Pavilion dv7-6163us error message attempting to read the boot configuration data

[Sheri711]

My computer was working fine this morning, but when I tried to power up this evening I got the following message:

"An error occurred while attempting to read the boot configuration data"

Please help!  I don't want to lose everything on this computer.

Thank you

Sheri

[WAWood]

@Sheri711 

Sorry, but that error message means that the boot files have become corrupted -- and the primary cause of that is a failing drive.

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 -- that will look similar to the image below ...

3) press the Function key for testing the hard drive (usually F2) and let it run.

Please report back the test results.

[Sheri711]

Wood, thank you. I worked late last night and saw 

your response.  I am not tech savvy- the computer is five years old, so it looks like I should try option 2.  I am praying I can recover what’s on the drive. This action won’t cause a complete failure will it?  

Sheri