HP Pro 3305 - Finding Recovery Media

[dugganrouthorn5]

Hello HP Community,

I hope everyone is doing well. I need help finding Recovery Media and Recovery Image, if possible for my HP Pro 3305 Desktop Computer. I would like to try and restore my system back to its original factory state. I did find the HP Recovery Manager Disc, but it had a copyright date of 2010 so I'm not sure if I can use that on my 2011 HP Pro Desktop.

https://archive.org/details/619523-B23

Could you please help me out with this? Thank you.

[Qsaifoddin]

Hi @dugganrouthorn5 

To restore your HP Pro 3305 Desktop Computer to its original factory state, you can use the HP Recovery Manager. If you have the HP Recovery Manager Disc from 2010, it might still work for your 2011 desktop, but compatibility depends on the specific software versions and updates.

Here’s a general guide to help you with the recovery process:

1. HP Recovery Manager: This software can help restore your computer to its original factory state if it's still installed and functioning on your system. You can access it by rebooting your computer and pressing the F11 key as soon as the system starts. This should take you to the recovery environment if the recovery partition is still intact.

2. Creating or Ordering Recovery Media:

   • If the recovery partition is not available, or if you need physical recovery media, you might be able to create it using the HP Recovery Manager if it’s installed on your computer. Look for the option to create recovery discs or a recovery USB in HP Recovery Manager.
   • Alternatively, you can contact HP Support directly to order recovery media specific to your HP model. They can provide discs or USB drives necessary for recovery.

3. Using the Recovery Media:

   • Insert the recovery media (CD/DVD or USB) into your computer.
   • Restart your computer and press the appropriate key to enter the Boot Menu (usually F9 or F12).
   • Select the recovery media as the boot device and follow the on-screen instructions to restore your system.

[dugganrouthorn5]

Hello Qsaifoddin,

Thank you so much for your response. Unfortunately, I don't have HP Recovery Manager and the System Recovery Partition on my computer. I was given this PC by a school, it had its original HDD in it but there was no Recovery Information on it. Do you think you would be able to help refer me to a ISO or Installation File for HP Recovery Manager that will work with my 2011 HP Pro? Thank you.

[pierre001]

I already post something about the recovery software that don't download the image from the hp website.. searching for support for days, not able to talk ou write to someone from HP..  how can we contact them to have a usb or CD with the correct images ?

[Qsaifoddin · Accepted solution]

Hi @dugganrouthorn5 

On older HP Pro models from around 2011, HP Recovery Manager and the factory recovery partition are only functional if the original hard drive content was never wiped or overwritten. Since your school-supplied PC came with no recovery partition, there are some hard limitations.

Here is the situation regarding your recovery options:

1. HP Recovery Manager ISO / Installer HP does not provide a downloadable ISO or standalone installer for the "HP Recovery Manager" software for these older Windows 7-era PCs. Recovery Manager is tied to the original factory image on the hidden partition. Once that partition is deleted, you cannot recreate the original HP factory environment using HP tools, and HP no longer stocks recovery media for models of this age.

2. Windows 7 Recovery Options If you specifically need Windows 7 and the recovery partition is gone, you have one main option:

• Clean Install: If there is a Windows 7 COA sticker on the computer case with a readable 25-character product key, you can install a clean version of Windows 7 using standard installation media (if you can locate a valid ISO) and activate it with that key.

• Drivers: You won't get the pre-loaded HP tools, but you can manually install necessary drivers from the HP Support page for your specific model.

• Note: Windows 7 is End-of-Life (EOL) and no longer receives security updates. It is not recommended for devices connected to the internet.

3. Windows 10 / Windows 11 on a 2011 HP Pro

• Windows 11: Not supported. 2011 hardware fails Microsoft’s requirements (Missing TPM 2.0 security chip and unsupported CPU generation).

• Windows 10: This is likely your best path. Many 2011 HP desktops and laptops run Windows 10 quite well using Microsoft’s standard drivers.

  • Use the Microsoft Media Creation Tool to create a Windows 10 USB installer.

  • Perform a clean install.

  • Run Windows Update immediately after installing; this will automatically find drivers for most graphics, audio, and Wi-Fi components for older hardware. Any missing drivers can usually be sourced from the Windows 7 or 8 driver list on the HP support page.

Bottom Line There is no way to download the official HP Recovery Manager/Factory Image for a 2011 machine once the partition is gone. Your best option is to clean install Windows 10 using the key on your case (Windows 7 keys often activate Windows 10) or a new license.