‘Preparing automatic repair’ then Black Screen

[singlewahm]

Using the information found here:

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Operating-System-and-Recovery/Black-screen-after-Preparing-au...

I was able to get to diagnostics and get an error that the Hard Drive/SDD Short DST Failed.  The Hard Drive/SSD Smart Check Passed. The link from there confirmed the warranty expired a few months ago.

This is my mom's computer. She's only had it a little over a year and rarely uses it. Suggested options? Is she stuck replacing the hard drive or getting a new computer?

Thanks!

[WAWood]

@singlewahm 

New laptop drives of the size of the one in the laptop can be had for a lot less than $100 -- and any new laptop is going to cost several times that.

[singlewahm]

Indeed. Honestly, it's been a while since I worked on one and was hoping I was missing something.

Secondary question related to the same issue...

The computer doesn't have a sticker or documentation pertaining to a Windows Product Key. If we get her a new hard drive and reinstall Windows, will she be needing a new Windows license? Or is there a way to recover that information to use the same license?

[AndyStuart87]

Sometimes, your Windows PC doesn't start the way it should after booting, and then you will receive an error right out of the blue that reads: "Automatic Repair, Your PC did not start correctly." You can try the below mentioned DIY methods to fix the issue:

Method 1: Uninstall New Software or Drivers

Method 2: Run Start-up Repair

Method 3: Run System File Checker

Method 4: Rebuild BCD (Boot Configuration Data)

Method 5: Reinstall Windows

Further, I suggest you to check the below link for more detailed methods:

https://www.technology.org/2018/01/09/5-ways-to-solve-your-pc-did-not-start-correctly/

Hope it helps!