When I try to system restore it says preparing automatic repair. Then does nothing..

[Molegend]

Stuck on preparing automatic repair screen

[Max3Aj]

Hi @Molegend, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 

It sounds like your HP PC is stuck in a boot loop during the Automatic Repair process. Here are some troubleshooting steps you can try:

Perform a Hard Reset

1. Turn off the laptop by holding the Power button until it shuts down.
2. Disconnect all peripherals (USB drives, external keyboards/mice, etc.).
3. Unplug the power adapter and, if possible, remove the battery.
4. Press and hold the Power button for about 15 seconds.
5. Reconnect the power adapter (and battery, if removed).
6. Turn on the PC and check if it still gets stuck.

Boot into Safe Mode

If the hard reset doesn’t work, try booting into Safe Mode:

1. Turn on the PC and force a shutdown (hold the power button until it turns off) as soon as you see the Windows logo.
2. Repeat this 2-3 times until you see Advanced Startup Options.
3. Select Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
4. When the Startup Settings screen appears, press 4 or F4 to enter Safe Mode.
5. Once in Safe Mode, try running System Restore again.

Use Windows Recovery Options

If Safe Mode doesn’t work:

Enter Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)

• Turn on the PC and force shut down 3 times until you see "Preparing Automatic Repair".
• Select Advanced Options when it appears.

Perform Startup Repair

• Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Repair.
• Let Windows attempt to fix startup issues.

Use System Restore

• In Advanced Options, select System Restore and follow the instructions.

Run Command Prompt Fixes

• Select Command Prompt in Advanced Options.
• Type the following commands (one by one) and press Enter after each:
  bootrec /fixmbr
  bootrec /fixboot
  bootrec /scanos
  bootrec /rebuildbcd
• Restart the PC and check if it boots normally.

Reset or Reinstall Windows

If nothing works, you may need to Reset your PC:

1. Go to Advanced Options > Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
2. Choose Keep my files or Remove everything based on your preference.

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support