Reset stuck on loading Windows

[HUGHSON]

I purchased a new HP Pavilion in 2024. After making sure all the files on my 2016 HP Pavilion were transferred, I reset my 2016  Laptop ( HP Pavilion - 15t-cu000 CTO Product number: 3BC54AV). The reset seems to have wiped the system but it has been stuck at 64% reloading Windows for over three days. I turned the laptop off twice and let it sit for a while before I turned it back on. Both times it resumed the Windows install at 64%. I have a recovery thumb drive but don't know how to use it. How can I finish the reset process? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[zoey7886]

@HUGHSON, Welcome to the HP Support Community!  

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding HP Pavilion Windows Reinstallation Issue! 

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.  

Safe Mode Boot:

• Try booting your laptop into Safe Mode. In some cases, Safe Mode can bypass certain system errors that are causing the installation to stall.
• To boot into Safe Mode, restart your computer and repeatedly press the F8 key (or Shift + F8) until the Advanced Boot Options menu appears, then select Safe Mode.

Windows Recovery:

• Use Windows Recovery options. You can access the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) by restarting your PC and repeatedly pressing the F11 key until the recovery menu appears.
• Choose "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Startup Repair," which might resolve the problem.

Hard Reset:

• Perform a hard reset of your laptop to clear any temporary issues.
• Disconnect all external devices (USB drives, external monitors, etc.).
• Unplug the power adapter, and if possible, remove your laptop's battery. Hold the power button down for 15 seconds.
• Reconnect the power adapter and battery, then attempt to start the laptop again.

Installation Media:

• If the above steps do not work, consider creating a Windows installation media using a separate computer. You can download the Windows 10 ISO and create a bootable USB drive.
• Boot from the USB drive and perform a fresh install of Windows. Make sure to back up any important files before proceeding.  

Hope this helps! 

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, Please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!  

Regards, 

[HUGHSON]

Thanks for the advice. I did the following:

1.     Safe Boot Mode and got this message:

Boot Device Not Found

Please install an operating system on your hard disk.

Hard Disk (3FO)

F2 System Diagnostics

For more information, please visit www.hp.com/go/techcenter/startup

1.      Pressed F2 which gave me this menu: (I didn’t see relevance so didn’t do anything)

Version 1.26.0.0 – BIOS

For more information and updates, go to www.hp.com/go/techcenter/PCD i ags.

[Memory Test]

[Storage Tests]

[Hard Drive Check]

[Language]

[Exit]

1.     Went to www.hp.com/go/techcenter/startup which gave the following instructions which are over my head and I am worried about creating an irreversible error.

3F0 Boot Device Not Found or Hard Disk Error

Follow this procedure to resolve the 3F0 Boot Device Not Found or Hard Disk error.

o   Test the hard drive using HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI.

o   Reset the defaults in the BIOS.

o   Use HP Cloud Recovery or reinstall Windows using the Microsoft Media Creation Tool.

•   Go to HP PCs - Hard disk 3F0 boot device not found error for further assistance.

1.     Windows Recovery gave me the same message as #1 above.
2.     Hard Reset gave me the same message as #1 above. (I could not see how to remove the battery.)
3.     I did not create a Windows Installation Media because I have a Windows Recovery thumb drive for this laptop which put me in this situation to begin with. Should I try Windows Installation Media anyway? Thanks.

[Garp_senchau · Accepted solution]

@HUGHSON, Welcome to HP Support Community,

Thank you so much for posting your query! My colleague @zoey7886  is currently out, but don't worry – I’ll be taking over and making sure we get this sorted for you.

Here’s what I recommend:

Run a Hard Drive Test:
Start the laptop and press F2 to enter System Diagnostics.
Choose “Storage Tests” or “Hard Drive Check” to verify if your hard drive is still healthy. If it fails, the hard drive may need to be replaced.

If the hard drive passes the test:
It’s possible the recovery USB didn’t install Windows properly. In that case, yes — I recommend creating a Windows 10 Installation Media using another working computer.

HP PCs - Installing the latest version of Windows 10 | HP® Support

HP PCs - Installing Windows 11 from a USB flash drive | HP® Support

I truly hope these steps help get things back on track. If you have any questions or need any further clarification, just let me know – I’m happy to guide you through it and make sure everything works perfectly.

Take care, and I hope you have an amazing day ahead! 😊

Problem solved? 🎉 That’s fantastic! If you could mark this as the Accepted Solution, it would help others find their way here faster. And if you found this helpful, a simple ‘yes’ would mean a lot – it makes my day and gives this reply a little street cred! 🏅

Regards,

[HUGHSON]

Thanks for the help. With the help of someone more techy than I, I tested the Hard Drive (OK) and created a Windows Installation Media that worked successfully.

[Garp_senchau]

Hey @HUGHSON,

That's awesome! I'm glad to hear it worked out, and you got everything up and running with the installation media.

Regards,