Windows (8.1) won't start

[Redstar86]

The other day I wnted to turn off my computer and leave, as I was in a bad mood and wanted to get awy and do something else. But when i went to click on update and shutdown, I accidentally clicked on update and restart. I wanted nothing more than to leave while allowing the computer to have a rest because it had been on for a long time. But I waited for the updated which stopped on 27% for a long time, after quickly going through the others. It probably would have been fine but I was imptient and made the incredibly stupid decision to force the computer to turn off because I'd had enough. Next time I turned it on, Windows wouldn't start.

When I try starting the computer it says:

Automatic Repair

Your PC did not start correctly

Then I can either press restart to restart my PC which it says can sometimes fix the problem (it doesnt for me). Or go to advaced options.
In advanced options > Troubleshoot, I can refresh my pc without losing files but that fails.
Then there are more advanced options. I can do a system restore but there isnt any. Same with system image recovery. Starup repair fails. Command promt... I dont know what to do. Same with UEFI Firmware settings. There's start up settings as well. I don't know what to do with these.

In a system quick test, everything passed except Hard rive Short DST Check, which just said Warning. No info was given, so that doesn't really help.

Is there anything that I can do with these options that might help? Or should I send it in for repairs? Or, if the reset option in advanced options is different to the first one, should I do that? I doubt it's the same because it says I'll lose all my files whereas it seems the other ones literally just restarting the computer.

Thanks for any assitance.

[WAWood · Accepted solution]

Redstar86

Hello;

Allow me to welcome you to the HP forums!

I read your post about your PC no longer starting and wanted to help.

The description of the problems you're having generally indicate one or both of the following:

1) Failed hard drive
2) Corrupted/missing boot loader files

You already did the second and indicated that did not fix the problems.

And, you've already received error messages about the first.  To confirm the hard drive situation, please follow the directions in this link for testing your hard drive: http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c00439024

If that confirms your drive has failed, then you need to replace it.  Please report back if that is the case.

If the drive has failed, you will need replace it and then order HP Recovery Media to restore your PC to a working condition.

As to the recoveries, onlu Refresh retains the files; the others erase the files -- so before doing those, you would need to save any files and folders you want to keep.  If you can't boot the PC enough to do this, you would need to remove the drive from the PC, purchase a USB-to-Hard-Driver adapter, connect the drive to another PC, and copy the files and folders there.

Good Luck

I am a volunteer and I do not work for, nor do I represent, HP.
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[Redstar86]

Thank you very much! I didn't even know USB to Hard Drive Adapters were a thing. I'll go get one tomorrow and then try restarting my computer from scratch and hope it works. My main concern was losing everything thats on there, so this makes the whole situation much better. Thanks again.