Recovery Disk set... What do they include

[EnviroDude]

Hello everyone who is interested -  Like a DA, while I was upgrading my new HP from Win7 Home Pre. to Win 7 ult., my hand erroneously slid across the mouse pad and in someway (that I cannot in any way explain) set me up to delete the "Oldwindow*" or what ever it was folder (also the sw* folder).  Hence everything that came bundled with my new laptop is gone.  'Not sure if I need the software but I did purchase a product with the bundled software so I would like to decide if I do or  do not.   I was able to get the laptop to the place I want it (driver wise) with the downloads available on the website(HP).  So my long winded question is... does the 'recovery disk set' that I (after the insane event) ordered have the software bundle included or is it just an OS recovery?

[svtcobra97]

Hello.

     The recovery disk set for your computer includes everything needed to restore your computer to the 'factory delivered' state. I do know that the 'full recovery' option will reformat your hard drive and reinstall everything, including the 'D: drive' recovery partition.  That includes all the 'bundled software' and the Windows version that was originally installed on your computer.

     Depending on your model, the set will consist of anywhere from one to four disks. (the multi-disk sets ususally have separate drivers, programs and system recovery disks). It all depends on the model you have.

For instance, in my extended family, we have restoration disc sets for our various HP computers that consist of one, two, three and four discs. The 'higher end' (custom ordered) models have the most discs,

Usually the more disks in the set, the more restore options you have. In other words, on my wife's computer, (four disc set)  the separate disks allow for reinstalling just drivers, just programs, a full restore and/or 3rd party programs such as Corel Office or Photoshop.

I hope this info helps you.

[EnviroDude]

svtcobra97 Thanks for the info.  My first HP. 

 I have had sony and Dells before this.  I am used to the muliple disks,  that you described, from Sony or Dell with the ability to restore files, program, drivers and OS based on a selection.  Two differnces here; First difference, I did not have to  purchase (and wait) for recovery sets from the other manu.'s.  Second difference the other manu's. had a partition recovery that included the sofware.  The one on the HP only includes OS recovery.   Oh well, we will see if HP considers my purchase 'High End' or not.  It sounds like the only way to get my software back is to recover all the way to "out of the store" then upgrade again and use the old files, that I accidentally deleted, for what I need.

It sounds like the recovery disks from HP are really only there for Viruses that yield the machine functionless.  Kinda like buying a car and getting that 'doughnut' as a spare tire.

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[EnviroDude]

OK it' official HP does not consider my purchase 'High End'.  Got the recovery disk in and they where a WASTE OF MONEY AND TIME.  The disk are a seperate copy of what is on the recovery partition.  If you upgrade to somthing above 'Home Premium' the recovery manager is gone and the disks and the recovery partition is useless.  'Called tech sup. and got an amazing display of 'Oh well that sucks for you' (the guy actually downloaded the trial versions of the bundle from download.cnet and said "there you go").  'First and last HP for me!

PC that is... I will always have their printers

[CherylG]

You should be able to boot from the Recovery set to reinstall back to Factory state. It will recreate your SwSetup folder which you can then copy to DVD or external usb hdd before doing your Ult install.

[EnviroDude]

Your right, I 'Should be able to'.  The recovery manager does not work any more.  

[tgnswg]

I need a recovery disk set for my hp desk top computer model # P6557e, product # BQ476AA#aba and sr. # 3CRo2309tc, I hope this the information you need. Tom Watkins

[CherylG]

@tgnswg

You can order Recovery Media here:

https://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/mediaOrder?cc=us&lc=en&productOid=4224981&softwareitem=B7C92AV