

You might also want to roll your computer back to a clean install of Windows using the Reset this PC section of Windows Settings. That may include uninstalling recently added hardware. If your computer boots normally, try to undo any recent changes you made to the computer. When the computer restarts, pick Safe Mode with Networking by hitting the 5 key on your keyboard. On the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot.ġ1. On the Automatic Repair screen, click Advanced options.ħ. Quick tip: Sometimes, your computer will enter Automatic Repair mode much faster, so look out for the words "Preparing Automatic Repair" when Windows is loading - don't be so quick to press the Power button.Ħ. It'll enter the Windows Automatic Repair mode. On the fourth power-on, let the computer stay on. Turn it on and off a total of three times.ĥ. Important: When you see the logo without the spinning dots underneath it, don't press the Power button just yet - always wait for the spinning dots to appear first.Ĥ. Watch carefully, and at the first sign the computer is booting – generally, you'll see a logo on the screen with spinning dots underneath it – hold the Power button for 10 seconds to turn it off again. Press the Power button to turn the PC on.ģ. If there are any power lights or signs of activity, hold the Power button for 10 seconds to force shutdown your Windows PC.Ģ. Note: The below method only works if you're running Windows 8 or later.ġ.
Laptop says preparing automatic repair how to#
It can be tricky, so here's how to do it. If possible, start the computer in Safe Mode. If you can get to your computer's BIOS, you might also be able to get to Windows' special boot options. You can also reset the BIOS or UEFI to factory defaults and see if that solves the problem. Once you're in the BIOS or UEFI, make sure the computer is set up to boot to your primary hard drive, disable Fast Boot, and look for any other unusual settings that might be causing startup problems. Immediately press the boot key specific to your computer common keys include the ESC, Delete, F1, or F2. But regardless of how your PC is equipped, here's how you should be able to access the BIOS or UEFI.Ģ. You may even see instructions on the screen at startup that tell you which key to press.

You might need to check your computer's user manual to know which specific key to press to access the BIOS or UEFI. Then proceed with the Dell diagnostics (F12 at powerup) - once youve verified the. Once thats done, back up the data to the working systems hard drive. Start with the computer's BIOS (Basic Input/Output System), which, in most modern PCs, has been replaced with the far less friendly-sounding UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface). The very first thing you should do is remove the storage drive (hard drive or SSD) and purchase a means of connecting it by USB to a working system. If your computer appears to do something but isn't proceeding to boot to Windows, there are several possibilities as to why.
