New HDD 3F0 error

[IAmKat]

I changed the original HDD for a new one and got the 3F0 error.
1) Installed the OS from the recovery disks created using the HP Support Assistant. After automatic restart the same 3F0 error.
2) Changed BIOS settings to boot from CD drive first. Same.
3) Changed BIOS settings to Legacy. Restarted to no bootable device or insert boot device or similar message. The boot disks did not work. The same message. Restored BIOS default after.
4) Ran HDD short and long test, both passed.
5) Popped old HDD back in. Booted normally. Updated BIOS, this passed successfully.
6) Switched to new HDD. Short HDD test passed. Ran the recovery from disks again BIOS. Auto restart, back to the 3F0 error.
From the new drive tests and the old drive booting well I gather there’s no issue with the new drive or the HDD connector. Anything else I haven’t tried yet?

[MKazi · Accepted solution]

@IAmKat

Thanks for reaching out to us on HP Forums.

I came across your post and would like to assist. 

I understand that you have an HP Pavilion series laptop and after replacing the hard drive, it does not boot up. You have installed the operating system and an error appears as 3F0 while booting. You have been fabulous to work with considering your superb technical skills and valuable patience. Kudos to you for that. You have done a remarkable job in troubleshooting this issue. 

What is the exact laptop model number? This link will help in finding the model number: https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/ish_2039298-1862169-16

Meanwhile, you may refer to the steps mentioned below:

1) Press power button, then repeatedly hit F10. This option is not displayed on the startup screen (Esc after powering on) but it works. On the BIOS setup go to System Configuration, down to Boot Options, enable Legacy Support and disable Secure Boot. Confirm, F10 to save and exit. When restaring as the HP guide instructs, then Esc and then F9, You don't get the boot from CD drive option (only boot from EFI file or notebook hard drive). The CD must be in before you turn the computer on. 
2) Put the 1st recovery CD in, turn pc off and on. Then immediately Esc, then F9 for Boot Options. This should give the four expected options: boot from CD drive UEFI, EFI file, CD drive or hard drive. Select CD drive (not UEFI). 
3) This opens the Recovery Manager with options of minimized image recovery, factory reset, computer checkup and support.

I genuinely hope the issue gets resolved without hassles and the unit works great. Keep me posted.

Cheers! 🙂

[IAmKat]

@MKazi

That’s a Pavilion model 15-p150ca.

[MKazi]

@IAmKat

Thanks for the model number. 

Do let me know how the suggested steps go through.

Cheers! 🙂

[IAmKat]

@MKazi

I was almost about to ignore your suggestion. As I described earlier, I already tried to recover the OS in the Legacy mode and it did not work. The document you provided was of very little help but I managed to get the computer going. For the record, this is what worked.

1) Pressed power button, then repeatedly F10. This option is not displayed on the startup screen (Esc after powering on) but it works. On the BIOS setup went to System Configuration, down to Boot Options, enabled Legacy Support and disabled Secure Boot. Confirm, F10 to save and exit. When restaring as the HP guide instructs, then Esc and then F9, I didn’t get the boot from CD drive option (only boot from EFI file or notebook hard drive). The CD must be in before you turn the computer on.
2) Put the 1st recovery CD in, turned pc off and on. Then immediately Esc, then F9 for Boot Options. This brought me to the four expected options: boot from CD drive UEFI, EFI file, CD drive or hard drive. Selected CD drive (not UEFI).
3) This opened the Recovery Manager with options of minimized image recovery, factory reset, computer checkup and support. I previously tried the minimized image recovery and tried again today but when the pc started after loading all 5 recovery disks, it came back to the “no bootable device, insert CD and press any key” message which is a dead end. The not so intuitive option I had not tried was factory reset. Logically, the factory reset for a new drive is blank... Anyway, I tried that, ran the recovery disks, waited for close to 3 hours until it installed the OS. Hopefully will not encounter other issues.

[Jeet_singh]

@IAmKat,

It looks like you were interacting with @MKazi, but he is out for the day & I'll be glad to help you out, 
I'm the Jeet_Singh & I'm at your service. 

I'm glad to hear you found the solution you were looking for.
Thanks for taking the time to let the community know about the solution.

You've been great to work with and it has been a genuine pleasure interacting with you.
I hope both you and your product works great and remain healthy for a long time 😉 

To simply say thanks for the efforts to assist you, please click the "Thumbs Up" button to give me a Kudos.
And mark MKazi's public post as Accepted Solution to help others find a similar solution as you have.

Take care now and do have a fabulous week ahead. 🙂
Regards,