How can I recall a driver update?

[Shenell1996]

Hi.

So I was hearing this static noise from my computer and decided to reach out to HP Support Community for help. To my surprise, I saw someone had reached out and had similar problems to mine. I hardly use my speakers as I mostly connect using a blue-tooth device so to say it was damaged did not cross my mind.

Anyhow, I followed one of the solutions given which was to download a realtek audio high-definition driver, install the driver, reboot computer, go to control panel and changed the sound setting to reflect the new audio driver then reboot again. 

I did just that but the second reboot was taking forever so I forced shutdown my laptop then reboot again. 

When it came up, I didn't have to enter any  password and to my surprise, it created a temporary profile. I thought my files were gone but they were still there in the PC drive. I started to search for ways to recover my orginal profile with all files on the desktop and taskbar as it was before. 

Is it that I can't recall this driver ? How can I move forward? Do I have to do a factory reset? 

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @Shenell1996,

Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding your PC malfunction after driver installation!  

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

Don't worry, you don’t need to do a factory reset! Here’s how to roll back the driver update and restore your original profile:

Roll Back the Realtek Audio Driver

1. Press Win + X → Select "Device Manager."
2. Expand "Sound, video and game controllers."
3. Right-click on Realtek High-Definition Audio → Properties.
4. Go to the Driver tab → Click Roll Back Driver (if available).
5. Restart your PC.

Fix the Temporary Profile Issue

Since you're logged into a temporary profile, you need to restore your original profile:

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList
3. Look for two similar profile entries:
   • One with .bak at the end (your original profile).
   • One without .bak (the temporary profile).
4. Rename the temporary profile (without .bak) → Add _temp at the end.
5. Rename the original profile (with .bak) by removing .bak.
6. Restart your PC and check if your original profile is restored.

If the Profile Isn’t Restored

If your original profile is still missing, try creating a new user account and manually moving your files from the temporary profile.

1. Open Settings → "Accounts" → "Family & other users."
2. Click "Add someone else to this PC" → Create a new admin account.
3. Sign in to the new account and move files from C:\Users\TEMP (or similar) to your new profile.

Reinstall the Audio Driver (Optional)

If the rollback didn’t fix the issue and you still have static noise, download the official driver from HP’s support page:
🔗 HP Drivers & Software

Let me know if you need help at any step! 😊

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?"—your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

[JG2910]

@Shenell1996 can you share what Realtek driver you installed? What ended up working? I am still having a similar crackling issue and have not been able to find a solution aside from "contact HP support" or "install HP drivers" which doesn't fix anything

[TheHelper0007]

Hi @JG2910,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

I understand how concerning this situation is, but don’t worry—there are steps you can take to restore your original profile and fix the driver update issue.

Step 1: Check if Your Original Profile is Still Available

1. Press Win + R, type C:\Users\, and hit Enter.
2. Look for your old user profile folder (it should have your username).
3. If it exists, your files are still there, and we just need to reconnect your account to it.

Step 2: Try Restarting Your PC Normally

1. Click Start > Power > Restart (instead of Shutdown).
2. See if the system logs you back into your original profile.
3. If not, proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Log in with Your Original Account

1. Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and choose Sign out.
2. On the login screen, check if your original account appears and select it.
3. If it logs in successfully, restart to ensure it stays fixed.

Step 4: Remove the Problematic Driver Update

If your original profile is back but issues persist, rolling back the driver might help:

1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Sound, Video, and Game Controllers.
3. Right-click Realtek Audio Driver > Properties > Driver tab.
4. Click Roll Back Driver (if available) and restart your PC.

Step 5: Perform a System Restore

If your original profile isn’t restored, try a system restore to before the update:

1. Search Create a restore point in the Start menu and open it.
2. Click System Restore > Next.
3. Select a restore point from before the issue occurred.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions and restart your PC.

Step 6: Factory Reset (Last Resort)

If all else fails and your system remains unstable, a factory reset may be necessary. Note: This will erase everything on your C: drive. Before proceeding, back up important files.

1. Go to Settings > System > Recovery.
2. Under Reset this PC, choose Keep my files or Remove everything (recommended for a fresh start).
3. Follow the prompts to reset your laptop.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

darkmaniac0007

HP Support