• ×
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
  • ×
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
Guidelines
Are you having HotKey issues? Click here for tips and tricks.
Check out our WINDOWS 11 Support Center info about: OPTIMIZATION, KNOWN ISSUES, FAQs, VIDEOS AND MORE.
HP Recommended
HP Pavilion All-in-One - 27-xa0003na

I needed to upgrade as  c drive 280gb ssd drive was full. I purchased EaseUS to convert the dynamic drive to basic in order to clone it to a bigger drive. An error was reported during the process and on start up the system cannot access the boot files. I have downloaded the cloud recovery media but it just doesn’t recognise it. Is there anything I can do to avoid getting a new copy of windows. 

1 ACCEPTED SOLUTION

Accepted Solutions
HP Recommended

Hi @Dingo721,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

Thanks for reaching out — I know how frustrating it is to run into boot issues during a drive upgrade, especially after using third-party tools like EaseUS. Let's try to recover your system without needing to purchase a new Windows copy.

 

The error you encountered converting from a dynamic to a basic disk may have corrupted or disconnected the boot configuration, making Windows unbootable. Since your system can't find the boot files, it won’t start — but the actual Windows license is still embedded in your HP system's BIOS and doesn’t need to be re-purchased.

 

Let’s Try These Steps:

1. Check BIOS Boot Order & Secure Boot

Make sure your USB recovery media is being correctly recognized:

  1. Power off the PC.
  2. Turn it back on and immediately start pressing Esc repeatedly.
  3. On the Startup Menu, press F10 to enter BIOS.
  4. Under Boot Options:
    • Ensure USB boot is enabled.
    • Move the USB recovery media to the top of the boot order.
  5. Under the Security tab, check if Secure Boot is enabled — try disabling it temporarily.

Then restart and see if the recovery media is recognized.

 

2. Use the HP Cloud Recovery Tool Again

If your existing USB isn’t recognized:

Make sure to use a USB 2.0 or 3.0 flash drive, at least 32 GB, formatted during the process.


3. Boot from Recovery USB

  1. Insert the USB recovery drive.
  2. Start your PC and press Esc > then F9 (Boot Menu).
  3. Select the USB drive from the list.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to recover your system.

If Windows was originally installed by HP, it will automatically activate after recovery — no need to buy another Windows license.

 

I hope this helps.

 

Take care and have a good day.

 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, as it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

 

VikramTheGreat

HP Support

View solution in original post

1 REPLY 1
HP Recommended

Hi @Dingo721,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

Thanks for reaching out — I know how frustrating it is to run into boot issues during a drive upgrade, especially after using third-party tools like EaseUS. Let's try to recover your system without needing to purchase a new Windows copy.

 

The error you encountered converting from a dynamic to a basic disk may have corrupted or disconnected the boot configuration, making Windows unbootable. Since your system can't find the boot files, it won’t start — but the actual Windows license is still embedded in your HP system's BIOS and doesn’t need to be re-purchased.

 

Let’s Try These Steps:

1. Check BIOS Boot Order & Secure Boot

Make sure your USB recovery media is being correctly recognized:

  1. Power off the PC.
  2. Turn it back on and immediately start pressing Esc repeatedly.
  3. On the Startup Menu, press F10 to enter BIOS.
  4. Under Boot Options:
    • Ensure USB boot is enabled.
    • Move the USB recovery media to the top of the boot order.
  5. Under the Security tab, check if Secure Boot is enabled — try disabling it temporarily.

Then restart and see if the recovery media is recognized.

 

2. Use the HP Cloud Recovery Tool Again

If your existing USB isn’t recognized:

Make sure to use a USB 2.0 or 3.0 flash drive, at least 32 GB, formatted during the process.


3. Boot from Recovery USB

  1. Insert the USB recovery drive.
  2. Start your PC and press Esc > then F9 (Boot Menu).
  3. Select the USB drive from the list.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to recover your system.

If Windows was originally installed by HP, it will automatically activate after recovery — no need to buy another Windows license.

 

I hope this helps.

 

Take care and have a good day.

 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, as it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

 

VikramTheGreat

HP Support

† The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of HP. By using this site, you accept the <a href="https://www8.hp.com/us/en/terms-of-use.html" class="udrlinesmall">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="/t5/custom/page/page-id/hp.rulespage" class="udrlinesmall"> Rules of Participation</a>.