Drive:

• Insert the USB drive into your laptop.
• Restart the laptop and press Esc or F9 (depending on the model) to enter the boot menu.
• Select the USB drive to boot from it.

Access Repair Options:

• Once booted from the USB drive, select Repair your computer.
• Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options.

Run Startup Repair:

• Select Startup Repair and follow the prompts.

System Restore:

• If Startup Repair doesn’t work, try System Restore from the Advanced options to revert your system to a previous working state.

3. Perform a System Reset

Boot from the Windows 10 Installation Media (as above).

Choose Repair Your Computer > Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.

Choose an Option:

• Keep my files: This will reinstall Windows while keeping your personal files.
• Remove everything: This will reinstall Windows and remove all your personal files and apps.

4. Check Hardware Connections

1. Remove and Re-seat Components:
   • If you’re comfortable opening your laptop, remove and re-seat components like RAM and storage drives to ensure they are securely connected.

5. Run Diagnostics

1. HP Hardware Diagnostics:
   • Press Esc during startup to enter the Startup Menu.
   • Select F2 for Diagnostics.
   • Run a comprehensive hardware test to check for any underlying hardware issues.

6. Update or Reinstall BIOS

Check for BIOS Updates:

• If you can access BIOS, check if there are any available updates. Sometimes, an outdated BIOS can cause boot issues.

Reinstall BIOS:

• Download the latest BIOS update from the HP Support website and follow the instructions to reinstall it.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Rachel571

HP Support