HP Error: “3FO Error” or “Boot Device Not Found”

An extremely common issue is “boot device not found.” This blog describes various possibilities that might be causing this error on your machine. We also provide a list of easy fixes for the 3FO problem. This 3FO issue may occasionally ask you to install a new operating system on your computer. Before choosing to reinstall a new operating system on your computer. The final thing you should do is install a new operating system on your computer.

Why Does the 3F0 or Boot Device Not Found Error Happen?

When the operating system cannot locate the boot sector of the hard drive or the bootable hard disk, the error message “Boot Device Not Found,” “No Boot Device Is Detected,” or “HP boot device not found” appears. A few possible reasons for the error are listed below:

Methods to Fix the 3F0 or Boot Device Not Found Error

To resolve the boot device not detected 3F0 problem, do the steps listed below:

Method 1: Modify the order of the boots

Make sure the correct disk is the one from which you are booting. It won’t boot and could show the error message “Boot Device Not Found” if you have it set to boot from an unbootable device. Installing an operating system on your hard drive is requested. You may allow it to boot from the bootable device in this case by changing the BIOS boot order.

• To access the BIOS settings menu, restart the computer and then hit the F10 key.
• Browse to the boot settings after installing the BIOS.
  a) On notebook computers, choose Boot Options > Storage.
  b) Desktop computers: Choose Boot Options under System Configuration.
• To modify the boot order, follow the on-screen directions.

Method 2: Carry Out a Hard Reset

The device must be reset in order for the software connections between the BIOS and the hardware to be cleared and re-established. To force a hard reset, take the actions indicated below:

• After shutting down, take the computer out of any docking station or port replicator.
• After that, unplug the AC adapter and unhook any external devices connected to your computer. Additionally, remove the battery.
• Hold down the Power button for about 15 seconds.
• After that, put the battery back in and reconnect the AC adapter to the computer.

Note: Keep in mind not to connect any peripheral devices, like printers, external monitors, USB storage devices, etc.

• Switch the PC on now. Press Enter after choosing Start Windows Normally with the arrow keys when the start menu appears.

Method 3: Return BIOS To Initial Configuration

It is possible that the boot configuration of your system is set to use an unbootable disk. Resetting your BIOS returns it to the most recent configuration that was stored in such a situation. Take these actions:

• Switch the computer off.
• After at least five seconds, give the computer a restart. To access the BIOS configuration menu, hit the F10 key several times.
• To choose and load the BIOS Setup Default settings, press F9 on the BIOS setup screen.
• To save and exit, click F10.
• Press Enter after selecting Yes to exit saving changes.
• After that, restart the computer by following the instructions.

When the machine resumes normally, the problem has been resolved. Go to the next step if the “boot device not found” problem message continues.

Method 4: Repair and Rebuild MBR Damage

The “Boot device not found 3F0 error” might appear if the MBR is broken or has any other problems. You can solve it by doing the actions listed below:

• During booting, press F8 to see whether you can access Windows Recovery. If so, select Command Prompt under Advanced. You will require a bootable ISO if you are unable to.
• Enter the following instructions in the Command Prompt Window:
  a) bootrec /FixMbr
  b) bootrec /fixboot
  c) bootrec /RebuildBcd
• Reboot now and see what the error status is.

There is one more thing you need to do if the actions listed above don’t resolve the issue. Enter bootsect /nt60 SYS or bootsect /nt60 ALL when you return to the Command Prompt. Try the other command if the first one doesn’t work.

Method 5: Connect Your Hard Drive Again

You might be able to resolve the Boot Device Not Found 3F0 problem by reconnecting the hard disk. Take the following actions:

• Switch the computer off.
• Take out the battery and power cord.
• Reconnect your hard disk after unplugging it.
• Take your computer back apart and restart it to check whether the problem still occurs.

Method – 6: Reinstall Windows or OS on the Computer

To resolve the 3F0 boot device not found issue, the final option is to reinstall Windows on the computer. You can use the usual OS installation procedure to reinstall Windows on your computer.

Install Windows 11 on a brand-new computer.

After reinstalling Windows, be sure to run Windows update to update any drivers, firmware, and software.

To recover data from a damaged hard drive, get in touch with a data recovery service provider.

Should you continue experiencing the Boot Device Not Found 3F0 problem, it is possible that your hard drive is faulty. In such cases, hit-and-trial methods risk making matters worse. Therefore, you may get in touch with a trustworthy and experienced data recovery service provider, such as Stellar, to keep your data safe and secure. The data recovery specialists at Stellar have years of knowledge working with damaged hard disks

CONCLUSION

There are several possible causes for the hard disk 3F0 issue. These techniques may help you in resolving the issue. To retrieve data from a physically damaged hard disk, get in touch with Stellar Data Recovery Services. Data from hard drives lost because of physical damage, corruption, booting errors, or any other problem can be recovered by specialists since they have the necessary experience.