Cannot start Windows, Automatic Repair loop, Short DST failure

[JamesYow]

Hello,   I could not start Windows on my laptop, kept getting Automatic Repair messages and got into infinite loop.  I tried System Recovery but after starting Windows and it attempted to load files it stopped there.  I cannot get into Command Prompt.  I tried Hard Drive Test and gotten Short DST failure.  The failure ID:  M09KM9-55G8KA-XD6U3G-60UR03.

Much appreciated for any help I can get to resolve this problem.  Please help.

[Huffer · Accepted solution]

That means the hard drive must be replaced. Where do you live (country)? We can assist you with finding and installing a new hard drive and since it is Windows 10 reinstallation of the operating system is easy, too. 

[visruth]

Hi,


The hard drive had failed. This is why you're seeing booting issues.

You've to replace the hard drive with a new one of similar form factor

Manual:
http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c03106715

Specs: https://support.hp.com/us-en/product/HP-Pavilion-dm4-Entertainment-Notebook-PC-series/4150055/model/...

Your laptop came with Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit. Did you successfully upgrade and activate to Windows 10 Home 64 bit previously?

Do you have HP Recovery USB with you at present, that you should've created after first setup of this notebook? You can use this USB/discs to factory reset after replacement of HDD.


Regards

Visruth

[JamesYow]

Hello,   Many thanks for your quick reply.  I live in Mississauga, Canada.  Would I be able to install a new hard drive myself?  I upgraded Windows to Windows 10.  Would I be able to re-install Windows 10 after the new hard drive has been installed as I had not done any backup?  Hope you can provide me with some advice.

Thank you very much.

[visruth]

Page 53, 54 in Manual tell you how to do it

Video: https://h20574.www2.hp.com/results.htm?SID=4150055&MEID=FA8EF364-3540-4345-B972-FA1B457A8A20

You can do clean install of Windows 10 Home 64 bit using Microsoft Windows media creation tool by creating bootable installation USB:
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/1950-clean-install-windows-10-a.html

Windows will be automatically activated after installation while connected to internet because your notebook now has free digital entitlement with Microsoft servers.

[Huffer]

Good hard drive.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Sole-Source-SS25INTS72M6600-750-GB-Internal-Hard-Drive-2-5-inch-7200-RPM-/251...

Look for 7200 rpm spin speed or you can install a solid state drive for a big upgrade in performance. 

[JamesYow]

Hello,  

I just wish to express my grateful thanks to all who had kindly helped me to resolve my problem.  I have now replaced my hard drive and installed Windows 10 as instructed and without any problem.  Please keep up with the excellent work!

Regards,

James

[visruth]

You're very welcome James.