computer won't read cd drive because of deleted hp program

[Dwight10]

HP All-in-one 22 -c0xx Windows 10 64 bit

I was uninstalling what I thought were unneeded programs. One was a program titled HP something. My computer won't read my cd drive now. The drive shows up in device manager but won't work. I've updated the driver. I've been through three troubleshooting sequences from hp and other places. I saw two references on the web to how a deleted hp program caused the cd drive to stop being read. I can't remember the name of the program.

I need to reinstall all HP system files to their original state but can't find how to do this. I'm pretty sure I've troublehot everything and system checked everything except restoring the HP files. The last alternative is system restore and losing all my installed programs.and settings which took a long time to get right.  I've been trying to solve this for a month.

Help !!!!

[wb2001]

@Dwight10,

Sometimes terminology can get you, the OP, into a frustrated "state".

System restore - go back in time to reset your machine to that date. It does LIST all programs affected.

System Recovery Manager has several options. 

Option to fully re-install the OS, without data loss.

Option to format and install the OS only.  (New out of box experience).

Option to re-install drivers.

Option to re-install some of the programs that were installed.

Finally, you could just install a new program, called VLC.    VLC is a free and open source cross-platform multimedia player and framework that plays most multimedia files as well as DVDs, Audio CDs, VCDs, and various streaming protocols.

[Dwight10]

I am  confused by the terminology. Can any option accomplish these things together  for me?

1) Restore the OS files including the HP system program file I uninstalled.

2) Keep my installed programs.

If I have to bite the bullet, reinstall Windows 10 and lose my installed programs I will, but I want to try a few other things first.

What do you think of me shutting down, removing the cd drive, rebooting, shutting down., reinstalling the drive, and rebooting? It's quite a job and I wouldn't want to try it if you think it's a waste of time.

I'm going to keep hunting for the webpage where a fellow had my exact problem and had uninstalled the same program I did.

Btw, I appreciate your help.

[wb2001]

@Dwight10,

Why not install the VLC program, and try it.

I tried to get you ro read the options, hoping the missing software title would be listed as a program it was able to re-installed. Apparently that confused you more.  If I try to lead you to corrective action, I do forsee disaster.

[Dwight10 · Accepted solution]

You do understand that you're calling me stupid. I don't appreciate it but I will try the VLC program.. I won't be using this avenue for help in the future. It won't hurt you to be more patient with people.

[wb2001]

@Dwight10,

You openly stated you were confused. It remained so, even after explanation. When I sense confusion about terms, I will not lead a person into a disaster. The Recovery Manager was very specific in its list of options and what each does. Sorry if you took offense. 😩