HP Laptop shows hardware error (3F0) and doesn't even boot the bios.

[Kresto]

So I upgraded an old laptop with an ssd about a year ago and subsequently transferred the files that I backed up from the HDD, but a year later, the laptop shows the 3F0 error and refuses to go in BIOS setup. 

I opened it up and checked the connection between the ssd and the mobo. Then I used f2 to diagnose and the hard disk quick test came to both checks (including dst). Still I can't get into the laptop, I've also tried to recover the BIOS using the Win+B method but the recovery files can't be found in my laptop. 

What can I do? Is my laptop gone for good? What might be the issue here? 

PS, the laptop in question is the HP-15-bg004au

[WAWood · Accepted solution]

This might be either a corrupted boot files issue or a failing drive.

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In terms of the first ...

Windows PCs use two different sets of files to get you to a working desktop.
In terms of the first, Windows boot files, you need to follow the instructions below to create boot media from Macrium Reflect (MR) that can be used to rewrite/repair the boot files on your PC:
1) Download and install Macrium Reflect (MR) from this link on a working PC:

http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.aspx

2) Use the option to create a boot USB stick or CD

That will create MR bootable media. Then, you can boot your PC into WinPE using that media.

Have patience, as that can take a while to start and bring up the screen.

Once the screen is there, select the option to Fix Windows boot problems. It will then search for the OSs installed and list them, Select the one you want to repair and click Next.

It will now do the repairs, listing the things it has done.

When finished, select the option to Restart the PC.

If this worked, the boot repair succeeded and you will have your PC back.

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In terms of the second ...

If Windows system files are most likely corrupted due to a failing drive, see the following HP Guide for more information:

https://support.hp.com/au-en/document/ish_3053911-2842957-16

[Kresto]

Alright, I'm about to try your method to repair the boot files but I do have some updates. Upon checking the boot options using f9, I've noticed it doesn't list any options at all, even though Windows 10 was installed on the device. Does this constitute to a definite disk error? Or do I have to re install Windows after the recovery using your method? 

[WAWood]

In order to boot into Windows, the BIOS needs to "see" it -- and from your comments, that is apparently NOT the case.

While this can result from disk failure, it can also result from boot file corruption -- and if that is the case, fixing the boot files is a lot less destructive than a new install and spares you having to get a new drive.

[Kresto]

Happy to report that it worked! Took forever to repair the boot files but afterwards it detected my windows 10 os and booted into it. I repeated the boot about 10 times to make sure and it worked without a slight hiccup every single time. Thanks alot for the help man, I would've called it quits and just abandoned the laptop thinking it was a disk failure and the *almost* brand new SSD just failed so out of the blue. 

[johnniebod]

We have over 1800 HP Elitebooks in varying models. We see this issue on EVERY model. It has NEVER been a bad drive. There is too much flex in these devices and the hard drive disconnects from the motherboard. Replacing the drive has never fixed the issue. HP has recommended BIOS updates that have never fixed the issue. A ne motherboard it the best option as the pins will be tighter on the connection. I had three today alone at our helpdesk. Two we swapped out as they were repeat offenders and one we just got working again by reseating the drive.