3F0 Error but not at the usual expected (boot) time

[Matthew_J_White]

Hi Folks,

I sometimes get the 3F0 (Boot Device Not Found) Error, however, this is never at startup like mentioned in all the online articles.

It's usually when carrying out a Virus Scan but I can also make it appear if I try to run programs far too quickly after startup, other than that it's always fine so my main issue with it is that it's preventing me from carrying out a full virus scan as I've only been able to do this once without the issue popping up.

All 'quick' and 'Extended' hardware tests available through the 'HP Hardware Diagnostics' utility pass fine, I've also tried sfc /scannow and DISM /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth, all to no avail.

BIOS and all drivers are up to date.

Since this started, I have been able to complete one virus scan successfully so I don't think it's caused by a virus.

I'm at a loss as to what to try next, Any ideas? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Matthew_J_White]

I also just went into the Event Viewer to see if I could find any clues but can't make head nor tale of it, but I did see the  warning below, is that even normal for a device which is just under 4 months old?

Disk is starting to degrade. New SMART event detected.
Disk model: SAMSUNG MZVLQ1T0HBLB-00BH1

[Bill_To]

Hi @Matthew_J_White 

The Samsung drive is the M.2 NVME operating system disk. A SMART error means the disk is failing.

Contact HP Support if in warranty.

Back up needed data contained on the drive ASAP.

You may have to replace this drive and reinstall the operating system if you are out of warranty. The HP Cloud Recovery option is available for your PC.

Regards

[Matthew_J_White]

Hi  Bill_To,

Thanks for your reply, thankfully I always keep a backup of the important stuff, I will contact Support ASAP.

Cheers!