Laptop is stuck on Black Screen with ‘Preparing Automatic Repair’

[Kwht48]

 This is the first thing I saw after the laptop was working fine. The system decided to reboot itself but gave the error message.

Then after the ‘blue screen error message’ this ‘black screen’ shows up with the message of “Preparing Automatic Repair”. Now the system is stuck with nothing further happening.

I have already done an extensive testing drive for the hard drive and as shown it passed. I hope you can help me fix this 

[Raj_05]

Hi @Kwht48,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

The "Preparing Automatic Repair" loop on an HP laptop is a common issue that can occur due to corrupted system files, a problematic Windows update, or other system errors. Since your hard drive has passed extensive testing, we can focus on software solutions to resolve the issue. Here are several steps to troubleshoot and fix the problem.

Perform a Hard Reset

1. Turn off the laptop by holding down the power button.
2. Disconnect all peripherals (USB drives, external devices, etc.).
3. Unplug the charger and remove the battery (if removable).
4. Hold the power button for 15 seconds to drain residual power.
5. Reconnect the battery and power adapter, then turn on the laptop.

If the problem persists, move to the next solution.

Access Advanced Recovery Options

1. Restart the laptop and repeatedly press F11 as it powers on to enter the HP Recovery environment.
   • If F11 doesn’t work, try ESC + F11.
2. In the recovery menu, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options.

Repair System Files

1. Choose Command Prompt in the Advanced Options.
2. Run the following commands:
   • chkdsk /f /r C:
     This checks the disk for errors and repairs them.
   • sfc /scannow
     This scans for and repairs corrupted system files.
   • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
     This restores the health of your Windows image.

Use System Restore

1. In the Advanced Options menu, select System Restore.
2. Choose a restore point before the issue occurred.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Rebuild Boot Configuration Data (BCD)

1. Open Command Prompt from the Advanced Options menu.
2. Run these commands:
   • bootrec /fixmbr
   • bootrec /fixboot
   • bootrec /scanos
   • bootrec /rebuildbcd

[Raj_05]

Reset the Laptop

1. Go to Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
2. Choose either:
   • Keep my files: Resets Windows while keeping personal files.
   • Remove everything: Performs a clean installation of Windows.

Perform a Clean Installation of Windows

If none of the above work:

1. Create a bootable Windows 10/11 USB using the Microsoft Media Creation Tool on another computer.
2. Boot the laptop from the USB:
   • Insert the USB.
   • Power on the laptop and press F9 (or the key for your boot menu).
   • Select the USB drive and press Enter.
3. Install Windows following the prompts.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Alden4

HP Support