3F0 issue

[vogner]

Hey everyone,

For context, a few months ago my hard drive stopped working (likely due to physical damage) and I stopped using my Notebook (15-dw0037wm if it matters). Every time I would turn it on, a 3FO error would show up, and no matter what I would do, I couldn't solve the issue.

Reads: Boot Device Not Found

Please install an operating system on your hard disk.

Hard Disk (3F0)

F2 System Diagnostics 

For more information, please visit; www.hp.com/go/techcenter/startup

Later found out through the system diagnostic tests and some Googling that my hard drive was simply broken (as mentioned above).

Recently I purchased a new one and installed it. However, the same 3F0 error pops up. I ran the short and long DSTs and it passed both, but still isn't fixed. Tried basically everything on this page except step 4, where I can't even access the tool to do so. Whenever I try, the input loads for a second or two, then boots me back to the 3F0 error. 

Sorry if I'm missing something obvious, I'm pretty new to Notebooks in general. I'd be happy to provide any additional information!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Did you try and install an operating system on the new drive?

Hard drives do not come with operating system pre-installed like they do from the factory.

If you have not done that, use the HP cloud recovery tool to create a bootable USB recovery drive to reinstall Windows, the drivers and the software that originally came with your notebook.

Here is an info link for how to use the utility.   You will need a 32 GB USB flash drive for this.

HP Consumer PCs - Using the HP Cloud Recovery Tool in Windows 11 and 10 | HP® Support

You can download the tool from the Microsoft store:

HP Cloud Recovery Tool - Microsoft Apps

Since you have to use the tool on another PC when you run it, you will have to enter your notebook's product number in the tool's search window in order to proceed.

Your notebook's product number is 6FV98UA#ABA

[vogner]

Hey Paul,

I haven't tried this yet. Thanks for letting me know! Unfortunately, right now I don't have a flash drive to test this out, but when I do I'll be sure to update you! Just for clarification, this doesn't affect any of the files on the computer you install the recovery tool on, right? (Other than installing the actual thing from the Microsoft Store) Just want to make sure for safety purposes 😄 Thanks again!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome. 

That is correct. 

All you need the other PC for is to make the recovery drive.

After the drive has been successfully created you should get a message that asks if you want to delete the temporary files that were created during the process, to which you can do at that time. 

But even keeping those few files would have no effect on your PC.