-
×InformationWindows update impacting certain printer icons and names. Microsoft is working on a solution.
Click here to learn moreInformationNeed Windows 11 help?Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
Windows 11 Support Center.
-
×InformationWindows update impacting certain printer icons and names. Microsoft is working on a solution.
Click here to learn moreInformationNeed Windows 11 help?Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
Windows 11 Support Center.
- HP Community
- Desktops
- Desktop Operating Systems and Recovery
- Re: Recovery process cannot continue
Create an account on the HP Community to personalize your profile and ask a question
11-02-2020 03:29 PM
Trying to restore the system to a drive smaller than original. It fails because it is not the same size as the original. The original died.
Solved! Go to Solution.
Accepted Solutions
11-02-2020 03:49 PM
Hi:
Yes, that is a common problem when you don't buy a drive of the same capacity as the original one.
Here's 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, or you can use a different free utility such as Rufus or burn the ISO file to a DVD with another DVD burning program.
Then you can install the available drivers and software from your PC's support page.
11-02-2020 03:49 PM
Hi:
Yes, that is a common problem when you don't buy a drive of the same capacity as the original one.
Here's 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, or you can use a different free utility such as Rufus or burn the ISO file to a DVD with another DVD burning program.
Then you can install the available drivers and software from your PC's support page.
11-02-2020 11:58 PM
Thank you for your help. Unfortunately I don’t have access to a second computer at the moment. I will, however, follow your instructions after I purchase a new drive so that I will have a solution in the future. Thanks again.
Didn't find what you were looking for? Ask the community