HP Laptop stuck in repair mode

[LA138]

Need guidance on getting past repair mode. I have tried multiple times and basic troubleshoot, i.e. hard reset, BitLocker.. Below is the error coded i get. 

Stop code: DRIVER_PNP_WATCHDOG (0x1d5)

Stop code: INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE 0x7B)

[Dragora]

Hi LA138

These two errors together usually point to a communication breakdown between your Windows software and your storage controller (SSD/HDD).

• DRIVER_PNP_WATCHDOG: This means a driver (likely for your hard drive controller) timed out or crashed while trying to initialize.

• INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE: This means Windows literally "lost sight" of the drive it’s installed on during the boot process.

Since you've already tried a hard reset and dealt with BitLocker, here are the most effective technical steps to bridge that communication gap.

1. Check the SATA/Storage Mode in BIOS

The most common cause for these specific errors is a mismatch in how the BIOS talks to your hard drive. If this setting was changed (sometimes due to a BIOS update or a battery drain), Windows will fail to boot.

1. Power on your PC and immediately tap the BIOS key (usually F2, F12, Del, or Esc).

2. Look for a section named Advanced, Storage, or System Configuration.

3. Find a setting called SATA Mode, Configure SATA as, or NVMe Mode.

4. Switch the setting:

   • If it is currently on RAID (or Intel RST), change it to AHCI.

   • If it is on AHCI, try changing it to RAID/RST.

5. Save and exit. Check if Windows boots normally.

2. Run Disk and System Repairs via Command Prompt

If the BIOS settings are correct, there may be a corruption in the file system or the boot configuration.

From the "Automatic Repair" blue screen, go to Advanced Options > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.

Run these commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:

• Check for disk errors: chkdsk c: /f /r (Note: This may take a while. If it asks to dismount the volume, type Y)

• Repair System Files: sfc /scannow

• Restore System Health: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth (Note: This requires an internet connection; if you aren't connected, skip this and move to Step 3.)

3. Rebuild the Boot Configuration Data (BCD)

If the system still can't find the boot device, the "map" Windows uses to find the OS might be broken. In the same Command Prompt window, type these commands:

1. bootrec /fixmbr

2. bootrec /fixboot (If you get "Access is denied," type bootsect /nt60 sys and then try again)

3. bootrec /rebuildbcd

4. Try "Safe Mode with Networking"

If the PnP Watchdog error is caused by a bad driver update you received recently, getting into Safe Mode allows Windows to load with only the bare essentials.

1. In the Advanced Options menu, go to Startup Settings > Restart.

2. Press 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking.

3. If it boots, right-click the Start button, select Device Manager, and look for any yellow warning icons under IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers or Storage controllers. Right-click them and select Uninstall device, then restart the PC normally.

I hope the above is helpful

If this helped you solve your problem, please mark my answer as the solution. Thank you.