HP laptop would not start up but show only "Please Wait" or "Preparing Automatic Repair"

[MZW7]

try to reboot / repair / reset but cannot get to Advanced Options. Power +F8 or F11 does not help.

[zoey7886]

@MZW7, Welcome to the HP Support Community!  

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding HP Laptop Startup Issues! 

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

If your HP laptop won't start up and is showing "Please Wait" or "Preparing Automatic Repair," and you're unable to access the Advanced Options using F8 or F11, here are some steps you can follow:

Hard Reset:

• Turn off the laptop and disconnect all external devices.
• Remove the power cable and battery (if possible).
• Press and hold the power button for about 15 seconds.
• Reconnect the battery and power cable, then try starting the laptop.

Use Windows Installation Media:

• If you have a Windows installation media (DVD or USB), insert it and restart the laptop.
• Press any key when prompted to boot from the media.
• Select "Repair your computer" when you reach the setup screen.
• Follow the instructions on screen to attempt repairs.

Try Safe Mode:

• Restart the computer and try pressing F4, F5, or F6 continuously immediately after turning it on to see if you can access Safe Mode options.
• If successful, select "Safe Mode with Networking" and attempt to troubleshoot from there.

Access BIOS/UEFI Settings:

• Restart the computer and press F10 or Esc repeatedly as soon as it starts to enter BIOS or UEFI settings.
• Check if the boot sequence is correctly set up or adjust settings to default if possible.  

Hope this helps! 

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, Please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!  

Regards, 

[MZW7]

Thanks for reply. I get a USB Windows installation media and it is not able to repair or restore. Then I try to re-install Windows 11 and it tells that cannot find driver for the SSD. Can you please help me to locate the driver for my HP laptop 17-by4xxx, The drive is Intel Optane with Intel(R) RST 18.1.1.5201 RST VMD driver.

[zoey7886]

@MZW7, I can imagine how frustrating it must feel — sitting there with the screen stuck on “Please Wait” and “Preparing Automatic Repair,” the fan humming softly but nothing moving forward. Let’s get you unstuck.

Since Windows can’t see your SSD during installation, it’s because it needs the Intel Rapid Storage Technology (RST) driver for your Intel Optane drive.

Here’s what to do:

Download the RST VMD driver

On another working PC, visit the HP Software and Drivers page for your HP 17-by4xxx.

Search for Intel Rapid Storage Technology (Intel RST) VMD Driver – version 18.1.1.5201 and download it.

Prepare the driver

Extract the downloaded ZIP file to a USB drive (keep the folder structure).

Load the driver during Windows setup

Boot your laptop from the Windows installation USB.

When it says “Where do you want to install Windows?” and shows no drives, click Load Driver.

Browse to the folder on your USB with the extracted RST driver, select it, and let Windows detect your SSD.

Once it sees the drive, you should be able to reinstall or repair Windows normally.

Hope this helps! 

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, Please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!  

Regards,