How to remedy long Fixing (C:) error upon booting up

[Ddgg]

The Fixing (C:)...... scan taking way way too long - hanging up at 30% after 2 hrs.    I power off by depressIng On button, then wait a few minutes, then power back on and hit any key within 7 seconds to by-pass start of “fixing” scan.  The by-pass works, but it’s irratating to continually do this, especially if something (hard drive?) is dying.  Bought unit April 2017.  Closest repair facility 50ish miles away.  

[WAWood]

@Ddgg 

IF the hard drive is indeed failing, it can not be repaired -- it would have to be replaced.

This issue is often due to a failing drive. So, let's check that first, because if it is failing, it would need to be replaced and there is no point then in doing anything else until you have the replacement drive in hand.

If your PC is new enough to support UEFI, you can use these steps to test the hard drive: http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c00439024

If not, to check the drive you have to follow these steps:
1) Press Esc key repeatedly, several times a second, while rebooting the laptop. Do NOT hold the key down, just press it over and over.
2) Eventually, you will see an HP Startup Menu
3) Press the Function key for testing the hard drive (usually F2) and let it run.