Laptop not booting - SMART hard disk has detected an imminent failure. How to fix

[KevinB5813]

HP 17" laptop not booting. Not sure if it is the hard drive or SSD card. I have new hard drive and SSD and would like to get a USB boot drive but I have not been able to get it loaded.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @KevinB5813,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

Here’s the way to get your HP 17" laptop bootable again with a new hard drive or SSD:

Why It Won’t Boot

• The new drive is empty (no OS installed).
• You need a Windows 11 bootable USB to install the operating system.

Recommended Steps

1. Create a Windows 11 Bootable USB

• On another working PC: 
  • Go to 👉 HP Consumer PCs - Using the HP Cloud Recovery Tool in Windows 11 and 10 | HP® Support
  • Download the Media Creation Tool.
  • Insert a USB drive (32 GB or larger).
  • Run the tool → Select Create installation media → Choose Windows 11 → Create bootable USB.

2. Boot from USB

• Insert the USB into your HP laptop.
• Power on and press Esc repeatedly → Startup Menu.
• Press F9 for Boot Device Options.
• Select the USB drive.

3. Install Windows

• Follow on-screen instructions: 
  • Choose Custom Install.
  • Select your new SSD or hard drive.
  • Complete installation.

4. Install HP Drivers

• After Windows installs, go to: 👉 Official HP® Support
• Download chipset, graphics, and BIOS updates for your model.

🔗 Official HP Guide

👉 HP PCs - Installing the latest version of Windows 11 | HP® Support

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

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Regards,

VikramTheGreat