error message on black screen

[Lawrence62]

When laptop starts up I get error message saying insert external storage device click ok but not thing happens. The message on black screen. I check USB ports and they work.

[TEJ1602]

@Lawrence62, Welcome to HP Support Community!

I would recommend you follow the steps from the document HP Notebook PCs - Computer Starts but Screen Remains Blank to resolve the issue.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

Please click “Accept as 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!

[Lawrence62]

Let me me clear, after I power up the laptop I get a message saying connect external storage device. I have tried holding power button for 15 seconds but nothing changes. I made a Windows 10 recovery disk. I put it on a flash drive. Still stick with message about connecting ext. Storage drive. The computer doesn't seem to recognize it.

[TEJ1602]

@Lawrence62

Thanks for replying!

Perform a hard drive test-

1) Shutdown the computer. 

2) Turn the computer back on again and repeatedly tap on the ESC until a Startup menu appears. 

3) Press F2 once. 

4) Go to the Component test. 

5) From the list, run the Hard Drive (extensive) test. 

Hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

Please click “Accept as 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!

[Lawrence62]

No luck. A white box flickers on screen momentarily but then error appears. "Please insert external storage media and press ok".

[TEJ1602]

@Lawrence62

This looks like a hardware issue.

Please reach out to the HP Support in your region regarding the service options for your PC.

Hope this helps!

Please click “Accept as 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!

[Lawrence62]

It's NOT a printer. It is a LAPTOP. 

[Lawrence62]

Assuming you meant to say it sounds like a hardware issue with my laptop, by taking it to the service center to be checked out, is that going to be cost effective option? I talked to Geek Squad and said it cost $100 to check it out. I can buy a new one for $150..