Windows 8.1 will not boot

[NJTed]

Pavillon 15-p066us   4 1/2 years old.

Windows 8.1 suddenly stopped booting up today.  I have to use the power button to shut down. When it starts I get the first screen with the date and time but do not get the security screen when I press the esc button where I enter my password. I get "please wait". I tried removing the battery and reinstalling. I tried HP Recovery Manager and Refresh. I   have not tried booting in safe mode as I am an average computer user. I have tried to save all my files using the recovery manager and external hard drive but get a message that the target is not connected. It is connected and there is enough space for the files. I do not have an external Windows 8.1 boot file.

Thank you.

[Lil_Boy_Blue]

Hi
First:- Turn off the computer, press and hold the PWR button for 4 seconds.

Then - Leave only keyboard and mouse connected, disconnect all externally connected
devices such as Docking Station, USB storage devices, displays, and printers.
Unplug the AC adapter from the computer.

Next - Press and Hold the Power button for 15 seconds to Hard Reset.
Rinse and Repeat; Re-Connect the AC adapter.

NOW begin checking/testing/proving the Hardware is fit for purpose.
Power on your PC, press ESC (repeatedly), then F2 at the prompt.
Choose System Tests (Fast Test does a 4 minute hardware check).

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows8iso

[Lil_Boy_Blue]

From 2016 onwards there is a possible recovery option via the cloud...
HP Consumer PCs - Using the HP Cloud Recovery Tool (Windows 7 & 10)
https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c06162205

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows8ISO
Expand/Extract/Burn the iso Image onto a DVD/USB as needed.
Microsoft’s Creator Tool will make the required DVD or USB.

Even though it has NO actual HP software/drivers included, you may be able to
XCOPY the C:\Users\* area onto a ‘large’ USB stick, via the Command Prompt.

You’ll need to try various drive letters; D:..-..Z: until it’s matched - could be G; mine’s S:

C:\>XCOPY C:\Users\* S:\ /e /i /h (then files like those 3 listed below get copied over)

C:\Users\desktop.ini
C:\Users\All Users\agent.1509128044.bdinstall.bin
C:\Users\All Users\HP Deskjet 2540 series\Help\flash\zoom.swf

Then you can try System Recovery Options / Advanced Options shown in the screenshots.

[NJTed]

Thanks for your reply. I removed battery, held down power button for 10-15 seconds. Then battery back & turned on computer. 8.1 booted up yea!!! But it will not boot if I am connected to internet. I have to disable wifi on computer to get it to boot up. Otherwise laptop locks up before getting to security screen. I tried connecting directly using ethernet cable but still locked up. So now I cannot access internet.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

[Lil_Boy_Blue]

Daft idea

CMOS/RTC battery failed.

BIOS defaults to Network Boot?

And can't complete.