Laptop keeps entering automatic repair on boot up - it's stuck in a loop

It's very difficult to advise without knowing the system model, but start with the Dell diagnostics - F12 at powerup.  

@ejn63​ thanks, I'm there now, what should I do?

Run the diagnostics to verify the memory and storage drive.  If an error shows up, it'll be accompanied by a number (2000-0141, etc.).  If not, it's probably time for a clean reinstall of Windows.

Entered BIOS no problem. Gives me a list of options?

Is there anything I should try or is it a Windows reinstall?

If it's a newer system with an SSD, a reinstall will probably solve the problem.

If it's an older system with a hard drive that's more than five years old, I'd seriously consider replacing the drive before going forward, preferably with a solid state drive.

It probably is about 5 years old. I'll give a reinstall a go in the first instance I think. Sorry, one last novice question, I don't have the original licence key written down anywhere for Windows - will I need it to reinstall?

Thanks very much for your help

You should not need a key if the system shipped from Dell with Windows.

That said, if the drive is original to the system, consider replacing it -- hard drives are built around a 5-year lifespan, and even solid state drives wear out with use.

@ejn63​ thanks for your help.

Funnily enough, the 'first owner date' was exactly 5 years and 1 week ago!

I am having the same issue.

I'm having the same issue. Diagnostics do nothing / show nothing. Won't even show whether or not it's a hardware issue. Screen keeps going back to Preparing Automatic Repair and hangs there. After spending over $2k on a Dell laptop plus the extremely high cost of additional extended warranties, one would think a laptop would last more than 2 years and 4 months. I guess I should have bought another HP.