recovery usb not working

[jeremy_2019]

Hello,

After the original drive failed, I installed a new hard drive into this all-in-one, then tried using the HP Recovery usb to install windows 7.  It opens the recovery manager, but all the options are grayed out.  I believe the new hard drive is recognized because it is listed on the hardware screen.

Thank you for your help.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

If the recovery usb drive isn't working, the only suggestion I can offer would be to see if you can clean install W7, if you can still read all 25 characters of the windows product key on the PC's case, and your PC came with W7 Home Premium.

The key may be on the back, it may be on the side, and it may even be on the bottom edge of the display panel (facing down).

You can download a W7 Home Premium ISO file from the link below (toward the bottom of the page), and use the utility that I zipped up and attached below to transfer the ISO file to a USB flash drive or DVD, so that it is bootable.

https://getintopc.com/softwares/operating-systems/windows-7-home-premium-free-download-iso-32-bit-64...

After W7 installs, you can install the drivers and available software from your PC's support page.

https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/selfservice/HP-Omni-220-Desktop-PC-series/5146283/model/5155235

[jeremy_2019]

Yesterday I unsuccessfully looked everywhere, or so I thought, for the Windows key.  Thank you for suggesting I look on the bottom--it was on the bottom of the stand!

I have 7 Pro.  Should I use the MS website to download the ISO?  Looks like it asks for the key before allowing the download.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Microsoft won't let you download the ISO file from them, since the key on the label is for an OEM operating system.

I found this site that has W7 Pro 64 bit, downloaded the ISO file and scanned it for viruses/malware.  It checked out clean.

It is the same file size as the one we used to get from Microsoft.

https://onesoftwares.net/windows-7-professional-iso-free-download/

[jeremy_2019]

I used this link and created the install USB key.  It asked for language and everything looked good.  Then it said there was no driver for the DVD player and requested the driver be installed.  There doesn't seem to be an option to just continue from the USB.

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

I see that the specs for your PC indicate that it has two USB 3 ports.

You can't install W7 from a USB 3 port because it doesn't have the drivers necessary to work off the USB 3 ports.

Since your PC has 4 USB 2 ports in the back, try one of those to boot from.

[jeremy_2019]

Well, my friend, I think this is the answer.  I went back to my HP recovery USB and plugged that into the rear port.  The recovery manager opened and then I had the option to restore to factory settings.  It seems to be successfully beginning the process of formatting the new HD and installing the OS.

I will worry about upgrading to Windows 10 once I have my computer up and running. On a side note, an IT guy I work with was able to recover data from the old HD.  I will delay the happy dance until the whole shebang is done. 

I'll mark this as solved as soon it is complete.  Thanks!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

That is great news.

[jeremy_2019]

Thank you for your service.

V/R,

JG