Boot device not found (3F0)

[Jay-bee17]

Boot device not found
Please install an operating system on your hard disk (3F0)
This screen greeted me earlier last week.

Its an HP Envy desktop
750-150na
Running Windows 11

Of course, this normally points to hard drive or memory problems.

I tried power off at the mains plug, then holding the power button for over 25 seconds. Plug in and restart, but it's still the same message.

UEFI diagnostics show the two hard drives exist and both test ok, but it did show a software memory fault on the quick test but still passed the extended memory tests.

I then went into the Bios and
In the boot order I found both UEFI and Legacy Boot Sources were Disabled
I re-enabled UEFI, saved and exited, but got the same screen on booting up.
Back into the Bios to find boot order were both disabled.
I then tried both enabled and just legacy boot enabled with the same result after save & exit etc.

In the Secure Boot configuration section, I tried with it enabled and disabled, plus again with legacy boot enabled but still no luck.

Fast boot is off.

There is a part about secure keys. This is set to 'don't clear'
But I'm not really sure if this would need altering?

Some forums suggest it could be a faulty Ram module.
Both 8GB DDR3 modules have been removed and re-seated along with the boot drive cables.
Memory Extensive test pass 1 is not showing any faults.
2nd pass is DIMM test, that passed as well.

The UEFI does state it wants updating.
Currently 10.8.1.0
I'm unsure how to do this as yet, I tried using a bootable Windows installation usb (using the Microsoft media creation tool) with the idea of doing a startup repair, but no bootable usb is being recognised. This is with all usb ports unplugged and the usb tried in rear and front ports.
The system time was still still correct, but I also replaced the CMOS battery which also set everything to default, I then reset the time & date and tried changing settings again, but still get the same result on trying to start up from power off.

No update options are stated in the current Bios or UEFI system.
My thinking is that I need to be able to boot from a usb to be able to do any other checks, updates or repair. So I seem to be stuck!
F9 on the menu below will not allow any changes from there either...

Esc = startup menu

F1 = System information
F2 = System diagnostics
F9 = Boot device options
F10 = Bios setup
F12 = Network boot

Bios revision: ODE vA0.13
Bios Date: 12.21.2015
System board ID: 2B47
Born on date: 02/16/2016

Any suggestions welcome!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Jerry_57]

Hi @Jay-bee17,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

The "Boot device not found (3F0)" error typically indicates an issue with the system not being able to detect the operating system on your hard disk. Here’s a step-by-step guide to troubleshooting and resolving the issue on your HP Envy Desktop:
 

Steps to Resolve Error 3F0

Verify BIOS Settings:
 

• Restart your HP Envy Desktop and press F10 during startup to access the BIOS settings.
• Ensure that the hard drive containing the operating system is set as the primary boot device.

Check Connections:
 

• Physically inspect the connections to ensure that all cables are securely connected to the hard drives.

Run HP PC Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI):
 

• If not already done, you can access diagnostics by pressing F2 during startup.
• Perform an extensive test on the hard drive again to ensure there are no issues.

Reseat Hard Drive:
 

• Disconnect and reconnect the hard drive to ensure it is properly seated in its connection.

Check for Software Memory Faults:
 

• If a software memory fault was indicated, it’s possible that a memory module could be causing the issue. Try reseating the memory modules and running diagnostics again.

Restore BIOS to Default Settings:
 

• Access the BIOS, go to the “Main” tab, and select "Restore Defaults."

Reinstall Windows:
 

• If none of the above steps work, consider reinstalling the operating system using a recovery disk or USB drive.
  
  
  I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!

Jerry_57

HP Support