G60-235DX No bootable device and beep code = unable to initialize video = now I'm confused

[kpelephant]

HP G60-235DX

model - NB042UA

Vista

Out of nowhere when I woke up my laptop from sleep mode I had a black screen and message "No bootable device - insert boot disk ..." 

Here is what I have so far ...

hard drive self test in BIOS = Hard drive not exist

memory test = passed

cleaned vents with canned air

removed and reseated hard drive

removed and reseated memory

did a power reset

the AC light is lit up. I do not use the battery. It has been bad for some time and I don't need it so I only use AC power.

the indicator light by the Caps Lock button no longer flashes as start up

I can hear the fan running

According to HP info, the beep code (2 fast, 1 long, repeated five times) = "unable to initialize video or video card required but not installed" and I have no idea what that means. I thought I was dealing with a hard drive issue so now I'm confused.

Is there anything else I can do to fix this and if not, are my hard drive files able to be recovered?

I have been hearing about Ubuntu boot up. How do I use Ubuntu to recover my files or even Apricorn DriveWire USB????

Thanks in advance for any help and be gentle.... I might not understand everything you say in computer-talk!! I'm not a computer geek (and I use that term lovingly) but I'm smart enough to follow instructions! 

[ahmedza]

Hi kpelephant,

As I understand you are facing an issue with the Hard Disk Drive (HDD) on your unit please click on the web link given below should be able to help you to resolve the issue on your unit. 

Testing a Hard Disk from the BIOS

Kindly perform the Perform a Hard Drive Self Test from the BIOS.

If in case the test is Pass please reinstall the Operating System using HP Recovery Disc else if the test Fails and your notebook is still under warranty, contact HP and arrange to have the drive replaced - you can check your warranty status Here.

If you live in the US, contact HP Here.

If you are in another part of the world, start Here.

If you are out of warranty and would like a guide on replacing the Hard Drive yourself, please let me know.

[kpelephant]

Hi and thanks so much for responding.

I mentioned in my original post that I did a BIOS self test and it came up Hard Disk Not Exist

Are you speaking of something else?

If my hard drive is bad are you familiar with the ways I mentioned to retrieve my files? Can I do it without wiping things out or should I let a professional do it??

Thanks again!

[ahmedza]

Thanks for your update kpelephant.

Sorry to have missed on the BIOS Step being already tried from your end. Kindly request you to check in BIOS if the Hard Disk Drive (HDD) is Detected or not (Any HDD name being mentioned) If not please follow the video below to reseat the HDD:

How to replace the Hard drive in the HP G60 Laptop

Once done please check if the HDD is detected in BIOS or not, if still no go the HDD needs to be replaced.

[kpelephant]

Already reseated the hard drive.

Don't see any mention of HDD in BIOS.

Are my files retrievable at least?

[ahmedza]

Hi kpelephant,

The only way to know that would be to connect this HDD using an external connector or a HDD case and check it. If in case it does not get detected on another computer then you would have to contact Geek Squad or any other team as such how can help you recovery your data from this defective HDD.

[kpelephant]

Got it.

Thanks again for your help!

[ahmedza · Accepted solution]

Happy to help you kpelephant.