HP Slimline 260-P17 - how to install SSD instead of HDD

[Marpan2]

Hallo, we have some of HP Slimline 260-P17-Desktop-PCs. And I want to switch the HDD into a SSD.

Problem: As soon, as I install the SSD instead of the HDD, I can not even access the bios anymore. Pressing ESC leads to "Startmenue" in the lower right corner, but that's it. The selection-list does not appear and the only thing I can use is the powerbutton.

I deaktivated secureboot already - did not help.

Any other ideas?

[Max3Aj]

Hello @Marpan2, and welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for your question about upgrading your HP Slimline 260-P17 Desktop PC from an HDD to an SSD. You're on the right track, but the issue you're facing, where BIOS becomes inaccessible after installing the SSD is likely due to one of the following:

Check SSD Compatibility

Make sure the SSD is:

• SATA-based (not NVMe, as the Slimline 260-P17 only supports SATA drives).
• Properly connected to both SATA data and power cables.

Reset BIOS Settings

Sometimes BIOS gets confused with new hardware. Try this:

• Power off the PC.
• Unplug power cable.
• Press and hold the power button for 15 seconds to discharge residual power.
• Reconnect power and boot while pressing ESC repeatedly.
• If still stuck, try CMOS reset:
  • Open the case and locate the CMOS battery (coin-cell).
  • Remove it for 5 minutes, then reinsert.
  • This will reset BIOS to defaults.

Try Booting with HDD First

• Reinstall the original HDD.
• Boot into BIOS and disable Secure Boot (you’ve already done this—great!).
• Also enable Legacy Boot if available.
• Save changes and shut down.
• Now install the SSD and try booting again.

Prepare the SSD Properly

If the SSD is blank or not initialized, BIOS may not know how to handle it. You can:

• Connect the SSD to another PC via SATA or USB enclosure.
• Use Disk Management to initialize it as GPT (if using UEFI) or MBR (if using Legacy).
• Format it as NTFS.

BIOS Update (Optional but Recommended)

Check if there's a BIOS update available for your system:

• Go to HP Support page
• Enter your product.
• Download and install the latest BIOS version if available.

Additional Tips

• If you're planning to clone your HDD to SSD, use tools like Macrium Reflect or EaseUS Todo Backup.
• After cloning, remove the HDD and boot from SSD. You may need to set SSD as the first boot device in BIOS.

I hope the information shared has been useful and resolves your concern.

Wishing you a smooth and hassle-free experience ahead!

If this solution helped, please click “Accepted Solution” so others can benefit too. Don’t forget to hit the “Yes” button if you found this helpful!

Warm regards,

Max3Aj

HP Support