Booting issues trying to verify BIOS recovery option for HP Pavilion p6837c Desktop

[JBMartin-2025]

HP Pavilion p6837c, ID #QN61AA#ABA, S/N MXX1180BQB was running very slow and it took forever to BOOT up, so I bought a newer HP 4 years ago. I tried starting p6837c and it took several attempts to open and when it did it was 30 to 45 minutes later. I tried performing some diagnosis and F9 system BIOS recovery options, F10 BIOS setup menu, and F11 and F12, with not change.

This is what happened when I tried these options: the windows icon popped up for a moment, then a screen which showed the selections for F9,  F10, F11, F12, and Diagnosis. The screen then change to a  Blue screen with a frown face and the following " Your device ran into a problem and needs to restart. We will restart for you".  Several seconds 5-10 go bye and the screen changes black with the Windows icon and below a messages stating "Prepare Automatic Repair." This lasts several seconds 5-10 and then it changes to a Blue screen showing "Choose your keyboard layout"  and below that heading there are 12 countries listed with US on the top of the left column with a box lined around US. From there nothing happens as if the PC has looked up.

HP has deleted / removed all data applicable to HP Pavilion p6837c, ID #QN61AA#ABA, S/N MXX1180BQB  and I am trying to verify what USB flash drive BIOS recovery option update would be available and is compatible with this PC. The PC originally had Microsoft Windows 7 (64-bit) but currently is running Windows 10 (64-bit) when it is running. Unfortunately I have not been able to locate me paperwork for this PC so I have to ask for assistance.

[Bill_To · Accepted solution]

Greetings @JBMartin-2025 

Welcome back to the Forum.

You should be able to run diagnostics as follows:

Start the PC. Repeatedly tap the "ESC" key.

Select "F2". Run extensive system and component tests to confirm: a drive problem, a memory problem, or other component problem.

There are no W8 BIOS updates at this HP Site. W8 updates can sometimes work with W10.

You may have to try a clean W10 install by creating W10 Installation Media at this Site.

Your PC is in the twilight MBR vs the newer GPT era. I would create W10 installation media for all PCs.

So, if your PC is doing MBR the W10 installation media may look for GPT. Then the current target disk installed in your PC may not be seen by W10 setup.

I don't know how this will go. I haven't had to deal with this scenario in many years.

You may have to wipe this disk before trying a W10 installation if the disk is using MBR and W10 setup wants GPT.

The current disk could also be in trouble (HP startup diagnostics) and needs replacing if the PC locks up when trying to reset the OS.

Regards

[JBMartin-2025]

Hey Bill_To, thanks for the information, I have tried that numerous times and no success. I have tried doing the powering off the pc and then restarting again until I see the Windows Icon and the spinning wheel (2 times) and on the 3rd time I would have some control but nothing happens.

I have even tried using a recovery USB Flash drive and no success, it just goes to the HP screen, then Windows Icon with the wheel spinning then message Preparing Automatic Repair and sometimes it goes to the System License Violation Blue Screen Error and then the Select your keyboard. Every once in a while it will do the HP screen then the Windows Icon with the spinning wheel, black screen for 2 - 3 seconds and back to HP screen then System Violation screen and finally select your keyboard.

One of my issues is the power switch, I believe it is going out, since I can press it and there have been many instances where it took between 5 - 10 second to go off.

I hope I am able to find someone who may have a spec sheet (detailed) for the same unit as mine and I will have more information about my unit that I currently have.

Again thanks for the response.

Regards,

JBMARTIN-2025

[Bill_To]

Greetings @JBMartin-2025 

My pleasure.

I don't know what a system license violation would be?

Did you try replacing the CR2032 MB battery?

Then maybe try a different HDD or SSD.

Best of luck getting the PC fixed.

Regards