Perpetual loop: Automatic repair - Diagnose - Advanced Options.

[thegermanhermit]

So, I'm now stuck in a loop of doom using a HP Envy desktop purchased through Costco. I see the notifications below.

I start computer and first message is:   Preparing Automatic Repair.

Machine runs a few seconds and next message is:   Diagnosing your PC.

Which then goes to:   Autoamtic Repair did not start correctly and the Restart and Advanced Options buttons are now offered.

I've tried the following: 

1.  Diagnostics: System tests and Component Tests. Everything passed.

2.  Command Prompt to run a Disk Check. 0 bad files located or fixed.  The Scannow, the /F and /R with no luck.

3.  DPS test and everything comes back with a passing grade of 0.

4.  Start up repair.

5.  Tried to use the F4/safe start and cannot use it.

I cannot used the System Restore or System Recovery. I have not been able to start in Safe Mode. I cannot get the HP backup to work on anything  other than my pictures and Internet settings/E-mails.

I figured I'd try to the forums to see if anyone else has had this issue and can hopefully offer up a sollution.

Unsure if I am using Windows 8 or 8.1

[CherylG]

Do you have HP Recovery Discs or USB flash drive?

What is Product Number of your machine?> How To Find Model/Product Number

[thegermanhermit]

Hello and thanks for the response.

I do not have a recovery disc/discs as the machine I purchased had everything pre loaded onto it.

I do have 2 extrenal hard drives.  One is 1 TB and the other is 16GB.

The machine is a HP ENVY H8-1420T and I believe it's roughly 3 and 1/2 years old.

[CherylG]

The problem with relying on the pre-loaded recovery options is running into what you are now experiencing. In the event of hard drive corruption or failure you lose that capabilty. It is always best practice to make your Recovery Media using Recovery Manager. Most HP machines pop up a reminder to do that during the first few months after purchase. Are you sure you didn't make them and tuck it away.. it has happened.

You can contact HP by filling out the form in middle of the page in link. In description be sure to put that you need Recovery Media.

https://support.hp.com/us-en/contact-hp/product/HP-ENVY-h8-1400-Desktop-PC-series/5295996/model/5297...

[thegermanhermit]

I appreciate the link. I will contact HP and see what they say. Till then I'm going to keep looking on the internet for possible sollutions. Hope your holiday weekend is going well.

[thegermanhermit]

I forgot to mention that HP recovery manager allowed me to save my photoes and internet links/E-mail, it did not allow me to save larger data items like my files/documents. I'll run it again and share the reasoning as to why it wont allow saving larger amonts of data. I cannot remember the reasoning off the top of my head.