I get a failure code that hp doesn't recognize. Q4JL8C-AOFAHE-XD7XHA-60W103

[JEC62]

My laptop would not install updates and said to retry.After 3 attempts I tried a system restore that also failed.I tried again buy got a failure message with the above code stating I needed to install an OS.

[WAWood]

@JEC62 

The tool we use to translate error codes says the one you provided is invalid and that usually means a typo in it.  If you recheck the code and enter a valid one, we can tell you what it means.

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 we confirm that.

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.
If the drive checks out OK, then report that and I can provide you options for reinstalling Windows on your PC.

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi, @JEC62 

You needed to type a zero in second string instead of a capital letter 'O'.  It is a common oversight.

Here is the report generated by the code you posted, minus your notebook's serial number.

Failure Information

Failure ID Tag Checksum HP Serial Number Test Date Failure Code Device Includes Error Message

Q4JL8C-A0FAHE-XD7XHA-60W103

OK

XXXXXXXXXX

2/15/21

303

Storage

Floppy Drive, Hard Drive, Memory Drive, Optical Drive, SCSI, Tape Drive

Hard Disk 1 Quick Test Failure

You will need to install a new hard drive and reinstall the operating system.

Below is the link to the service manual, where you can find the hard drive removal and replacement procedure.

HP 15 Laptop PC (Intel)HP 15g Laptop PCHP 15q Laptop PC Maintenance and Service Guide

You may want to consider replacing the 2.5" mechanical hard drive with a better performing 2.5" solid state drive (SSD).

After you replace the drive, you can use the HP cloud recovery tool with another Windows PC running W7 64 bit or newer to create a bootable USB recovery drive that will reinstall W10, the drivers and the software that originally came with your notebook.

Here is an info link for how to use that utility.

HP Consumer PCs - Using the HP Cloud Recovery Tool (Windows 10, 7) | HP® Customer Support

[Prométhée]

Hello
it can be a material problem!
You can try several things in order to try to recover your data, I give some explanations here, but in French!

que faire en cas d' erreur / échec dst du disque dur - HP Support Community - 7338574

You can try a bootable cd / dvd type live cd (linux)

https://www.online-tech-tips.com/computer-tips/how-to-retrieve-windows-files-using-a-linux-live-cd/

you can try removing the hard drive, in order to connect it to another computer internally, or with a usb adapter!

https://www.muo.com/tag/connect-get-data-off-hard-drive/
If your disk is not completely out of order, this gives you a small chance

[JEC62]

Thank you very much for your explanation and resolution to my issue.I was planning on getting a better hard drive to replace the one that failed.My biggest concern was the OS and you answered that question.Thank you again,I appreciate the help.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

While you are in there, you may want to consider upgrading the memory to the max of 8 GB by removing the 4 GB memory chip and replacing it with an 8 GB memory chip.  Your notebook only has one memory slot.

This would be a compatible 8 GB memory chip for your notebook.

Crucial 8GB DDR4-2400 SODIMM | CT8G4SFS824A | Crucial.com