Create restore disk/drive

[thedavegray]

Hello, 

I just changed from a Dell laptop to an HP Omen desktop and was wondering how I can make a restore CD or flash drive. 

On the Dell I could  create a usb flash drive that could be used if the C:\ drive was swapped, however on this Omen all I can see is how to reset Windows - would this even work if I swapped out the C:\ drive? 

Thanks in advance. 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

From what I understand HP quit having the option of creating recovery media on PCs that were made in 2018 to date.

So...here are your options as I see them... I would do both...

1. Use a free disk imaging utility such as Macrium Reflect to create a system image, and a rescue DVD or USB flash drive.

https://www.macrium.com/reflectfree?x-ca=blog

Save the system image to a portable hard drive.  You can create an updated image any time you feel the need.

2. Create W10 installation media as follows...

You can make a W10 USB flash drive installer with the Microsoft Media Creation Tool, using an 8 GB flash drive using another Windows PC, if your PC is not working.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

If you are asked to enter a product key during the installation process, select the 'I don't have a product key' option, and W10 will install and automatically activate once you are connected to the internet.

Here are the steps to create the W10 USB flash drive installer...

Select Download tool now, and select Run.

If you agree to the license terms, select Accept.

On the What do you want to do? page, select Create installation media for another PC, and then select Next.

Select the language, edition, and architecture (64-bit or 32-bit) for Windows 10. You want 64 bit.

Select which media you want to use:

USB flash drive. Plug in a blank USB flash drive with at least 8GB of space. Any content on the flash drive will be deleted.

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

https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/selfservice/omen-by-hp-880-100-desktop-pc-series/18695893

Another thing I recommend you do is to copy the C:\SWSetup folder to a portable hard drive.

That folder contains the program and driver installation files that came with your PC.

Some of those programs (such as the bloatware) may not be available for download on the support page.

[thedavegray]

Hi, 

Thanks very much for that detailed solution.  I don't have time to try now but will do on later in the week and will post back here so the thread is complete.    Nice tip about C:\SWSetup\ byt the way, that folder is syncing with OneDrive right now. 

Cheers

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

[thedavegray]

Hi, 

How do you license this after reinstall?   I know with the Dell the license key became embedded in the restore flash drive. 

Thanks 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

With all major PC manufacturers (including Dell), Microsoft has the OEM's include the product key in the BIOS.

Microsoft started this process since W8 came to be.  No more product key stickers.

This prevents us from the illegal use of an OEM product key on another PC, which is a violation of the OEM licensing rules.

So, when you go to install W10, it will automatically pick up the W10 key in the BIOS, install and automatically activate.

You could take your W10 product key and put it on a large banner on the side of a bus, and it would be useless to any PC but yours.

[thedavegray]

Hi, 

Ah that makes a lot of sense.  The BIOS is so tightly bound to the physical hardware that there's no point in people pirating Windows DVDs on eBay.  Thats said, there's always a lot for sale, and  you have to wonder if  they will report back as "unlicensed copy" after the trial is over. 

Useful stuff to know, I feel a lot better now knowing that  a C:\ drive failure does not leave me with an expensivie chunk of  metal that I cannot use  anymore, except for  buying a retail copy of Windows or installing Linux. 

I downloaded Maricum and created an image of the  C:\ drive on my D;\ drive, it ended up being 60GB so I think I need to get aquainted  with the manual. 🙂 

Thanks 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime.

Glad to have been of assistance.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

One more tidbit of info for you...

I have zipped up and attached below, a free utility that will show you the Windows product key in your PC's BIOS.

You may want to print out and/or save the report generated FYI.

You won't ever need it, but you will have it if for nothing more than to let you know what version of W10 the key is good for.