Accidental shutdown while updating-My laptop doesn't turn on

[pavil1514]

Hi,

My laptop accidentaly shut down while updating (a windows auto-update). When I try to turn it on now, it first shows me the hp logo then a black screen. I don't have a recovery disc.What do I do?

Thanks

[CherylG · Accepted solution]

How exactly did the accidental shut down happen? Did it just shut off or was it unplugged,or??

Immediately after powering on start tapping the F2 key to get into Diagnostics. Run the tests.

[pavil1514]

It was unplugged during the update.

I began a system extensive test (was supposed to take 5 hours) but it stopped after 1 minute with the following message:

Processor checked: Passed

Hard drive SMART check: Passed

Hard drive Short DST check: Failed

Failure ID: U09HA8-7318M9-MFPV61-60WA03

Product ID: F5W47UA#ABL

[pavil1514]

I then performed individual tests: the optimized and long DST hard drive tests both failed. The memory test and other systems'tests passed.

I then got the option of "refresh the pc" and then the computer worked again ( all the files still there but most apps were deleted {java,acrobat reader,flash player matlab firefox,chrome, real player...) but I can download them again. The only downside is that I lost my bookmarks on firefox as I was  using it as a guest. Microsoft Office was not deleted but they asked either a prodct key or to log in with an active account.

Thank you very much CherylG for your help. I had looked at some forums and di not find the F2 PC Diagnosis advice.

[CherylG]

You are very welcome. Happy you are back up and running. With the error reported on hard drive you may face another failure in coming weeks/months- a complete failure of hard drive which would require replacing it. I would strongly suggest to make an external backup of any important files,photos,etc.A USB hard drive or USB flash drive is useful.

If you haven't yet made your Recovery Media I would get it done also. If the hard drive has to be replaced you will need it to install Windows.

Creating Recovery Media>> Windows 8