I was working in Microsoft Word with several browser windows open when switching windows caused the screen to freeze. It then went black, followed briefly by a restart message with a progress bar stuck at 0%. After that, the laptop opened an HTTP(S) network-boot screen. It detected my college Wi-Fi, but stayed on "obtaining IP address" and eventually reported that HTTP(S) boot could not find an IP address. The next screen said "hard drive - not installed" and provided support links, a QR code, and a Continue button. The laptop definitely has an SSD installed. The manufacturer's support page suggests replacing the drive, but is that really the only likely fix? Is there anything I should do now to protect my files or avoid making the situation worse, such as shutting it down, checking the drive connection, or changing BIOS settings?
2 Answers
That sequence usually means the laptop stopped detecting its internal SSD, so it fell back to network boot. The SSD may have failed, or its connection could have become loose. Power the laptop off completely, then if you’re comfortable opening it, remove and reseat the SSD and its connector. Don’t change random BIOS settings or keep trying to boot repeatedly. If the drive is detected again, copy important files immediately. If it still says the drive is missing, replacement is likely, and data recovery may require professional help if the files are important.
The network-boot error is probably a consequence rather than the original problem. The computer tried HTTP/PXE boot because it could not find a bootable operating system on the internal drive. Check the BIOS or hardware diagnostics to see whether the SSD appears there. If it is absent there too, Windows repair tools will not help until the drive connection or drive itself is fixed. If the SSD comes back, back up the paper and everything else before doing more troubleshooting.
I’m surprised it happened after only about three and a half years, but I’ll try reseating the drive before assuming it needs to be replaced.