Error message

[AsaJojo]

So my computer has been self restarting for the last 3 hours with the error message- your device ran into a problem and needs to restart...I tried troubleshooting in safe mode but got the message it could not be repaired.

[Deep_World]

Hi @AsaJojo,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

To better understand the issue, could you please provide a few more details?

• What version of Windows are you running (Windows 10, 11, etc.)?
• Did this start after a Windows update, driver install, or hardware change?
• Is this a desktop or laptop, and do you have access to any external storage?
• Do you know the specific error code or stop code that appears on the blue screen?

Troubleshooting steps to try

1. Boot into Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)

Since Safe Mode isn’t helping:

1. Turn the computer on, then as soon as Windows starts to load, hold the power button to force shutdown
2. Repeat 2–3 times
3. On the next boot, Windows should load “Preparing Automatic Repair”
4. Choose Advanced options → Troubleshoot

2. Run Startup Repair

• In Advanced options → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Repair
• Let Windows attempt to repair corrupted boot files automatically

3. System Restore

• Advanced options → System Restore
• Choose a restore point before the problem started
• This won’t delete your personal files

4. Check for driver or system corruption

From Advanced options → Command Prompt:

• Run:

sfc /scannow

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

• This will scan and repair system files

5. Last resort: Reset this PC (Keep files)

• Advanced options → Troubleshoot → Reset this PC → Keep my files
• Reinstalls Windows but preserves personal data

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 

Best regards,

Deep_World

[AsaJojo]

Hi Deep_World thank you for the detailed response. Please see below what happened when I attempted your recommendations

2.  System response was it could not repair the files and gave me the option to return to the trouble shoot or switch off PC menu

3. Attached is a screenshot of the error message when I attempted this option 

4. The command did not yield a response I could comprehend.

5. This option was not provided.

Now when I start the computer it has remained in booting mode with the little half circle spinning under the hp sign on the black screen. 

Please help.

 

[Deep_World]

Hi @AsaJojo,

Thanks for your response, Kindly try the below steps:

1. Force the laptop into the Recovery Environment again

Sometimes Windows won’t show the recovery menu unless it detects multiple failed boots.

Try this:

1. Hold the power button until the laptop turns off.
2. Turn it on.
3. As soon as the HP logo appears, hold the power button again to force shutdown.
4. Repeat this 3 times.
5. On the 4th boot, Windows should automatically enter Advanced Startup / Recovery Mode.

If you reach the blue recovery screen, let me know — that opens more repair options.

2. Try “Startup Repair” again

Even if it failed once, it’s worth running again from the recovery menu. Sometimes it succeeds on the second or third attempt.

3. Try booting into Safe Mode

If you reach the recovery menu:

1. Choose Troubleshoot
2. Advanced options
3. Startup Settings
4. Press 4 or F4 for Safe Mode

If Safe Mode works, we can repair Windows from inside.

4. Use System Restore (if available)

If you see System Restore under Advanced Options, choose a restore point from before the issue started.

5. If none of the above works: Boot from a USB recovery drive

This is the most reliable next step.

You’ll need:

• Another working PC
• A USB drive (16GB or more)

You can create a Windows 10/11 installation USB using Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool.
From that USB, you can:

• Run Startup Repair
• Run System Restore
• Run command‑line repairs
• Or reinstall Windows without deleting your files (if the drive is healthy)

If you want, I can guide you step‑by‑step through creating the USB and using it.

Regards

Deep_World