HP Chromebook OS Recovery Fails

[ComputerDirect]

I have performed the Chrome OS recovery on my son's Chromebook but it still errors out with a problem that has occurred. I have verified that the recovery files on the USB stick (tried different sticks) are correct and have even tried on multiple USB drives. 

Once the USB drive is inserted it starts and the verification completes to the end of the progress bar and then attempts to recover but ultimately errors out with "An unexpected error has occurred. Please refer to this URL for troubleshooting tips: https://www.google.com/chromeos/recovery"

I have tried several times with no luck. I have read online that the computer may be unrecoverable. Is there anything else I can do, or do I need to scrap this unit for parts? 

[A4Apollo]

Hi! @ComputerDirect, Welcome to HP forums.

I understand you have issues resetting the chromebook to factory settings.

Don't worry I'll try to help you out.

Did you make any software or hardware changes on your PC?

Excellent description and a great diagnosis done. It is greatly appreciated.

Try resetting the chromebook to factory settings following the steps recommended below.

Try the steps recommended below.

Sign out of your Chromebook.
Press and hold Ctrl + Alt + Shift + r.
Click Restart.
In the box that appears, click Reset and sign in with your Google Account.
Note: The account you sign in with after you reset your Chromebook will be the owner account.
Follow the steps that appear.
Once you've reset your Chromebook:
Set up your Chromebook again
Check if the problem is fixed

Refer this article to further troubleshoot resetting chromebook. Click Here

If the issue still persists after trying out the steps. I will share out few details through a private message about the service options for your laptop.

Please watch your inbox for more information.

Let me know if this helps!

Have a great day ahead! 🙂

Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.

Click the “Kudos, Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

[ComputerDirect]

Unfortunately this HP Chromebook only displays a blank screen and will not load into Chrome OS so it is not possible to follow the steps you have suggested. Can only be started with ESC + REFRESH + POWER at which stage it comes up with the Restore with USB page.
I have researched online and it appears that there is no other external method of recovering this unit. I was wondering if anyone online had successfully been able to diagnose and repair this specific fault... it looks to be a hardware flash memory problem.

My only other option is to find another unit with a defective screen and do a brain transplant.

[A4Apollo]

@ComputerDirect, Thanks for your quick response and time.

I appriciate your efforts for writing back to us.

As you mentioned you are unable to boot into the chromebook desktop to try the suggested step.

Try the steps recommended below and check if it helps.

On the working computer (not the Chromebook with the error):

1. If you're using a Mac or PC:
   1. If you haven't yet, install Chrome.
   2. Open Chrome .
   3. Install the recovery app.
2. Open the recovery app.
3. Click Get started.
4. Click Select a model from a list, or type in the model number of the Chromebook you want to recover. To find this number, look at the bottom of the error message on your Chromebook screen.
5. Click Continue.
6. Insert your USB flash drive or SD card into the computer.
7. In the dropdown menu, choose the USB flash drive or SD card you inserted.
8. Click Continue.
9. Click Create now.
10. When you see a message saying that your recovery media is ready, remove the USB flash drive or SD card from the computer.

Refer this article from google to know more information about performing a reset. Click Here

If you still have issues after trying out the steps. Please follow the steps suggested previously for the service options for your laptop.

Have a pleasant day ahead!

Take Care! 🙂

Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.

Click the “Kudos, Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

[ComputerDirect]

Thanks for your response but that is the recovery process already mentioned in the original question, which fails. Rather than  going in circles again, is there anything that anyone knows that can be done to resurrect this unit by opening it and replacing the faulty component?

[A4Apollo · Accepted solution]

@ComputerDirect, Thanks for your response again.

There is nothing much we can do apart from restoring the image at the service centre.

As suggested please follow the instructions and get the service options for your laptop.

Take Care! 🙂