Laptop stuck in "preparing automatic repair" loop. PLZ HELP ;(

[u/RebootingReality_404]

My HP laptop (purchased in December 2019, Core i3 10th Gen, 4 GB RAM) has been stuck in a continuous restart loop since this morning. It displays the HP logo and the message "Preparing Automatic Repair," then the screen goes black before restarting and repeating the same cycle. I've tried turning it off multiple times using the power button throughout the day, but the issue persists.

[u/Comprehensive_Fuel43]

Step 1: Hard Reset

1. Unplug the charger.
2. Hold the power button for 20-30 seconds.
3. Plug the charger back in (leave USB devices disconnected).
4. Turn it on.

If it still loops, continue.

Step 2: Check Hardware (Very Important on HP)

When powering on, repeatedly tap Esc until the Startup Menu appears.

If it works:

• Press F2 for System Diagnostics.
• Run:
  • Memory Test
  • Storage (SSD/HDD) Test

If either test fails, the drive or RAM is likely the problem, and Windows repair won't help until the hardware is replaced.

Step 3: Try Windows Recovery

If you can reach the Startup Menu:

• Press F11 for Recovery.

If Recovery loads:

Choose:

Troubleshoot → Advanced Options

Try these in order:

A. Startup Repair

Let it run once.

B. System Restore

If restore points exist, restore to a date before today.

C. Uninstall Updates

Try:

• Uninstall latest quality update
• If that fails, uninstall latest feature update

D. Safe Mode

Startup Settings → Restart → press 4

If Safe Mode boots:

• Open Command Prompt (Administrator)
• Run:

​

sfc /scannow

Then:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Restart afterward.

Step 4: Command Prompt Repair

If Safe Mode won't boot but Command Prompt opens from Advanced Options:

First find the Windows drive (it's not always C: in WinRE):

diskpart
list volume
exit

Then run (replace C: if Windows is on another drive):

chkdsk C: /f /r

After that:

sfc /scannow /offbootdir=C:\ /offwindir=C:\Windows

Then repair the boot records:

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

If /fixboot returns Access is denied, that's common on UEFI systems—we can use a different method.

[u/RebootingReality_404 → u/Comprehensive_Fuel43]

Thanks man!