Given an HP TouchSmart 9300 - How do I start fresh?

[MeanJoeG]

A friend gave me his old computer when he moved and I'd like to wipe it clean and start fresh. I don't have the CD's it came with, but he gave me his password and I have access to control panel, etc.

Thank you

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

See if the info at the link below is of help to you...

https://support.hp.com/hk-en/document/c03546603

[MeanJoeG]

Thank you, I'll look into that! It has Windows 8, but I think it was originally it's a Windows 7 computer, and I don't have the Win 8 CD's..

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Yes, it appears that you are correct.

It originally came with W7.

Use this free utility that I zipped up and attached below to retrieve the W8 product key.

Copy it down somewhere.

If there is a W8 product key, I can give you the instructions to install W8.1 using the W8 product key you saved.

Or see if you can reset the PC on W8 or W7 using the instructions I posted the other day.

If not, see if you can purchase W7 recovery media by calling HP at this number if you live in the USA/Canada:  

1-800-334-5144