how can I reinstall factory Windows after wiping the hard drive?

[Oleg620]

I wiped out the hard drive with DBAN http://pcsupport.about.com/od/data-destruction/fl/dban-dariks-boot-and-nuke-review.htm (wanted to remove personal data before selling the computer).

I assumed I'd restore Windows from the Recovery disk, which the computer is equipped with.

However I wasn't able to recover using any start-up options (recover, util, diagnostics, setup, etc.)

I also found two Windows installation DVDs, but none of them worked.

Could you please tell how I can install factory Windows on that computer?

I have the Windows Product key printed on the desktop side.

Thanks!

[TheOldMan]

I am familiar with DBan.  It leaves nothing.   Did you wipe the whole drive or is the Recovery partition still there?

Please explain the Windows disks that you tried.  What do they say on them and who is named as the distributor - Microsoft or HP?

Without the full model number I cannot give you are more help but you might be able to find Recovery media here:

http://www.computersurgeons.com/

BTW: Windows 7 can be reinstalled and the Windows Product key from the label, described in your post, should be able to activate it.  Any retail Windows 7 disk matching the version that matches the product key should work  IE: Windows 7 Home Premium is the normal OEM Windows

Be prepared for endless updates if you use a Windows 7 install disk without any SP updates included.  I can help show you how to shorten that task, if you get that far.

[Oleg620]

Thank you TheOldMan,

> Did you wipe the whole drive or is the Recovery partition still there?

I *think* left the Recovery alone - I saw 2 disks in DBAN and selected the 1TB disk and not the 2 GB one.

I guess I can't verify until I boot Windows.

> Please explain the Windows disks that you tried.  What do they say on them and who is named as the distributor - Microsoft or HP?

They turned out to be Win XP disks from Dell. I've been keeping stuff around for too long 🙂

The full model:

HP Pavilion HPE Series

Model No h8-1010

Thanks for the link to http://www.computersurgeons.com/, but I hoped to download for free as I already paid for the Windows.

[TheOldMan · Accepted solution]

If the Recovery Partition is still there, it might be possible to reload the original Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit); Service Pack 1 from that with no further need for install media.

Here is a guide for that process

https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c01867418

or here if no boot

https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c01867418#c01867418_no_boot

Here is an excerpt from that document telling how to start the Recovery without the PC booting (no Windows needed)

• Turn off the computer.
• Disconnect all peripheral devices, except for the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and power cord. Remove media from internal drives, and remove any recently added internal hardware.
• Turn on the computer and repeatedly press the F11 key, about once every second, until Recovery Manager opens.

IF the Recovery Media has not been made before, then here is a guide on how to make them

https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c01867124

[Oleg620]

Apparently, I did nuke the Recovery partition, as System Recovery won't start via F11 or Escape and menu options - there's only black screen and blinking cursor.

I understand my options now - thank you, TheOldMan, very much.