Turn on computer, says please wait or automatic repair then screen goes blank. Won't go any further

[geegeesgirl]

My computer was fine las night. I turned it on this morning and it says automatic repair or please wait for a few seconds then screen goes blank or dark . It won't let me do anything else . It just sits on a blank screen . Please help

[IT_WinSec]

Hi !

Welcome to the HP Support forum. Thank you for posting.

Your computer came with Windows preinstalled, did it ? It uses Windows 8 at the moment ?

Your problem sounds like a software issue.

Just to be sure, let's first perform some hardware checks.

1. Please, shutdown the computer using the power button hold for several seconds.

2. Power it on.

2.1 As soon as you press the power-on button, keep hitting the Esc button (like tap-tap-tap).

This should open a HP Startup Menu which may look similar to this one

3. Choose/Press F2 to open System Diagnostics. Follow the on-screen instructions to perform System Test >> Quick test.

This will check major hardware componets for issue (do it just in case) . Here is more info >> http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c03467259#AbT1

If the tests pass without issues, continue. If not, please, let me know

If the tests passed fine, try to perform SYSTEM RESTORE - this is special function that restores Windows registry and system files/settings to previous condition without affecting your personal files.

4. Repeat steps 1-2 but when HP Startup menu opens, please choose F11 for System Recovery options.

The computer should boot from recovery partition to open you various recovery options. Note, that F11 option will only work if the recovery partition is there (not deleted) and intact. From there, you have prenty of options to choose from.

Here is more information >> http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c03327545

 >> http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c03327545#AbT5

Please, provide your feedback. Let me know how it goes an if it works for you.

[geegeesgirl]

Hello, First I would like to thank you so much for replying. I'v been going crazy. Did test: Everything passed, EXCEPT Hard Drive Short DST Check: FAILED. Failure ID: UC3T1R-6RB88E-MFPV61-60UU03. Gives Product ID and under that says: Hard Drive 1. System Quick Test: Failed. Can this be fixed? Is it costly? PC is out of warranty now, 6 mos., this is my 2nd hard drive in this PC. 1st one went after 9 months. I had an online issue 2wks ago and a window pop up with a loud noise saying "Call this number Immediately. Of course, I did, but thankfully did not give any acct. info, but I believe he corrupted something. Did he do something to my PC? He was in remotely for 15 mins.  Thanks so much.

[geegeesgirl]

Hello, Also want to add: Went into test logs. Hard drive passed on 09/25/16 @ 11:53:52 AM. Hard drive Failed on 09/25/16 @ 11:54:38 AM, and hen I just tested now. That seems funny, a minute apart yesterday.

[IT_WinSec]

Hello,

What you see in the logs seems related to the fact that there are different tests perform.

The Hard Disk 1 Quick Test has failed.

This is confirmed by your problem description. If you want you could try to perform a new test -> not quick test but specific COMPONENT test for the hard disk drive. Let me know the results if you also perform this test.

You may have become victor of fake tech support, of scam... but usually this does not cause hardware problems.

This cannot be fixed as this is hardware issue.

If your computer is with warranty period expired, you will need to replace the faulty HDD - buy it on your own. There are variety of options - vendors you can choose from - you need 2.5 inches HDD SATA. You can get it online or from PC retail store.

You can also consider installing SSD instead of HDD - this is strongly recommended as SSDs are way faster, more repliable and lighter. More info on SSDs:

>> http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch001396.htm

>> http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2404258,00.asp

How to replace the faulty HDD with new HDD or new SSD: please, find info and instruction in your computer's manual or watch YouTube videos examples.

Here is the Service and Maintenance guide for your model >> http://www.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c04439615.pdf

(page 3 and pge 67)

If you do not want to do this on your own, please bring the computer (or ship it) to HP Authorized Service Center where the technicians will do this for you - could be for a fee as it is out of warranty.

If you are not sure where such a center is located, check these or contact HP for assistance in finding the nearest one for you:

>> http://www8.hp.com/us/en/contact-hp/ww-phone-assist.html

>> http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c00372730

>> http://www8.hp.com/us/en/store-finder/find.do?bs=SR4&type=authorized

Last part - once you replace the faulty component - you will need to reinstall back your operating system - Windows or another. So,

 If your computer originally came with Windows preinstalled by HP (a.k.a. OEM Windows), then you need to use HP recovery media - DVDs or USB pen drive you have previously created   or   recovery media purchased from HP. Some general info >> http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c00006110

If you need specific assistance re. this, please let me know.

Please, let me know how it goes and do post back if you need assistance. Looking forward to your feeback/reply.

[geegeesgirl]

You have been amazingly helpful. I did run the component test, same outcome. I will try to replace it myself.  I will purchase the better one. It's for:  HP Pavilion TS 15-n222nr. What is the name of device I need?  I have the original disc the PC came with, Plus the codes to restore my Mcafee  Lifetime anti-virus. Is that what I need for re-Installing on the PC? Do I need any other discs? As I have no other's. Thanks for all your help, it's refreshing to have people that are willing to help others, as I do myself. Thanks again, Looking foward to your response.

[IT_WinSec]

---

@geegeesgirl wrote:

You have been amazingly helpful.

(...)

What is the name of device I need?

(...)

I have the original disc the PC came with, Plus the codes to restore my Mcafee  Lifetime anti-virus. Is that what I need for re-Installing on the PC? Do I need any other discs? As I have no other's.

---

You are most welcome, @geegeesgirl !

I am unable to be 100% sure about the device you need as I am not near or infront of the PC myself but based on the manual you will need 2.5 inches HDD for notebook. May also be an SSD but should be the same size as your current "damaged" HDD. - e.g. if your exisiting HDD is 500 GB in size, the new one should be the same size. HDD 5400 RPM are slower than 7200 RPM. 7200 RPM are slower than SSDs.

SSDs are generally speaking way better, faster, lighter than HDDs but are more expensive. HDDs are cheaper.

I suggest you open the notebook (box), get out the existing HDD, see its size and get a new one similar - either SSD or HDD.

You can get it online or from local tech store.

I'm not sure what are the original discs you have. PCs nowadays don't include operating systems DVDs or CDs - they ship with recovery partitions part of the existing HDD and the user can create recovery media themselves. I don't know what is written on your discs - could you elaborate ?

Basically, you need these >> http://www.computersurgeons.com/p-24946-windows-81-64-bit-recovery-kit-753550-001-for-hp-pavilion-to... (price: 27 USD)  What are yours ?

I do not recommend you use McAfee - I support it on daily bases - it is neither the fastest, nor the best when it comes to malware detection. It's mediocore. Better would be if you use the Windows built-in Windows Defender [Win 8/8.1/10] or if you use some product from ESET (www.eset.com) or Kaspersky (www.kaspersky.com). Even Norton from Symantec seems better choice than McAfee. But after all its your choice. You can also consider and check HitmanPro (www.surfright.nl) or Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (www.malwarebytes.org)

Cheers!

[geegeesgirl]

Good evening! The disc I have is only a preloaded disc with things like Adobe Photoshop, Mcafee antivirus, mSecure for windows, Premier PC support life, finance and organization, & useful utilities. I thought it was a disc to store everything back in...lol. Can I still get my stuff out of my PC before I replace The HDD? And how? Also, before I replace this hard drive, should I restore back to factory settings?

[geegeesgirl]

I guess once the HDD goes bad, no luck on getting my files, huh.

[geegeesgirl]

Oh, I forgot. This the 2nd hard drive that has been replaced. HP used Part# 678312-002. Can I purchase the same one? Makes it easier? Right? Thanks again.