Blue screen stop code error driver_pnp_watchdog

[Melcancio]

My laptop is not booting up. It will turn on. But then I get a black screen with HP logo and spinning circle. Occasionally it will go to a blue screen and gives me the stop code error  driver_pnp_watchdog  I am unable to figure out how to start up in safe mode. 

[Melcancio]

 

 

[Melcancio]

 

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Melcancio 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

Thanks for posting your query! We're here to help you get back up and running.

The "DRIVER_PNP_WATCHDOG" stop code and the issues with booting point to a potential driver or hardware-related problem. 

Here are steps you can take to try and fix the issue:

 

1. Disconnect All Peripherals

Unplug any external devices (like USB drives, printers, or external monitors) to rule out issues caused by peripheral drivers.

Try restarting the laptop to see if it gets past the spinning circle.

 

2. Boot into Safe Mode

Safe Mode loads only the essential drivers and might help bypass the error.

Turn off the laptop completely.

Power it on and, as soon as the HP logo appears, repeatedly press F8 or Shift + F8 (depending on your laptop model) until the advanced boot options menu appears.

Select Safe Mode with Networking.

Once in Safe Mode, check for faulty drivers or updates as follows:

Press Win + X, select Device Manager, and check for yellow warning signs on devices. Update or disable problematic drivers.

 

3. Perform an Automatic Repair

Use Windows' built-in repair feature:

Turn off the laptop.

Turn it back on and interrupt the boot process by holding the power button to force a shutdown. Repeat this 2–3 times until the Automatic Repair screen appears.

Select Advanced options > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair and follow the prompts.

 

4. Update Drivers Using Command Prompt

If you can access the Advanced Options menu:

Select Command Prompt.

Enter the following commands to check for and fix driver issues:

sfc /scannow DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Restart the laptop after these commands complete.

 

5. Roll Back Recent Updates or Drivers

If the issue started after a recent update or driver installation, try rolling them back:

In the Advanced Options menu, choose Uninstall Updates or Go Back to the Previous Version of Windows.

For drivers, access Device Manager and roll back any drivers that were recently updated.

 

6. Check Hard Drive Health

A failing hard drive could cause the laptop to hang on boot.

Boot into the Advanced Options menu and select Command Prompt.

Run the following command to check the disk:

chkdsk /f /r

If errors are found, Windows will attempt to fix them.

If this solution hits the spot, please come back and click "Accepted Solution" to help others find the answer. And if you'd like to say thanks, select "Yes" on the bottom left of the public post, as that would make our day! 

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye