My browser froze and would not close, so I forced the laptop to shut down by holding the power button. After turning it back on, Windows showed a DRIVER_PNP_WATCHDOG error and said it would restart automatically. Now the HP logo appears with a loading circle that never finishes. I also tried triggering Windows Recovery, but it either returns to the same black loading screen or stays on "Preparing Automatic Repair." The laptop is an HP 15-dy2050la. What should I try next without risking my files?
3 Answers
Before attempting a reinstall, protect your data. If possible, remove the drive or connect it to another computer and copy your important files, or have a technician clone the drive first. The problem could be corrupted Windows files, a damaged installation, or a drive that is beginning to fail.
This sounds more like a Windows boot or driver problem than a completely dead laptop. Force the machine off by holding the power button for about 10 seconds, then turn it on and repeat that shutdown cycle two or three times. Windows should eventually open the Recovery Environment. Try Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair. If that does not work, use Startup Settings to boot into Safe Mode and roll back or remove the driver that triggered the problem.
If Recovery and Safe Mode remain inaccessible, the next step may be booting from Windows installation media and attempting a repair. Systems using Intel storage controllers sometimes need the Intel Rapid Storage Technology driver loaded during setup. A qualified technician can create the USB installer, try the repair without formatting, and install the proper chipset and storage drivers afterward. Make sure they back up or clone the drive first so the repair does not accidentally erase your files.
I tried forcing the recovery process, but it still goes to the black loading screen or gets stuck on “Preparing Automatic Repair.”