[Help] HP Pavilion 23 (2014) Won’t Boot — Need to Recover Important Files

Recovering Data from an Unbootable All-in-One Desktop: A Guide to File Retrieval and Troubleshooting

Facing issues with your computer not booting can be stressful, especially when crucial files are at stake. If you’re working with an all-in-one PC similar to the HP Pavilion 23 (circa 2014) and encounter boot failures, understanding your options for data recovery is essential. This article provides a structured approach to diagnosing the problem and recovering your important data without resorting to full reinstallation or factory resets.

Understanding the Issue

Common Symptoms:
– Error message: “Boot device not found. Please install an operating system on your hard disk.”
– Failed network boot attempt, with errors like:
– PXE-E61: Media test failure, check cable
– ERROR: No boot disk has been detected or the disk has failed.

Initial Troubleshooting Steps

1. Bootable Media Testing:
2. Created a bootable Ubuntu USB drive.

3. Used the “Try Ubuntu” live session.

4. Drive Recognition Checks:

5. In the Ubuntu Files application, the internal hard drive does not appear.

6. The Disks utility only shows the USB drive; the internal drive is absent.

7. BIOS and Boot Settings:

8. BIOS does not list the internal hard drive.
9. Boot order adjustments have had no effect.

Problem Summary

The symptoms suggest that the system’s BIOS cannot detect the internal hard drive. This could be due to:
– Hard drive failure
– Loose or disconnected cables (less likely in a sealed all-in-one)
– Corruption or damage to the drive’s firmware

Next Steps for Data Recovery

Given the potential hardware issue, focus on safely retrieving your files:

1. Removing the Hard Drive:
2. For all-in-one PCs like the HP Pavilion 23, opening the case can be more complex than standard desktops.

3. Consult your device’s service manual or seek professional assistance to avoid damage.

4. Testing the Drive Externally:

5. Remove the hard drive carefully.
6. Use a USB-to-SATA (or SATA-to-USB) adapter to connect the drive to another computer.

7. Check if the drive is recognized and attempt to access files.

8. Data Recovery Tools:

9. Once connected to an operational machine, you can employ data recovery software such as:
   • Recuva (Windows)
   • PhotoRec or TestDisk (Linux/Windows)
   • EaseUS