missing ssd or hard drive

[eduffer]

I purchased a  hp laptop 15.6 windows with intel n200 4Gb  ram 128  it did have Windows 11 running on it when i got it in October it has always been flaky running the OS last week it would not even boot it gives me an error no OS found ..?

I tried to go into the BIOS   but it asks for a password  and will not accept any password  I have tried re installing windows it still gives me an error no drive found 

I decided to take the bottom of the case off VERY CAREFULLY I have built 50-60 or so computers from scratch this one has me baffled IT HAS A SPACE FOR A SSD  but "NO" SSD  or drive of any kind.? HOW DID IT RUN WINDOWS 11 . I know by opening it up voids the warranty so I am out of luck there. but would like to know how it was running Windows 11 and how to get the OS "Windows 11" running again

a little help would be NICE

Thank in advance

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Sounds to me like the notebook you have came with a 128 GB UFS (universal flash storage) drive which may be an integral part of the motherboard.

If you post the model number of the PC, I will see if there is a service manual for it and see if the component can be individually replaced or the entire system board would need to be replaced.

Frankly, I would cut my losses and not put any money into it.

[eduffer]

Paul thanks for the help 

I think the model # is 15-FD0081-WM

I am only out about $250 but even that hurt's when you don't have a lot to start with 

it sure lowers my ideas of what HP is. and how they work I try ed calling hp tech support and all they wanted to do is sell me a new version of windows 11 to install they did not under stand I cant even get to a place in booting sequence that I could even start to load any thing. then they said that it is not HP's issue.

the motherboard does have a spot where the SSD would have went but does not even have the connector to plug into the ssd.  cutting cost i am sure.??

but any way THANKS for the help if you can find any thing on it 

Ken

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

So the specs on the Walmart site indicate the notebook does have the 128 GB UFS flash storage drive as I had assumed.

"HP 15.6"" Laptop, Intel N200 Processor, 4GB RAM, 128GB UFS, Natural Silver, Microsoft 365 (1 Year)"...

Below is the link to the service manual:

Maintenance and Service Guide

As I was afraid of, the 128 GB UFS storage drive is an integral part of the motherboard as indicated in chapter 3 of the service manual which has the motherboard part numbers and descriptions.

The spot you see would be for the models that came with NVMe SSD's and you wouldn't be able to solder a M.2 slot there and expect it to work.

My advice to you would be to cut your losses and never buy a laptop with UFS storage or onboard soldered memory, which is the kind of memory sever different model notebooks come with nowadays.  I don't care who makes it.

You could find a used but tested and working motherboard on eBay but the cost is too high IMHO for one that is listed in working condition.

N36773-601 for sale | eBay

[eduffer]

Good-day Paul

I guess I am from the OLD school and I am having a hard time giving it up but i guess i will after I cover all my bases.! .?

I would like if you can point me to that HP service manual if there is a web link to it or a PDF file for that laptop we are  talking about ("HP 15.6"" Laptop, Intel N200 Processor, 4GB RAM, 128GB UFS, Natural Silver, Microsoft 365 (1 Year)"...

it would be greatly appreciated.... thanks  in advance

Ken

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, Ken:

I gave you the link to the service manual for the model series the other day in my reply above yours.

There is only one manual and it covers the entire model series.

Paul

[eduffer]

Another Good-Day to you 

SILLY ME !!!

I just found the link you sent to the service manual for get my last email to you about the service manual

Thanks again

Ken

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime, Ken.

You have a good day too!

Paul