I am getting a blue screen stopcode DRIVER_PNP_WATCHDOG after booting from a windows recovery disk

[JK334]

Tried all hardware diagnostic checks and sympton tests multiple times, couldn't find any issues with harddisk or memory that I could try to replace/change.

So, i am now stuck with a blue screen with stopcode DRIVER_PNP_WATCHDOG.

If i don't use the USB recovery disk boot, hp will go into trying automatic repair and hang in that state.

[JK334]

I am following this thread for recovery.

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Boot-and-Lockup/HP-Spectre-failing-to-boot-with-DRIVER-PNP-WA...

Boot from the USB by pressing Esc > F9 and selecting the USB drive.

--> I am stuck in the step here, i don't get the setup screen, i just get the back screen with Hp, beyond which i am unable to proceed.

Check Intel RST / Optane Configuration
In BIOS, go to UEFI Configuration > Intel® Rapid Storage Technology > Optane Volume.
You will see the Optane volume with two member disks and a Disable option.

Selecting Disable breaks the Optane cache but does not delete data on the main SSD.

--> Disabling will take a lot of time to get back to get done, please wait for many minutes.. don't touch the system.

In the setup screen, go to Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.

[Jerry_57]

Hi @JK334,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

The "DRIVER_PNP_WATCHDOG" stop code you're experiencing can be challenging, especially when hardware diagnostics haven't revealed any issues. This particular blue screen error is often linked to hardware interface problems, specifically related to Plug and Play (PnP) operations. Here are some steps you can try to resolve the issue:

 

Steps to Troubleshoot DRIVER_PNP_WATCHDOG Error:

Check Boot Sequence:
 

• Ensure that the boot order in the BIOS is correctly set to prioritize the boot from the internal hard drive once the recovery operations are complete.

Perform a Hard Reset:
 

• Disconnect all external devices and perform a hard reset. For laptops: Turn off the computer, unplug the power adapter, and remove the battery (if removable). Press and hold the power button for 15 seconds, then reconnect the battery and adapter.

Update or Roll Back Drivers:
 

• If you can access Safe Mode, try updating or rolling back drivers, particularly those related to storage or USB controllers, as driver incompatibilities can lead to the PNP watchdog errors.

Remove Recently Added Hardware:
 

• If applicable, remove any new hardware that has been added recently. This can include USB devices, expansion cards, etc., as these can sometimes cause conflicts.

System Restore:
 

• If you're able to boot from the recovery environment, use System Restore to revert your system to a previous state where it was functioning correctly.

Check BIOS Settings:
 

• Access the BIOS and reset it to default settings. Disabling unused peripheral ports (like unused SATA ports or external devices) can sometimes alleviate boot issues.

Test with Minimum Configuration:
 

• Boot the system with only the essential hardware connected to minimize possible conflict sources. Remove any additional drives, such as secondary hard drives or SSDs, and disconnect non-essential peripherals.

Check for BIOS Update:
 

• Ensure your BIOS is up-to-date. Sometimes BIOS updates provide fixes for compatibility issues that can cause such errors.

Advanced Troubleshooting with HP Diagnostics:
 

• Use HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI to perform a more thorough check. Follow steps like pressing the ESC key and then F2 at startup to access this tool.
  
  
  I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

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Jerry_57

HP Support