preparing automatic repair

[jjn6]

What does Preparing Automatic Repair mean?

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @jjn6 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Thank you for reaching out, and I’m truly sorry your laptop is stuck at “Preparing Automatic Repair.” It’s frustrating when your system won’t boot properly, especially when you’re not sure what triggered it.

 

What “Preparing Automatic Repair” Means

This message appears when Windows detects a startup problem and initiates a self-repair process. It’s designed to fix issues like corrupted system files, failed updates, or hardware errors. However, if the process gets stuck in a loop, it means Windows can’t resolve the issue automatically.

 

Steps to Fix a Laptop Stuck at “Preparing Automatic Repair”

Perform a Hard Reset

• Power off the laptop completely.
• Disconnect the power adapter and remove any external devices (USB drives, printers, etc.).
• Press and hold the power button for 15 seconds.
• Reconnect the power adapter and turn the laptop back on.

Boot into Recovery Mode

• Power on and immediately press F11 repeatedly until the Choose an option screen appears.
• Select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Repair.
• Follow the on-screen instructions.

Try System Restore

• In the Advanced Options menu, select System Restore.
• Choose a restore point from before the issue began.

Run Disk and File Repair Commands

• From Advanced Options > Command Prompt, run:
  chkdsk /f /r C:
  sfc /scannow
• These commands check for disk errors and repair system files.

Reset the PC

• If nothing else works, go to Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
• Choose to keep your files or remove everything.
• This reinstalls Windows and can resolve persistent boot issues.

Run HP Diagnostics

• Turn off the laptop.
• Power on and press Esc, then F2 to open HP PC Hardware Diagnostics.
• Run System Tests to check for hardware faults.

Let’s get your system back to a smooth, reliable startup.

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Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye