Fireware Update Has Caused Chaos

[mediagirlnm]

My mom's laptop had a suggested "Firmware" update which I ran. I didn't realize this was a BIOS update and all hell has broken loose! 

The update ran without issues or errors, but on restart, the hard drive is not found. It's the original hard drive that came with the laptop. The error I see is "Boot device not found. Please install an operating system on your hard drive."

What's the best way to get help with a BIOS updates that breaks a laptop?

I can navigate to the BIOS with F10 but there isn't much to see in there.

I can press F2 from the error screen for System Diagnostics and a check of the hard drive shows everything is fine.

[Garp_senchau]

@mediagirlnm, Welcome to HP Support Community,

Thank you for posting your query; I’m here to help by guiding you through steps to resolve this issue

After updating the BIOS on your HP 15-da0061cl laptop, the system fails to detect the hard drive, displaying the error message "Boot device not found. Please install an operating system on your hard drive." Although diagnostics confirm the hard drive is functioning correctly, the laptop still cannot locate it. Here are steps to resolve this issue:

Steps to Troubleshoot

1. Verify BIOS Settings

• Boot Order: Check the BIOS setup to ensure the hard drive is set as the primary boot device.
  • Restart the laptop and press F10 to enter the BIOS setup.
  • Navigate to Storage or Boot.
  • Ensure the hard drive is listed first in the boot order.

2. Restore Default BIOS Settings

• Restore Defaults: Reset the BIOS settings to default which might resolve any conflicts.
  • In the BIOS setup, go to Main -> Restore Defaults.
  • Save changes and exit.

3. Perform a Hard Reset

• Hard Reset: This process clears all information in the computer's memory which can help reestablish hardware connections.
  • Turn off the laptop and disconnect from any docking stations or port replicators.
  • Disconnect all external devices (USB storage, printers, external displays).
  • Unplug the AC adapter.
  • Press and hold the power button for at least 15 seconds.
  • Reconnect the battery, plug in the AC adapter, but do not connect any peripheral devices yet.
  • Turn on the computer and check if it detects the hard drive.

4. Update BIOS Again

• Reinstall BIOS Update: Sometimes reapplying the update can resolve issues.
  • Download the latest BIOS version from the HP Software and Driver Downloads.
  • Follow instructions to install the BIOS update carefully.
  • HP Consumer Notebook PCs - Updating the BIOS (Basic Input Output System) (Windows) | undefined

Also, refer to this guide: HP PCs - Hard disk 3F0 boot device not found error | HP® Support

I hope these steps help resolve the issue

Please feel free to reply here if you have any questions or if you need further clarification on any of the steps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

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Regards,