Got HD error (3F0) even on brand new ssd

[DEO_TOMAS]

After getting the error (3F0), thinking I had a failed SSD,  I replaced the SSD with a brand new one, and the laptop did not recognize it.  I also placed the old SSD in an external enclosure and plugged it into a different computer, and the SSD is operational with all the data intact.  I tried updating the BIOS without success to the latest BIOS available but there is not option to update the BIOS when I enter the system BIOS. I'm still looking for a solution. My laptop is an HP Spectre x360 Convertible 15t-eb100 with Bios rev f.08 running Windows 11 Pro.  Any pointers.

Thank you.

[Garp_senchau]

@DEO_TOMAS, Thanks for reaching out to the HP Support Community! 🎉

I’m here to help you troubleshoot your issue and get things back on track. Just follow these steps below, and we’ll have you running smoothly in no time:

Re-seat RAM and SSD:

• Turn off the laptop, unplug it, and carefully re-seat both the RAM and SSD. Sometimes, a loose connection can cause the system not to detect hardware.

Reset BIOS Settings:

• In BIOS, reset the settings to default. Look for an option like "Restore Defaults" and apply it. This can sometimes help with detection issues.

Enable UEFI/Legacy Boot:

• Check the BIOS settings and ensure UEFI is enabled. If your SSD is formatted for UEFI, this setting is crucial for recognition.
• If not, check if there’s an option to toggle between UEFI and Legacy BIOS modes and try the other mode.

Check for SSD Compatibility:

• Ensure that the new SSD is compatible with your HP Spectre model. Some SSDs might require firmware updates to work properly.

Check for BIOS Version:

• Double-check the current BIOS version. HP's website can give you the latest version for your specific model. Even if you've updated it, try downloading the latest BIOS and reattempt the update.

Try Booting with an OS Installation USB:

• Create a bootable USB drive with Windows 11 installation media. If the laptop can boot from the USB, it confirms that the issue is likely with SSD detection.

Update Drivers in Device Manager:

• If the SSD is visible but not working, check Device Manager in Windows for any unrecognized devices. Right-click and try to update the drivers for your storage controller.

You may also refer this guide: HP PCs - Hard disk 3F0 boot device not found error

I’m pretty confident this will do the trick! But hey, if you run into any bumps along the way or need a little extra help, just give me a shout! I’ve got your back. 💪

And if this reply solved your problem (or made you feel like a tech wizard 😎), please click "Accepted Solution". It helps others, and I promise I’ll do a little happy dance. 🕺 Also, if you could click 'Yes' under ‘Was this reply helpful?’—that’s like giving me a virtual high-five. 🙌

Thanks again for being awesome, and I hope you have an amazing day ahead! 🌟

Cheers,

[DEO_TOMAS]

Hi Garp_senchau,

I have done all of your recommendations and I even installed the original unrecognizable SSD on another hp laptop and it was recognized and booted without any problem on the substitute laptop. I also installed the new SSD to the substitute laptop and recognized it.  

I also took the working SSD from the substitute laptop and installed it on the troubled laptop and when I tried booted it, it gave the same 3F0 error, asking to install an OS.  I did an F2 Diagnostics for the storage and No HDD installed.  So it can’t detect the drive. 

With a USB, I updated the BIOS to latest version, F.20. But nothing works. 

Any other ideas?

Thanks,

Deo

[Garp_senchau]

@DEO_TOMAS,

Thank you for the response

I can imagine how frustrating this must be 😞, especially after all the time and effort you've already put into troubleshooting. It’s really tough when things just don’t seem to be working as expected 😣. But don’t worry, we’ll give it one more shot with some more steps that might help get your HP Spectre back on track 💪. Hopefully, we’ll find the solution you need! 🙌

Manually Install Storage Drivers in BIOS/UEFI

Some systems may not recognize new storage devices because they require specific drivers to operate. Check if your BIOS/UEFI has a section for storage controller options (like SATA, NVMe, AHCI, or RAID). Try toggling between different modes (e.g., AHCI vs. RAID) and see if the SSD is detected after a reboot.

Reset NVRAM/CMOS

The issue may also stem from corrupt BIOS settings. To reset the NVRAM/CMOS:

• Power off the laptop.
• Open it up (if you're comfortable with this).
• Remove the CMOS battery (small round battery) for a few minutes.
• Put the battery back in and power on the laptop. This will reset the BIOS to factory settings.

Check Firmware Compatibility

Even though you’ve updated to the latest BIOS, sometimes the BIOS update process can fail to fully update storage-related firmware. You could try downloading the latest firmware for your SSD directly from the SSD manufacturer's website and updating it separately

Perform a Full BIOS Recovery

If a BIOS update failed or is incomplete, sometimes you need to use HP's BIOS recovery process:

• Power off the laptop.
• Press and hold the Windows + B keys on the keyboard while pressing the power button.
• Hold for 30 seconds to trigger the BIOS recovery process.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the recovery.

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. 

Problem solved? 🎉 Awesome! Mark this as the Accepted Solution to help the next person find their way faster. 🧭 And if it was helpful, click 'yes'—you’ll make someone’s search journey that much easier (and give this reply some well-deserved street cred 🏅)

Regards,