Windows reinstall - stuck at 64% and keeps restarting. It's been over 5 hours - no way to reboot

[SPR21]

In the process of reinstalling Windows 10 over 5 hours ago. Evidently it got to 64% and is stuck - it keeps restarting. I don't have a USB or disk to try and reboot. When I do a hard start, the info flashes through and won't allow me to do anything.  Can anyone help?

[WAWood · Accepted solution]

@SPR21 

This issue is often due to a failing drive. So, let's check that first, because if it is failing, it would need to be replaced and there is no point then in doing anything else until we confirm that.

If your PC is new enough to support UEFI, you can use these steps to test the hard drive: http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c00439024

If not, to check the drive you have to follow these steps:
1) Press Esc key repeatedly, several times a second, while rebooting the laptop. Do NOT hold the key down, just press it over and over.
2) Eventually, you will see an HP Startup Menu
3) Press the Function key for testing the hard drive (usually F2) and let it run.
If the drive checks out OK, then report that and I can provide you options for reinstalling Windows on your PC.

[SPR21]

Thank you WAWood for your response and your due diligence to make sure I was responded to. The night I posted my request, I kept trying and was finally able to get it to stop and open the initial area where the back doors are (sorry, I don't know the names to all that stuff). I did it by continuing to hit Esc as it would try to come up. This took me to HP PC Diagnostics UEFI area. I don't remember what all I did, but it finally allowed me to do a total reinstallation and it created a recovery. I'm back up and running now. I really appreciate your efforts.