laptop doesn't start. Boot Device Not Found (3F0)

[F8W]

Black screen is shown after power on, with the message  Boot Device Not Found (3F0).

That happened after I plugged a newly bought USB flash drive into it which crashed the system.

Tried all feasible recommended methods in the support centre page, which includes F10 reset bios, F2 HD check (not work as no HD detected). Not tried the diagnosing tool because it cannot boot into the OS.

Believed to be a damage to the SSD or the connection between it and the motherboard.

What could I do to fix? No option here to send the laptop to HP for fixing as the warranty passed already.   

[Max3Aj]

@F8W, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 
The Boot Device Not Found (3F0) error typically indicates that the system cannot detect a bootable storage device, usually your SSD or HDD. Since you've already tried BIOS reset and diagnostics without success, and the issue started after inserting a USB flash drive, here are some steps to help isolate and potentially resolve the issue:

Remove External Devices

• Disconnect all USB devices (including the flash drive), SD cards, and peripherals.
• Try booting again. Sometimes, the system may attempt to boot from an unbootable USB device.

Check BIOS Settings

• Power on the laptop and press F10 repeatedly to enter BIOS Setup.
• Go to System Configuration > Boot Options:
  • Ensure Legacy Support is disabled (if using UEFI).
  • Ensure Secure Boot is enabled.
  • Confirm that the internal SSD is listed under boot devices.
• Save changes and exit.

Reseat the SSD

If you're comfortable opening the laptop:

• Power off and unplug the laptop.
• Remove the back panel and carefully reseat the SSD (disconnect and reconnect it).
• Check for any visible damage or loose connections.
• Power on and check if the SSD is now detected.

Run HP Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI)

If the SSD is still not detected:

• Power off the laptop.
• Power on and immediately press Esc, then F2 to enter HP Diagnostics.
• If available, run the Storage Test.
• If the SSD is not listed, it may be faulty or disconnected.

Try Booting from a Recovery USB

If you have access to another PC:

• Create a Windows recovery USB using the Microsoft Media Creation Tool.
• Plug it into the affected laptop and try booting from it (press Esc > F9 for Boot Menu).
• If the system boots, you may be able to reinstall Windows or access the SSD.
  HP PCs - Hard disk 3F0 boot device not found error | HP® Support

If the SSD is not detected in BIOS or diagnostics,

It may have failed due to a power surge or incompatibility triggered by the USB device. In that case, please visit the nearest HP authorized service center, the service team will check and assist you. 
Kindly follow this link to locate the nearest HP service center: HP® Service Center Locator - United Kingdom | HP® Support
(Select the country from the dropdown menu and enter the city name or pincode) 
 

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Select "Yes" on the bottom left to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support 

[F8W]

Thank you very much for the detailed instructions.

I have done the first two steps, then I tried to reseat the SSD. However, I was not able to remove the screw which fixed the SSD to the motherboard. The rest two steps were not applicable as no SSD detected.... 

Therefore I can't tell if all the suggestions were useful and I am still stuck in the middle. Anyway I appreciate your help.

[Max3Aj]

@F8W, Thank you for your response,  

I'm sending a private message to assist you with the next action. 

  

Please check your Private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Community profile Next, to your profile Name, you should see a little blue envelope, please click on it or simply click on this link. 

  

I hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

  

Max3Aj

HP Support