Please help, cannot even use f11, f8 fail, stuck in endless automatic repair screen, how to exit

[computer_studyi]

Hello, I have a HP Pavilion Notebook 17-g198ca that need fixing. When I am trying to do some last minute before windows 10 ends update and virus scan. I first reset the bios to default then I ran an windows defender offline scan. I tried to use f2 - it sometime work and sometimes stuck. I tried f10 - it let me enter bios. I tried f8 and and f11. It didn't let me enter safe boot or recovery mode. It is stuck on looping at the preparing for automatic repair screen. 

Please help before oct 14. My windows 10 comes with the computer. Can I use a windows creation media usb to re download windows (I don't have the product key as it comes with the pc when I purchased it new) what is the procedure for it for just getting it running?

Thanks

[Hawks_Eye · Accepted solution]

Hi @computer_studyi 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Absolutely—I know how stressful this is, especially with a deadline looming. The good news is that you can reinstall Windows 10 using a USB drive, and your HP Pavilion 17-g198ca should automatically activate Windows after reinstalling, since the product key is embedded in the system firmware.

Let’s walk through the exact steps to break out of the repair loop and get your system running again.

Step 1: Create a Windows 10 Installation USB

You’ll need access to another working Windows PC and an empty USB drive (at least 8 GB).

On the working PC, go to the official Microsoft page:
Download Windows 10 Installation Media

Click Download tool now under “Create Windows 10 installation media”.

Run the tool and select:

• Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO)
• Choose Windows 10, your language, and architecture (64-bit).
• Select USB flash drive and follow the prompts to create the bootable USB.

 

Step 2: Boot from the USB on your HP Pavilion

Insert the USB into your HP Pavilion 17-g198ca.

Power off the laptop completely.

Turn it on and immediately press Esc repeatedly until the Startup Menu appears.

Press F9 for Boot Device Options.

Select the USB drive from the list and press Enter.

 

Step 3: Reinstall Windows 10

When the Windows Setup screen appears, choose your language and click Next.

Click Install Now.

When prompted for a product key, click “I don’t have a product key.”

• Your system will activate automatically once online, using the digital license stored in the BIOS.

Choose Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).

Select the primary partition (usually the largest one labeled “Primary”) and click Delete.

• Do this for all partitions except unallocated space.

Select the Unallocated Space and click Next to install Windows.

 

Step 4: Install Drivers and Updates

Once Windows is installed:

Connect to Wi-Fi and let Windows Update install basic drivers.

Visit HP’s official driver page for your model:
HP Pavilion 17-g198ca Drivers

Download and install the chipset, graphics, audio, and Wi-Fi drivers.

Let me know if you need help with any of these steps or if you’d like to preserve your files before reinstalling. 

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye