BIOS

[Bighead88]

So I have an HP Envy Ultrabook 4. It says it has Windows 8. For some reason I get a message sayaing:

"Your PC ran into a problem and needs to be restarted. We're just collecting error info, and then we'll restart for you". Then it goes to a black screen with the HP logo saying preparing automatic repair and stays in a loop doing that. Now I can keep pressing ESC and get into all the F files (like F1, F2 F9, etc.) I went online and downloaded on a USB card the HP tools for bios but it doesnt seem to upload the new BIOS. What am I doing wrong? How do I fix this issue?

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

I don't believe it is a BIOS issue, or your notebook would not be giving the Windows collecting error info message.

After you press the ESC key, select the F2 system diagnostics test and run the tests for the hard drive and memory.

If both tests pass, then you probably just need to reinstall Windows.

If the hard drive test fails, you will need to install a new hard drive, and reinstall the operating system.

[Bighead88]

Hey I appreciate the help. How do I reinstall windows if the thing isnt staying on long enough plus I don't have a windows key anymore, or at least can't find it. So what should I do can you help me please?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

If the hardware has passed the diagnostics tests, you can make your own Windows 8.1 installation media.

If it came with W8, then the product key is in the BIOS and you use the W8 product key in the BIOS to activate the W8.1 installation.

Install W8.1 by creating the Microsoft installation media, using another Windows PC...You want the plain W8.1 64 bit ISO file.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows8ISO

At the beginning of the installation routine, you can delete every partition on there.

If you are asked to enter a product key during the installation process, use this generic key.

This is the generic key for W8.1 'standard.'

 334NH-RXG76-64THK-C7CKG-D3VPT

If you had to enter the generic key, manually change the generic product key to the W8 'standard' key in your PC's BIOS in the PC settings menu.

After you get W8.1 installed, and you had to manually enter the generic product key, you will need to run the free utility I zipped up and attached below, that will show you show the W8 product key in your PC's BIOS.

I have also zipped up and attached below, the Microsoft tool which hopefully will transfer the ISO file to a DVD or USB flash drive so it is bootable.

Then you can install the available drivers and software from your PC's support page.

To boot from the installation media you made, turn on the PC, tap the ESC key to get the menu of options.

Select the F9 boot options menu, and from that select the USB flash drive or DVD you want to boot from and press the Enter key, and the PC should boot from that device and Windows should begin to load the installation files.