Factory reset kinda broke my PC

[I_Need_PC_help]

I was factory resetting my computer because it was full of stuff i didnt need/want anymore. In the middle of the reset my computer died, but it did finsh resetting.

First i couldnt log into the computer anymore so i made a new Microsoft account. I tried to log in and it didnt work, so i tried to turn my computer on and off. Now when i turn it on it gives me a SMART hard disk error.

I would like to know if there is anyway i could fix this or if i should give up on the computer and save for a new one.

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

If you got one of those 24 character failure codes, the hard drive failed, needs to be replaced and the operating system reinstalled.

Below is the link to the service manual for your notebook.  The HDD R & R procedure can be found in chapter 6.

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c05227786

After you read the instructions, if you feel you can do the job yourself, replacing the hard drive will be a lot cheaper than buying a new notebook, if you are otherwise happy with the one you have now.

You may want to consider replacing the hard drive with a better performing, normally more reliable solid state drive (SSD).

If you don't need a ton of space you can get a decent model for less than $70 bucks.

https://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-500GB-Ultra-NAND-SATA/dp/B072R78B6Q/ref=sr_1_1?hvadid=78202828645263&...

To help you separate the plastic parts after you remove the screws, I recommend you invest in a set of notebook pry tools to facilitate this.  These tools will help prevent marring and scratching the plastic components.

https://www.amazon.com/Kaisi-Ultrathin-Professional-Non-Abrasive-Anti-Static/dp/B015CMAJVK/ref=asc_d...

After you replace the hard drive, you can reinstall W10 for free as follows...

You can make a W10 USB flash drive installer with the Microsoft Media Creation Tool, using an 8 GB flash drive using another Windows PC, if your PC is not working.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

If you are asked to enter a product key during the installation process, select the 'I don't have a product key' option, and W10 will install and automatically activate once you are connected to the internet.

Here are the steps to create the W10 USB flash drive installer...

Select Download tool now, and select Run.If you agree to the license terms, select Accept.

On the What do you want to do? page, select Create installation media for another PC, and then select Next.

Select the language, edition, and architecture (64-bit or 32-bit) for Windows 10. You want 64 bit. 

Select which media you want to use:  USB flash drive. Plug in a blank USB flash drive with at least 8GB of space. Any content on the flash drive will be deleted.

After W10 installs, you can install the drivers and available software from your PC's support page.

https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/selfservice/hp-15-ba000-notebook-pc-series/10862317/model/12681...

So you can fix it yourself for less than $80 bucks and it should run better than it did when it was new.