Cannot do a factory system reboot, says partition is missing.

[Nirmakat]

I am normally pretty good at fixing things in my computer, but due to its age, and some stuff I probably installed or changed I have some issues, like my webcam at the moment not working, issues with playing dvds and cds, etc.  and conflicting software.

I tried to do a system restore from F11 to reboot to a factory setting and start fresh, but I could not. It says some partition is missin, so I downloaded windows 8.1 and burned to a dvd, and the dvd is not reading the iso image. Is like what was recorded on the dvd was a system information file. I know for a fact I did all these processes  right.

I need help on how to restore to a factory settings without a reboot disk, or using the system owns.  eems like an impossible task!

I think some of the problems started when I updated to windows 8.1, since my desktop came with only 8.

Any help is appreciated.

[Prométhée]

Hello
Did you burn the iso file directly in this form, or did you use the iso file to create the dvd with software?
You must not burn the iso directly, but the image it contains
read this:
https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/mount-burn-iso-files-windows

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, @Nirmakat 

If your PC originally came with W8 from HP, here is how you can clean install W8.1 for free by using the W8 product key in your PC's BIOS.

Install W8.1 by creating the Microsoft installation media, using another Windows PC, if yours is not working...You want W8.1 64 bit.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows8ISO

If you are asked to enter a product key during the installation process, use this generic key.

This is the generic key for W8.1 'Standard.'

334NH-RXG76-64THK-C7CKG-D3VPT

When you get to the screen that asks 'Where do you want to install Windows,' delete every partition on the hard drive, leaving just one partition of unallocated space. Click Next, and W8.1 should begin to install.

If you had to enter the generic key, manually change the generic product key to the W8 key in your PC's BIOS in the PC settings menu.

After you get W8.1 installed, and you had to manually enter the W8.1 generic product key, you will need to run the free utility I zipped up and attached below, that will show you show the W8 product key in your PC's BIOS.

I have also zipped up and attached below, the Microsoft tool which hopefully will transfer the ISO file to a DVD or USB flash drive so it is bootable.

Then you can install the available drivers and software from your PC's support page.

[Nirmakat]

Thank you, I did burn the image, not the file.  My desktop has a lot of issues.

I had already downloaded the one on the link, I iwll ask my son if he can burn it on his computer, and try it that way/

I did buy a 32 GB usb, and my computer says there is not enough space?????

[Nirmakat]

And I appreciate it Paul 🙂

I do have my key.  I will try the zip file with the usb.  You attachment says windows 7???

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

The tool I attached works for any version of Windows ISO files.

[Prométhée]

Hello
@Nirmakat  can you give the exact model of your computer?
If the dvd is correctly created you may need to configure the computer correctly so that it can boot from it

[Nirmakat]

Thank you all!  I have no idea how, but I finally manage to restore to factory settings, but it must be something internal, because I got windows 8.

I like 8.1 so much better, so I would like to upgrade it, but is my understanding I need to make sure updates are up to date first, but I can't because now I get this message.  This desktop is driving me crazy....  everything is now working, except for the dvd, my guess is a hardware issue with it.

He is a screenshot.

I think it may have to do with the internet connection.  I am connected, I can srf the internet, but when I click on updates, or the Microsoft store, says I am not connected, and I get that error.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

The only suggestion I can offer would be to run the windows update troubleshooter in W8.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-hk/help/4576856/windows-update-troubleshooter-for-windows-7-and-win...

[Nirmakat]

Thanks!  I will try to see if that works!

Update!  The link does not work,  I google it, and still get an error page.  Sorry to be such a bother.