PC Media Test Failure

This error message may appear when the computer BIOS is set to boot from a network and cannot find a bootable operating system on the network or on any of the storage devices included in the notebook PC's boot path.

Use one of the following steps to resolve the error:

NOTE:

If you receive the "Media Test Failure" error when installing a new or replacement hard drive , and the error is followed by a Invalid Partition Table message, then continue to Step 4: Reinstall the Windows Operating System on the Hard Drive .

Step 1: Remove the Non-System Disk from the Computer

Use the steps below to remove all non-system disks and reboot a notebook PC.

Disconnect any USB or 1394 (Firewire) devices that are attached to the computer.
Remove any CD and DVD discs from the drives.
If your computer has a floppy disk drive, remove any floppy disks from the drive.
Press and hold the Power button for 5 Seconds to turn off the PC. Then, press and release the Power button to turn on the PC.

NOTE:

During startup, a notebook checks several devices for an operating system in a pre-determined order. You can change the order that the notebook uses in the system BIOS. For more information on changing the boot order use HP Notebook PCs - Configuring the Boot Order on a HP Notebook PC .

Step 2: Test the Hard Drive

Use the steps below to test the hard drive in a Notebook PC using the HP Hard Drive Self Test.

Plug the AC Adapter into the Notebook PC.
Press and hold the Power button for 5 Seconds to turn off the PC.
Press and hold the F10 key while you press the Power button to turn on the PC. Release the F10 key after text is displayed on the screen of the PC.
After the BIOS Setup Utility is displayed, use the Right Arrow key to select the Tools menu.
Select Hard Drive Self Test .
Press the Enter key to start the test.

The Hard Drive Self Test will provide an Estimated test time . A Quick test, a Comprehensivetest, and a SMART test will execute when the Enter key is pressed.

If any test fails , contact HP service and support for instructions on how to order a replacement hard drive.

If all of the tests pass, the hard drive is not damaged. As a rule, HP will not replace a hard drive under warranty that does not fail the HP Hard Drive Self Test.

Many PC problems are related to soft failures on the hard drive. The comprehensive portion of the HP Hard Drive Self Test will repair soft errors on the hard drive, but it will not report the errors. After the test is complete, be sure to restart the PC to see if test repaired the problem you may be experiencing with your PC.

Step 3: Remove and Reseat the Hard Drive

If the test fails to recognize your hard drive, use the steps below to remove and reseat the hard drive.

NOTE:

The following instructions may not apply to your specific notebook model. Please read the Maintenance and Service Guide for your specific notebook model for detailed step-by-step removal and replacement procedures. Maintenance and Service Guides are available in the Manuals section for your product. If you require assistance with the following procedures please contact an HP Technician.

Slide and hold the battery release latch to the unlock position.
Use your finger to lift the battery up and out.
Remove the two Phillips-head screws that secure the hard disk drive to the base enclosure.
Lift the inside edge of the hard disk drive to unseat the hard disk drive connector from the system board.
Pull the hard disk drive out of the bay.
Insert the outside edge of the hard disk drive into the drive bay.
Press down on the hard disk drive to seat the hard disk drive connector to the system board.
Replace the two Phillips-head screws.
Insert the battery into the notebook.
Press the battery into the base enclosure until you hear a click.

After reseating the battery, repeat Step 2: Test the Hard Drive .

Step 4: Reinstall the Windows Operating System on the Hard Drive

After completing steps 1-3, if the PC recognizes your hard drive, proceed with reinstalling the Windows Operating System. If after completing steps 1-3 and the hard drive is still not recognized, continue to Step 5: Schedule a Repair .

To reinstall the Windows Operating System on an HP Notebook follow the instructions in the document HP Notebook PCs - Overview of Repairing or Reinstalling The Operating System .

Step 5: Schedule a Repair

If the preceding steps do not resolve the error, please contact HP to schedule a repair.