HP Envy Desktop 3F6 Boot Error at Power On

[dynaquest1]

I have a boot up issue problem with my HP Envy Phoenix 810-160 desktop.  1TB HDD and 16GB SSD.  Originally Windows 8 and upgraded with the "free" Windows 10 OS.

Returned after a 13 day trip and got the Hard Drive Error (3F0).  UEFI Diagnostics tests all passed multiple times.  After switching BIOS settings back to defaults, error changed to 3F6. 

Every time I boot now, I almost immediately get the blue window Hard Drive Error (3F6). I hit F2 and go to Diagnostics.  Skip that by exiting out...computer boots - but very slowly.  Thereafter works perfectly until I shut it down.  Takes a long few minutes to finally shut down (all lights out).  Computer is 30 months old.

My 16GB SSD DOES show up in Device Manager but NOT in Explorer.  In Windows 10 Disk Management, the SanDisk 16GB SSD shows up as Disk 2, Unknown, shows little round red icon with a down arrow, 14.9GB, Not Initialized and 14.91GB Unallocated.  I thought this was supposed to be the "fast" boot disk.  I'm afraid to "initialize" this SSD for fear that I might format it and lose what's on it.

Can you HELP?  Would you agree that the SSD is not operating as it should?  If it is the "boot disk" how is it that windows starts at all?  Would physically uninstalling the SSD help?

Thanks in advance, Bill

[Jeet_singh]

Hi @dynaquest1,

Thank you for posting on HP Support Forums. It is a great place to find the help you need, from other users, HP experts, and other support personnel. I understand you are getting an error message Hard Drive Error (3F6) on a blue screen, and I would be happy to assist you in this matter. 

Yes, possibly the 16GB SSD might be the problem. 

As you have run the hardware diagnostics which came up with no errors, I recommend you follow the steps in this document for Computer Locks Up or Freezes (Windows 10, 😎. This should help resolve the issue.

If the issue continues, please contact our HP phone support for further assistance by clicking the link below to get the support number for your region. Click here.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you require any further assistance.

If you are able to reach some resolution, please click on Accept Solution to help others with similar issues.
If you appreciate my assistance, please click on the thumbs up icon.
Both icons are below this post.

Regards,

[dynaquest1]

It was the 16GB mSATA that had failed.  I physically removed it from the mother board and all problems/errors have ceased.

Do I really need to replace it?  If I do, can I just purchase a blank one and install or is there some "configuration" necessary.

Thanks, Bill

[Jeet_singh]

Hi @dynaquest1,

Thanks for replying. 

Yes, you would need to go ahead and replace it. In this scenario, I would recommend you contact HP phone support for available service options. Please visit this link: www.hp.com/contacthp and fill out the necessary fields to obtain the phone number.

I hope this helps. If you need any assistance, please do let me know.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you require any further assistance.

If you are able to reach some resolution, please click on Accept Solution to help others with similar issues.
If you appreciate my assistance, please click on the thumbs up icon.
Both icons are below this post.
 
Regards,

[dynaquest1]

You said I would "need to replace it" but do not say why.  I'd likely purchase one (not from HP as those seem to be failing) if I thought it truly makes a difference.  Been running without the mSATA drive for a few days now with no issues or observed "slowness."

Also...did you have an answer about whether the new mSATA drive I buy has to be configured in some way or do you just snap it back into the motherboard?

Thanks.

[Jeet_singh · Accepted solution]

Hi @dynaquest1,

Thanks for replying. 

Since the Operating System is installed on the Primary Hard drive and the PC is working fine. You can go ahead and install the mSATA  drive with no configuration required.

I hope this helps.

Regards,

[dynaquest1]

Thanks...exactly what I needed to know!