Boot Device Not Found (Hard Disk - (3F0)) when in sleep mode

[GaryKE]

Hi

I'm reposting this with additional information as my previous request 27 Apr 2023 has not had a reply.

(I have tried the support chatbot but that was useless.)

I've read other posts and the reply to them from HP seems to be that my laptop needs expert help from HP to fix the problem.

If I don't get this fixed soon I will need to return the laptop as I cannot continue with it in its current unreliable state.

The problem:

When my laptop goes to sleep, both by my request and by default time out, I often return to use it to find that it has lost it's boot device. On screen error is as follows:

Boot Device Not Found

Please install an operating system on your hard disk.

Hard Disk - (3F0)

F2 - System Diagnostics

For more information, please visit the website or scan the QR code: 

http://www.hp.com/go/3F0harddiskerror

To date I have updated, Windows 11, BIOS, Drivers, etc. several times since April and each time the problem reoccurs and I run all the hardware and software diagnostics and each time get a clean bill of health.

After the latest BIOS and driver updates today the internal fan is fully on all the time indicating something is running really hot inside.

I know this isn't a high spec laptop but I had considered HP to be a relaible brand.

Help!

[banhien]

@GaryKE 

Please use the following Official Guide to fix

                        HP PCs - Hard disk 3F0 boot device not found error

Regards.

[GaryKE]

Hi @Banhien

I've followed the instructions on the official guide twice.

To confirm.

• Restored BIOS to default settings (even though nothing had changed)
• Updted BIOS to current version (even though already was)
• Ran UEFI diagnostics
  • When laptop running normally there are no errors on any test
  • When laptop has 3F0 issue the Storage Tests return "No Drive Installed" (all other tests passed)
• Reinstalled Windows
  • First time using image supplied with laptop
  • The second time from the web - hoping that it may have just been a fault oringanl image
• Checked/Updated everything again

The problem still persists.

This is pointing towards a physical problem with the hard disk and/or power supply to it.

Unless someone from HP can come up with a solution quickly it's going back for a refund - I've already wasted far too much time with it and it does't bode well for future reliability once out of warranty.

[GaryKE]

Posting this in case anyone else comes across this post searching for the answer to this problem.

(Help provided by John Lewis technical support.)

The problem is caused by the hard disk going to sleep and Windows then losing it.

The work around is to change the power settings so the hard disc NEVER goes to sleep - the default is 3 mins on battery and 5 mins on mains power.

As there are no moving parts with the SSD keeping the drive live shouldn't cause any long-term issues - I turn my laptop off when not being used.