an operating system wasn't found try disconnecting any drives that don't contain an operating system

[registration1]

an operating system wasn't found try disconnecting any drives that don't contain an operating system 

[Sneha_01]

Hi @registration1,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

The error message "An operating system wasn't found. Try disconnecting any drives that don't contain an operating system" typically indicates that your computer is unable to find a bootable operating system. This issue can arise from several causes, such as incorrect boot order, a corrupted or missing boot partition, or issues with the storage device.

Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the issue:

1. Check Boot Order in BIOS/UEFI

• Restart your computer and press the appropriate key during startup to enter the BIOS/UEFI setup (commonly F2, F10, F12, DEL, or ESC).
  • Navigate to the "Boot" or "Boot Order" section.
  • Ensure that the internal hard drive or SSD with the operating system is set as the first boot device.
  • Save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI setup.

2. Check for Loose or Disconnected Cables

If you've recently moved or opened your computer, a loose or disconnected cable could cause the problem.

• Open the Case (Desktop): Ensure that the data and power cables connected to the internal hard drive or SSD are secure.
• Check External Devices: Disconnect any unnecessary external devices, such as USB drives, external hard drives, or other peripherals that might interfere with the boot process.

3. Use Windows Recovery Tools

If the issue is due to a corrupted boot partition or missing boot files, you can try repairing the system using Windows recovery tools.

1. Create a Windows Installation Media:
   • Use another computer to create a bootable USB drive with Windows installation media. You can download the media creation tool from the Microsoft website.
2. Boot from the Installation Media:
   • Insert the USB drive into your computer and boot from it (you may need to change the boot order in the BIOS/UEFI).
3. Repair Your Computer:
   • On the Windows Setup screen, click "Repair your computer."Choose "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options."
   • Try using "Startup Repair" to automatically fix problems that prevent Windows from starting.
   • If "Startup Repair" doesn't work, you can try using the Command Prompt to rebuild the BCD (Boot Configuration Data). Enter the following commands:

4. Check for Hard Drive/SSD Failure:

• Many computers have built-in diagnostic tools. You can usually access these by pressing a specific key (like F2 or F12) during startup. Run a diagnostic test on the hard drive to check for errors:
  • If the drive isn't recognized in the BIOS/UEFI, it may be failing or have a loose connection.

5. Restore or Reinstall the Operating System

If all else fails, you may need to restore your system from a backup or reinstall the operating system.

1. Restore from Backup: If you have a system image or backup, you can restore your system to a previous state.
2. Reinstall the Operating System: If you have a Windows installation media, you can use it to perform a clean installation of Windows. This will erase all data on the drive, so make sure to back up any important files if possible.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Rachel571

HP Support