My desktop won't reinstall windows.

[s-s-y]

I have an HP All-in-One - 22-c0226 that runs Windows 10. I used to use the c0226 but have since moved to a Windows 11 laptop. I wanted to use my c0226 the other day but noticed it was incredibly slow. So I tried to reinstall Windows by going to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC. I chose to remove everything, remove files and clean the drive, and install Windows from the cloud (I have decent internet at 300 mb/s download and upload speed). The installation took much longer than expected, and after several hours, the system was stuck on a black screen, even though the power and hard drive activity lights were still on. After multiple force restarts and several attempts to boot into Safe Mode, the system eventually showed a “Cleaning up” message but went back to a black screen. After waiting longer, the system finally booted up, and I was able to log in. However, despite selecting to wipe the drive, all my previous files are still present. I then tried installing it again but this time installing Windows from my local files, keeping the same files as before. This time the "reinstalliation" finished within a few hours and once I woke it up by moving my mouse it prompted me to enter my pin and then took me to my desktop where all my files still were. Why is Windows not reinstalling and how can I fix this.

[Nal_NR]

Hi @s-s-y,

Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

I'd be glad to help you! 

It sounds like the reset process on your HP All-in-One 22-c0226 didn't complete as expected, which is why you're still seeing your previous files despite choosing to remove everything. The black screen and prolonged setup might indicate an incomplete or corrupted installation. To fully reset your PC and ensure the previous files are removed, you can try the following steps:

Backup Important Data:

• Before proceeding with another reset, back up any important data if possible. Although you intended to wipe everything, there could still be data you might want to save.

Create a Bootable Windows 11 USB:

• Use another computer to download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool.
• Run the tool and select Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC.
• Follow the prompts to create a bootable USB drive with the Windows 10 installation files.

Perform a Clean Installation:

• Insert the bootable USB into your HP All-in-One 22-c0226 and restart the computer.
• Press the appropriate key (usually F9, ESC, or F12) to enter the boot menu and select the USB drive as the boot device.
• When the Windows setup screen appears, select your language preferences and click Next.
• Click Install Now.
• When prompted, select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced). This option allows you to perform a clean installation.
• Delete all partitions on the drive (this will remove all data) until you have unallocated space.
• Select the unallocated space and click Next to install Windows. This will ensure a fresh installation without remnants of the previous setup.

Reinstall Drivers and Updates:

• Once the installation is complete, connect to the internet and allow Windows to update.
• Visit the HP Support website to download and install any specific drivers for your All-in-One 22-c0226.

Check System Performance:

• After reinstalling Windows, monitor the system's performance. If it remains slow, check for potential hardware issues, such as:
  • Hard Drive Health: Run a diagnostic to check for bad sectors or other issues.
  • RAM Issues: Use Windows Memory Diagnostic to test your RAM.
  • Excessive Heat: Ensure that the cooling system is functioning properly and that there is no dust build-up inside.

Note:

• Update BIOS (if needed): Check if there’s a BIOS update available for your model on the HP Support website, as it might resolve performance issues.
• Avoid Force Restarts During Setup: If the installation seems to hang, it’s often best to wait, as force restarts can sometimes corrupt the setup process.

These steps should help you perform a clean installation of Windows 11 on your HP All-in-One 22-c0226 and resolve the performance issues you've been experiencing.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.