How do I allow my computer to be reset back to factory settings when I know someone is hacking into?

[keythfitzgerald]

Think my computer has been compromised. Cant restore to factory settings, and now that Im trying to download my drivers to the computer, Im getting a message that states Windows is using an EFI boot loader we cant deploy this update. What do I need to do to reconfigure my computer? Ive also noticed my computer is being accessed by way of virtual remote. Not a computer wizard but I have a feeling someone is snooping in my computer without my permission. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[IT_WinSec · Accepted solution]

Hi @keythfitzgerald

Welcome to the HP Support forum.

In order to provide you with more specific instructions, please post your full product model + your product number PN as described here >> http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c00033108

If you suspect your PC may have been compromizes, please diconnect it from network as soon as possible, disable wi-fi and get LAN cables out and keep it this way as much as possible until you restore it. Immediately back-up your most important files (documents, pictures, music, etc) but avoid backing up PE files (e.g. programs, executables, etc...)

Looking forward to your reply.

[keythfitzgerald]

HP Pavilion Notebook 17 g130ds

[personal informaiton removed]

Product # M1X87UA

[IT_WinSec]

@keythfitzgerald

Thank you for the information provided. Here are two options I can think of now and I think are the best options available:

OPTION 1

Try to use the built-in recovery partition.

You mentioned that it does not work and you faced difficulties. Let me provide you with some instructions so that you try again and if it still does not work, please proceed with Option 2

If your computer originally came with Windows preinstalled by HP (a.k.a OEM Windows), then it has a special recovery partition which can be used to recover back your computer to factory default condition the way it was on day 1 post purchase. This option works if the recovery partition is there (not deleted) and intact.

Here is how it works:

1. Please, shutdown the computer using the power button

2. Power it on.

2.1 As soon as you press the power-on button, immediately begin hitting the Esc button (like tap-tap-tap).

This should open a HP Startup Menu

3. Press F11 for System Recovery

4. Follow the on-screen instructions. Here is a video example:

>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PC3sUc3lr3E

>> https://youtu.be/PC3sUc3lr3E?t=109

>> http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c00006110

The computer should boot from it's recovery partition to open you various recovery options. Note, that F11 option will only work if the recovery partition is there (not deleted) and intact. From there, you have prenty of options to choose from. Every HP computer (with Windows preinstalled) comes with recovery partition present to assist in tough moments.

If this does not work for whatever reason, proceed to Option 2

[IT_WinSec]

OPTION 2

If the recovery partition is corrupted, gone,  not working, a recovery media (DVD or USB) needs to be used.

It contains your Windows, drivers, preinstalled programs and will restore the PC to factory default condition.

This will eliminate any hackers, viruses, software issues.

You can purchase it from this URL >> http://www.computersurgeons.com/p-28209-windows-10-home-1b-10-home-1b-recovery-kit-856456-001-for-hp...

Once you receive it, please, shutdown the computer using the power button.

Insert the Windows USB thumdrive OR the first DVD

Power on the PC.

As soon as you press the power-on button, keep hitting the Esc button (like tap-tap-tap).

This should open a HP Startup Menu which may look similar to this one

Choose F9 to open Boot options. Select the thumb drive as boot option.

Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 

Hope this helps 🙂