3F2 error

[Brenda1116]

I keep getting a 3f2 error. I’ve tried everything in support and nothing is working 

[Alden4]

Hi @Brenda1116,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

The 3F2 error on an HP All-in-One PC typically indicates a boot device not found or hard drive-related issue. This error often arises when the system cannot detect the storage drive or the boot configuration is misconfigured.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issue.

Check Boot Order in BIOS

1. Enter BIOS Setup:
   • Restart your PC and press the Esc key repeatedly until the startup menu appears.
   • Press F10 to enter BIOS Setup.
2. Verify Boot Order:
   • Navigate to the Boot Options menu.
   • Ensure the internal hard drive is listed as the first boot device.
   • If not, adjust the boot order using the on-screen instructions.
3. Save Changes:
   • Press F10 to save changes and exit.

Run Hardware Diagnostics

1. Restart your PC and press Esc repeatedly during startup.
2. Select System Diagnostics (F2) from the menu.
3. Run a Hard Drive Test:
   • Perform a Quick Test and an Extensive Test.
   • If the drive fails, it likely needs replacement.

Check Hard Drive Connections

• Open the back panel of your PC (if you're comfortable doing so) and check if the hard drive is securely connected.
• If the connection seems loose or dislodged, reseat the drive and restart the system.

Rebuild the Boot Configuration Data (BCD)

1. Create a Windows Recovery USB on another PC:
   • Download the Windows Media Creation Tool from Microsoft's website.
2. Boot from the USB:
   • Insert the USB into your HP PC and restart.
   • Press Esc repeatedly to access the boot menu and select the USB drive.
3. Select Repair your Computer > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.
4. Run the following commands:

bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd
 

1. Restart the PC and check if the issue persists.

[Alden4]

Perform a System Recovery

If the hard drive passes the diagnostics but the error persists:

1. Boot into the recovery partition (if available):
   • Restart and press F11 repeatedly to access recovery options.
2. Select Reset this PC and follow the on-screen instructions.

Replace the Hard Drive or SSD

If the hard drive fails diagnostics or the above steps don't resolve the issue:

• Replace the hard drive with a new one (consider upgrading to an SSD for better performance).
• Reinstall Windows using a recovery drive or USB.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted 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!

Alden4

HP Support