Laptop won't start CMOS issues, can't find boot device, etc. Tried all the online steps

[watletterscaniu]

Please install an operating system on your hard disk.  Hard Disk (3F0)

[Deep_World]

Hi @watletterscaniu,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

Sorry for the inconvenience caused don’t worry let me help you.

To better understand the issue, could you please provide a few more details?

• Have you noticed if the BIOS/UEFI detects the hard drive at all?

 Suggested Troubleshooting Steps

1. Check BIOS settings
   • Restart the laptop and press Esc/F10 repeatedly to enter BIOS.
   • Under Storage or System Information, check if the hard drive is listed.
   • If it isn’t detected, the issue may be hardware-related.
2. Run HP Hardware Diagnostics
   • Turn off the laptop.
   • Press Esc repeatedly at startup, then press F2 for diagnostics.
   • Run the Hard Drive Test to check for errors.
3. Reset BIOS defaults
   • In BIOS, look for the option to Load Setup Defaults or Restore Defaults.
   • Save and exit, then try restarting.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 

Best regards,

Deep_World

[watletterscaniu]

There were two drives.  The system checks only seemed to see one of them, where I had no data.  The one where I had seems to have crashed.  I took it out and put it into a case and tried to connect it to another laptop, and nothing shows up.  What do I do?  And how do I put an operating system on the other SSD, please?  Thanks!

[Deep_World]

Hi @watletterscaniu,

Thanks for your response. 

 Let me guide you through the next steps:

1. About the Drive That’s Not Showing Up

• Since the drive with your data is not being detected even when connected externally, it may have experienced a hardware failure.
• If it still does not appear, please ensure data is backed up . 

2. Preparing the Other SSD for Use

Since your secondary SSD is visible, you can install a fresh operating system on it:

• Step A: Create Installation Media
  • On another working computer, download the Windows installation tool from Microsoft’s official website.
  • Use it to create a bootable USB drive (minimum 8 GB recommended).
• Step B: Install Windows
  • Insert the bootable USB into your HP laptop.
  • Power on the laptop and press Esc or F9 repeatedly to access the Boot Menu.
  • Select the USB drive as the boot device.
  • Follow the on‑screen instructions to install Windows onto the SSD.
• Step C: Drivers and Updates
• Once Windows is installed, connect to the internet.
• Run Windows Update to automatically install most drivers.
• For any missing drivers, visit the HP support website and enter your laptop’s model serial number to download the latest drivers.

3. CMOS/Boot Device Issues

• If you continue to see CMOS or boot device errors, please try resetting the BIOS:
  • Power off the laptop, disconnect AC power
  • Hold the power button for 15 seconds.
  • Reconnect power and restart.
• If the issue persists, the system board or CMOS battery may need service. 

Please note If CMOS errors continue after OS installation, could be an issue with the hardware part. 

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 

Best regards,

Deep_World