boot device not found hard disk (3F0)

[DinaRAM]

My laptop is hp Intel Centrino Wireless-N 2230, model: 2230BNHMW; Product nb: A3F49AAR and model: dv6t. 

In fact since I have upgraded windows 10 the last May, I am facing a lot of problems with my laptop. Knowing that I have called the hp center and they told me that it is a global problem with most hp users with windows 10. But the problem is that suddenly I got this message when starting up : Boot device not found please install an operating system on your hard disk hard disk (3F0) knowing that the laptop was turning to be very warm with an odor.

I tried several solutions, finally loading the BIOS setup default settings was the only solution that worked.

My question is that what could I do to ensure that my laptop will not show me this problem again or in another way could I avoid such a problem in the future? 

[iomare]

Hi,

Usually this message appears on a normal system when the hard drive is failing and can no longer boot. I recommend you run some diagnostics on your hard drive such as Crystal info :

http://crystalmark.info/download/index-e.html

or the HP diagnostics to see if the hard drive is failing and if this is the case backuo all your personal files.

Hope it helps,

David

[devilmaycare]

As suggested the f2 diagnostics from HP s important. 

The steps will be : 

As soon as the machine powers on, repeatedly tap on F2. This will open a new window. Select Component test from the list. From the list that opens, select a HARD DRIVE quick test.

In case you receive a failure ID, contact HP support, as the harddrive could have gone bad. 

If not a system recovery will also help. System recovery from the HP recovery manager. 

1) Turn off and then power on the computer, and repeatedly keep tapping the F11 key, about once every second, until the first screen appears, then follow these instructions:

2) "Choose an Option" screen appears. >Click Troubleshoot.

3) On the Troubleshoot screen, click Recovery Manager. Recovery Manager opens.

4) On the OS selection screen, click your operating system windows 10/8/8.1.

Recovery Manager opens

5)Under "I need help immediately" , click System Recovery /or/Minimize image recovery

6) When System Recovery prompts you to back up your files.

If you have already backed up personal files or you do not want to back up personal files, select Recover without backing up your files, then click Next. Continue to the next step.

7) Click OK in the warnings that appear.

WEBSITE:-http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c03489643

A back up is best suggested. 

Also, 

Reseatting the harddrive has done the magic as well. 

For reseatting options  :

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c03221579

Thank you.

[WAWood]

@DinaRAM

Hello;

Allow me to welcome you to the HP forums!

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but according to HP, that error message means that your primary storage drive (i.e., hard drive) is in imminent danger of failing. While it could last for several more days, it could also fail immediately! The more you use the drive, the less likely you'll be able to recover anything on it.

So, there are four issues to address here:
1) Data Recovery
2) Drive replacement
3) Recovery Media
4) System restoration

---------- Data Recovery ----------

Your best bet for recovering data now is to do the following:
1) Remove the hard drive from the PC
2) Purchase a USB-to-Hard Driver adapter kit
3) Download and install this utility on a working PC: http://www.majorgeeks.com/news/story/recover_data_in_3_steps_with_minitool_power_data_recovery_free_...
4) Connect the old drive to the working PC
5) Run the data recovery utility to see what can be retrieved from the old drive.

If that tools does not find what you need, an alternative is Recuva: http://www.piriform.com/recuva

And, if that does not work well, the best tool out there is this one, but only the trial version is free: http://www.file-recovery.com/

---------- Drive Replacement ----------
The drive will need to be replaced. When you remove it, you will see that it is a 2 1/5 inch laptop SATA drive.

You can replace this with any similar laptop drive of the same capacity or larger.
---------- Recovery Media ----------

Once you have the replacement drive, you will need to use something known as HP Recovery Media to restore your PC to working condition. This is a set of DVDs and a CD, or USB stick, that will erase the hard drive (removing all data, settings, and applications, reinstall the original OS, drivers, and some HP Utilities. In some cases, you may be able to order a USB stick instead of disks. You have to order these from HP; they can not be downloaded.

You can look online for Recovery Media starting with the linked paged: http://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers

Once there, input your Product name or number. On your Software and Drivers Download page, select your Operating System and and Version. Click "Update". If HP Recovery Media is available for your machine, down near the bottom of the page, you will see an entry for Order Recovery Media-CD/DVD/USB. Click the "+" symbol to expand that entry and click on Order Media for details.

Or, if you prefer, you can do the same by contacting HP Customer Service:

If you live in the US or Canada, contact information is on this page: http://www8.hp.com/us/en/contact-hp/phone-assist.html#section1

If you live elsewhere, contact information is on this page: http://www8.hp.com/us/en/contact-hp/ww-contact-us.html

NOTE: After you get through, stay on the line until you are finally able to talk to some one -- it can take a while!

If you have trouble finding a phone number, then try: 1 (800) 474-6836

If HP no longer provides Recovery Media for your model, a couple of other sites you can check are: http://www.computersurgeons.com/ and http://www.restoredisks.com/

---------- System Restoration ----------

While you are waiting for the media to arrive, read through this: http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c00006110

Good Luck

[DinaRAM]

I would like to thank you for your answer.

In fact I pressed on the f2 button and run the diagnostics for the memory, the result was good but the quick check for the drive , it gave me "not installed". I tried the restore, it didn't work also!!!

This means that I should contact the HP support or go directly to the system recovery solution?

Thanks in advance

[iomare]

Hi,

You will need to replace the hard drive and reinstall Windows. You can get a new 2.5" hard drive online for good prize and do the work by yourself quite easily. You can also opt for an SSD shich will kmprove overall performance of the system.

Let me know if you need further help,

David

[devilmaycare]

In case it says not installed, the harddrive is not recognized. 

Please refer to the HP original document. 

http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c00439024

In case the hard drive is not detetced on the BIOS, you will need to reseat the harddrive from the PC. 

System recovery might not work as well if the harddrive says not installed.  However please give a try from the f11. 

If you are able to reseat the harddrive on your own, please try and the error might go away. 

[DinaRAM]

Thanks alot for your rapid answer.

I will try to do this and come back to you in case I need any help. 

But in fact, Windows 10 was upgraded for free on my laptop, so could I go back and install Wondows 7 or it is not possible becuase I haven't found all the needed drivers for Windows 10 since my laptop is single not dual band.

Thanks in advance

Dina

[DinaRAM]

After loading the BIOS Setup Default settings and saving the changes, it worked back but for example I have a problem with the ports; not all the ports are functioning and maybe there are other problem!!

So I should also recover or choose one of the solutions mentioned by @WAWood ?

I appreciate all your replies and help!

[iomare]

Hi,

Yes, follow the solutions provided by expert @WAWood.

You will need to replace hard drive. It would be easier to install Windows 10 since you can download for free from Microsoft and install and it will be automatically activated. I am sure that we can help you find the drivers needed.

Let me know,

David