Preparing automatic repair - stuck

[Morg5]

Computer stuck on Preparing automatic repair on my HP PAVILLION. I ran quick test and extensive tests, everything passed. I tried putting on safe mode but it just keeps turning off and on, it’s not going on safe mode. Idk what else to do

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Morg5 

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

When your HP Pavilion is stuck on the "Preparing Automatic Repair" loop, it can be frustrating. Even though you've attempted some initial troubleshooting steps like running quick and extensive hardware tests, this issue often points towards a software problem. 

Here's a step-by-step guide to help resolve the issue:

Perform a Hard Reset:

• Turn off the computer by pressing and holding the power button.
• Disconnect all external devices and remove the power cable.
• Hold the power button for 15 seconds to discharge any residual electrical charge.
• Reconnect the power cable and try turning on the computer again.

Access Advanced Boot Options:

• Restart your PC, and as soon as it turns on, repeatedly press the F11 key (or ESC + F11) to enter the Recovery Manager.
• If available, select Troubleshoot, then Advanced options.

Perform a System Restore:

• From the Advanced options menu, choose System Restore.
• Follow the steps to restore the computer to an earlier point in time when it functioned correctly.

Use Command Prompt for Repairs:

• In the Advanced options, select Command Prompt.
• Run the following command to repair Windows files:
  chkdsk /f /r
• After running the command, restart the computer.

Rebuild Boot Configuration Data:

• Again, select Command Prompt from Advanced options.
• Execute the following commands one by one:
  bootrec /fixmbr
  bootrec /fixboot
  bootrec /rebuildbcd

Startup Repair:

• From the Recovery Environment, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.
• Let Windows attempt to fix the boot problems.

Reset the PC:

• As a last resort, you can choose Reset this PC from the Troubleshoot menu. Choose whether to keep your files or remove everything before the reset.

Let me know how it goes.

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

[TheBenz01]

I tried following what you are saying here. 

When trying to reinstall I get a message "The computer restarted unexpectedly or encountered and unexpected error...click "OK" to restart the computer and then restart the installation."

Well, it did not reboot, so I think something went wrong.  It has bee a couple of days, and I am stuck, it just wont go anywhere else.

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @TheBenz01,

Thank you for the response.

Since my colleague Hawks_Eye is away, I’ll be assisting you further. I understand your HP Pavilion is stuck in the “Preparing Automatic Repair” loop. Since the hardware tests passed, this is likely a software/boot issue. Let’s go step by step to resolve it.

Create Windows Installation Media

On another working PC, download the Windows Media Creation Tool from Microsoft.

Create a bootable USB drive (at least 8 GB).

Insert the USB into your HP Pavilion and boot from it:

Turn on the laptop and repeatedly press ESC, then F9 to access the Boot Menu.

Select the USB drive.

Run Command Prompt Repairs

On the Windows Setup screen, click Next → Repair your computer → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Command Prompt.

Run the following commands one at a time:

chkdsk C: /f /r /x

sfc /scannow /offbootdir=C:\ /offwindir=C:\Windows

bootrec /fixmbr

bootrec /fixboot

bootrec /scanos

bootrec /rebuildbcd

Tip: If bootrec /fixboot gives “Access denied”, run:

bootsect /nt60 C: /force /mbr

Attempt Startup Repair

Go back to Advanced options → Startup Repair.

Let Windows attempt to fix boot issues.

Backup & Reset (if needed)

If the above steps don’t resolve the issue:

Boot from the Windows USB drive.

Open Command Prompt → type notepad → File → Open to access your files. Copy important files to an external drive.

After backup, you can do a Clean Install via the USB drive:

Choose Install Now → Custom Installation → Delete existing partitions → proceed with fresh installation.

I recommend trying Steps 2 and 3 first, as they often fix the issue without losing any files.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,