Cannot boot laptop as it cannot locate hard drive: 3F0 message

[Leptonator]

Cannot boot laptop as it cannot find the hard drive (3F0) message.

Have tried to run diagnostic as well as BIOS cannot locate the drive.  Drive does appear to have a clicking sound, which could be an indicator for HDI (Hard Disk Interference).

Thanks!

[iomare]

Hi,

Usually the 3FO indicates that the hard drive has failed or the MBR has become corrupted. Since the syste no longer sees the drive I would first try to reseat the drive. This most likely will not work since you say the hard drive is making ticking noise. 

You will need to replace the drive. You can use any 2.5" Sata III drive and could also consider an SSD which would increase everyday performance of the system. You can see on page 57 of service manual how to replace the drive.

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c05493257

You will need to reinstall the OS with HP recovery disks or by downloading Windows 10 from Microsoft and performing a clean install. Windows will automatically activate once installed on PC and connected to internet.

Let me know if you need further help,

David

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[Leptonator]

I just pulled the drive out and re-seated it - and the results were the same.

is there any way that I can get a new drive under warranty?  It is a fairly new computer (August 2017).

Thanks!

[iomare · Accepted solution]

Yes, if the computer is under warranty you need to contact HP directly to get fixed:

http://www8.hp.com/us/en/contact-hp/ww-contact-us.html

[Leptonator]

I did contact Support and are in process of repairing/updating the laptop.

Thanks!

[iomare]

I am glad that you have solved your problem (or are in the process of solving)

Please let me know if you need any further help.

All the best,
David