Stuck in preparing auto repair

[Sheltiemom58]

Hello!  I’m running Windows 10 on an HP Pavilion. Windows installed an update & notebook then went into Preparing Auto Repair. I tried system recovery (F11) but it just went back to auto repair. How much trouble am I in regarding this notebook?  Hopefully someone has a suggestion 🤞

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Sheltiemom58 

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

Regarding your HP Pavilion stuck in the “Preparing Automatic Repair” loop after a Windows 10 update, it’s definitely frustrating and I’m sorry this situation has derailed things. Let’s take a proactive approach to get the notebook functioning again.

 

1. Perform a Hardware Reset

• Power off the notebook completely.
• Disconnect all external devices.
• If the battery is removable, take it out.
• Press and hold the power button for 15 seconds.
• Reconnect the power (and battery if applicable), and try booting up.

 

2. Run System Diagnostics

• Power on the notebook and press Esc repeatedly until the Startup Menu appears.
• Press F2 to launch HP PC Hardware Diagnostics.
• Run a full system test to check for any hardware-related issues.

3. Attempt System Recovery

• Power on and press F11 repeatedly to enter the recovery environment.
• Select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Repair.
• If Startup Repair doesn’t resolve the issue, try System Restore to revert to a point prior to the update.

4. Use Command Prompt to Fix Boot Issues

If accessible through Advanced Options > Command Prompt: Type the following commands one at a time:

bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd

This sequence attempts to repair corrupted boot configurations.

 

5. Consider Windows Reset or Clean Installation (Last Resort)

If none of the above helps and you're comfortable with a reset:

• Use the Reset this PC option via recovery.
• Or, prepare a Windows 10 bootable USB using the Windows Media Creation Tool and reinstall the OS.

If you need help with any of these steps, I can walk you through them one by one. You’ve got the skills and persistence to tackle this — let’s get your Pavilion back in action.

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

[Sheltiemom58]

Hello. Thank you for your extensive response. I was able to perform the system diagnostics & was successful. Trying to perform system recovery just sent me into auto repair again. I’ve been retired long enough I’ve forgotten a lot of stuff Will you tell me how I can get to the command prompt?  Thank you 

[Hawks_Eye]

@Sheltiemom58 

Absolutely, and no worries — we’ll walk through it together, step by step. Here’s how to access the Command Prompt from the Windows Recovery Environment, even if you're stuck in the “Preparing Automatic Repair” loop:

How to Access Command Prompt from Recovery Mode

Interrupt Boot to Trigger Recovery

• Turn on your PC.
• As soon as Windows starts loading (you see the logo), hold down the power button to force shutdown.
• Repeat this 2–3 times — Windows should eventually boot into Recovery Mode.

Navigate to Advanced Options

• On the blue recovery screen, select Advanced Options.
• Then choose Troubleshoot.
• Select Advanced Options again.
• Now click on Command Prompt.

Log In

• You may be asked to select your account and enter your password.
• If you’ve forgotten it, try any older passwords you might’ve used — sometimes Windows asks for a previous one.

Once you're in Command Prompt, you can run helpful commands like:

sfc /scannow
chkdsk /r c:
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot

These can help repair system files and boot records. If you'd like help with what each command does or which ones to run first, I’ve got you covered.

Let me know how it goes — we’ll get your system back on its feet.

Regards,

Hawks_Eye