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- HP Community
- Notebooks
- Notebook Operating System and Recovery
- Constantly getting 3F2 error.

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05-23-2024 02:32 PM
Hi @Jos52bbe,
Welcome to HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.
The "3F2" error typically relates to a boot device not found or a hard drive issue on HP laptops. This error can be caused by various issues, such as a loose connection, a failing hard drive, or incorrect BIOS settings. Here are steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve this error:
Check BIOS Boot Order:
- Restart your laptop and press Esc or F10 (or the appropriate key for your model) during startup to enter the BIOS/UEFI settings.
- Navigate to the "Boot Order" or "Boot Options" menu.
- Ensure that your hard drive is listed as the primary boot device. If it's not, move it to the top of the list.
- Save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI setup.
Check Hard Drive Connection:
- If you're comfortable opening your laptop, ensure that the hard drive is securely connected to the motherboard. A loose connection can cause the 3F2 error.
- Power off your laptop, unplug it, and remove the battery (if possible).
- Open the laptop case and check the hard drive connection. Reseat the drive to ensure a secure connection.
Run Hard Drive Diagnostics:
- HP laptops often have built-in diagnostics tools that you can access by pressing F2 during startup.
- Run a full system diagnostics to check the health of your hard drive. If any errors are detected, it may indicate a failing hard drive that needs to be replaced.
Check for Physical Damage:
- Inspect the hard drive for any physical damage. If you find any, you may need to replace the hard drive.
Reset BIOS to Default Settings:
- Sometimes, resetting the BIOS to its default settings can resolve boot errors.
- Enter the BIOS/UEFI setup, look for an option to "Load Setup Defaults" or "Restore Factory Settings," and select it.
- Save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI setup.
Update BIOS/UEFI:
- An outdated BIOS/UEFI can sometimes cause boot issues. Check the HP support website for any BIOS/UEFI updates for your laptop model.
- Follow the instructions provided by HP to update your BIOS/UEFI.
Reinstall Windows:
- If none of the above steps work, consider reinstalling Windows. Use a bootable USB drive with the Windows installation media.
- Boot from the USB drive and follow the prompts to reinstall Windows. Make sure to back up any important data before doing this, as it will erase all data on the hard drive.
I hope this helps.
Take care and have a good day.
Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.
Rachel571
HP Support
Sneha_01- HP support