Laptop reports hard drive is not installed

[Ty075]

HP touch smart 15 - system report hard/smart drive is not installed. Laptop will not turn on  keeps beeping and giving error message.

[Raj_05]

Hi @Ty075,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

The "Hard Drive Not Installed" error and beeping indicate that the laptop's BIOS/UEFI cannot detect the hard drive, potentially due to hardware or connection issues. Here are steps to address this issue.

Listen to the Beep Code

• Beep codes often provide diagnostic information.

Perform a Hard Reset

1. Turn off the laptop and unplug the power adapter.
2. Remove the battery (if removable).
3. Hold the power button for 15-30 seconds to drain residual power.
4. Reinsert the battery (if removable) and reconnect the power adapter.
5. Turn the laptop on to check if the issue persists.

Check the Hard Drive Connection

If you’re comfortable opening your laptop:

1. Disconnect the power and remove the battery (if applicable).
2. Access the hard drive bay by removing the cover (refer to the manual for instructions).
3. Ensure the hard drive is securely connected to the SATA port.
4. If possible, disconnect and reconnect the hard drive to confirm a proper connection.

⚠️ Note: If the laptop is under warranty, avoid opening it.

Run a Diagnostics Test

1. Turn on the laptop and immediately press Esc repeatedly until the Startup Menu appears.
2. Select F2 (System Diagnostics).
3. Run the Hard Drive Test. If it reports errors, the drive may need replacement.

Update or Reset BIOS

If the hard drive is detected intermittently:

1. Access BIOS by pressing F10 during startup.
2. Check if the hard drive is listed under storage or boot devices.
3. If not, try resetting the BIOS settings to default.

Replace the Hard Drive (If Necessary)

If diagnostics confirm the hard drive is failing or not detected:

1. Replace it with a compatible SSD or HDD.
2. Install the operating system using recovery media or a bootable USB drive.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted 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!

Alden4

HP Support