Dropped Laptop - Now: Preparing AutomaticRepair

[Bubbe1]

Friend dropped my elder laptop.

now = message:  Preparing Automatic Repair

but - it doesn’t repair!

can’t find serial number

(using ipad to write to you).

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Bubbe1 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

I understand how worrying it must feel to see your laptop stuck at “Preparing Automatic Repair” after a drop. Thank you for sharing the details you’ve already observed. 

Let’s walk through some practical steps together to bring it back to life:

 

Step 1: Power Reset

1. Disconnect the power adapter and remove the battery if it is removable.
2. Hold down the power button for about 15 seconds to discharge residual power.
3. Reconnect the adapter (leave the battery out for now if removable) and try powering on.

 

Step 2: Boot into Recovery Options

1. Turn the laptop on and immediately press the F11 key repeatedly.
2. This should open the Windows Recovery Environment.
3. From here, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.
   • If Startup Repair does not resolve the issue, return to Advanced options and try System Restore (if restore points are available).

 

Step 3: Check Hardware Integrity

Since the laptop was dropped, the hard drive or SSD may have been affected.

1. In the Recovery Environment, open Command Prompt.
2. Type:chkdsk C: /f /r This will scan and attempt to repair disk errors. It may take time depending on drive size.

 

Step 4: Attempt Safe Mode

1. Restart and press F11 again.
2. Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
3. After restart, select Enable Safe Mode.
   • If Safe Mode works, back up important files immediately.

 

Step 5: Serial Number Location

If you cannot find the serial number physically:

• Look for a label on the underside of the laptop or inside the battery compartment.
• If Windows boots, press Fn + Esc to open the HP System Information window.
• Alternatively, you can find guidance here: Find your HP product serial number.

If the laptop still does not progress beyond “Preparing Automatic Repair,” the drive may need replacement or Windows reinstallation. You can prepare a Windows installation USB using another PC and boot from it to reinstall or repair the operating system.

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Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye