can not find recovery key ID

[IEmma]

PC won't start,  haven't created a recovery drive, and resetting PC didn't work

[Sneha_01]

Hi @IEmma,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

If your PC won't start and you're encountering issues with a recovery key ID, it sounds like you might be dealing with a BitLocker encryption issue or some other form of protection that's preventing you from accessing your system. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issue:

1. Identify the Issue

• BitLocker Recovery Key: If you're being prompted for a BitLocker recovery key, this means your drive is encrypted with BitLocker, and you need the recovery key to unlock it.
• Other Issues: If it's not BitLocker but another problem causing the startup failure, you might need different troubleshooting steps.

2. BitLocker Recovery Key

If your PC is prompting for a BitLocker recovery key:

Find the Recovery Key:

• Microsoft Account: If you linked your BitLocker encryption to a Microsoft account, you can find your recovery key by signing in to the Microsoft account recovery page. Check any associated email accounts for the recovery key if you saved it there.
• USB Drive: If you saved the key to a USB drive, connect it to the PC and see if it can unlock the drive.
• Printout: Look for any printouts or written notes where you might have saved the recovery key.
• IT Department: If your PC was set up by an organization, your IT department may have a copy of the recovery key.

If You Cannot Find the Key:

• Microsoft Support: Contact Microsoft Support for further assistance. They may be able to guide you based on your specific situation.
• Data Recovery: If you cannot recover the key, data recovery might be challenging, and you may need to reset or reinstall Windows, which will result in data loss.

3. Alternative Recovery Options

If the problem is not related to BitLocker:

Boot into Safe Mode:

• Try to boot into Safe Mode by turning off your PC and turning it back on. As soon as you see the manufacturer's logo, press the F8 key (or Shift + F8) repeatedly. If you access the Advanced Boot Options menu, select Safe Mode.
• If you manage to get into Safe Mode, you can try troubleshooting from there.

Use Windows Recovery Environment:

• If you have a Windows installation media (like a USB or DVD), boot from it. Choose "Repair your computer" rather than "Install now" and select "Troubleshoot" for options like "Startup Repair" or "System Restore."
• If you don’t have installation media, you can create one using another PC. Download the Windows Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website and follow the instructions to create a bootable USB drive.
• Ensure all internal and external hardware connections are secure. Sometimes loose connections can prevent a PC from starting.
• Since you mentioned that resetting the PC didn’t work, double-check that you’re following the correct procedure. Ensure you’re selecting the right options in the recovery environment.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Rachel571

HP Support