Recovery attempt has failed

[Hector_81]

I have a pavilion DV 6000 using Windows Vista trying to get it back to factory stuck on recovery attempt has failed this is the third time I've done this this computer is a second hand clueless on what to do next

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Hector_81 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

I'm really sorry the recovery keeps failing on your Pavilion DV6000—it’s exhausting when you’re trying to restore a second-hand system and it refuses to cooperate. 

Let’s walk through a few focused steps to help you regain control and get it back to factory condition.

Try these steps to recover your HP Pavilion DV6000 running Windows Vista:

1. Confirm recovery partition is intact

The recovery process relies on a hidden partition. If it’s missing or damaged, recovery will fail.

• Restart the laptop and press F11 repeatedly at startup
• If the recovery manager opens, proceed with recovery
• If it doesn’t, or fails again, continue to the next step

 

2. Use HP Recovery Discs (if available)

If the recovery partition is corrupted, factory recovery can only proceed using physical media.

• Check if you have HP Recovery DVDs or a USB recovery drive
• If not, you may need to create one using another HP Vista system (if available)
• Insert the disc or USB, restart the laptop, and press Esc, then F9 to boot from it
• Follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall Windows Vista

 

3. Manually install Windows Vista using ISO

If recovery media isn’t available, you can install a clean version of Vista.

• Download a Windows Vista ISO from a trusted archive (Vista is no longer officially distributed)
• Use a tool like Rufus to create a bootable USB
• Insert the USB and restart the laptop
• Press Esc, then F9, and select the USB drive
• Follow the installation prompts
• You’ll need a valid Vista product key (usually on a sticker under the laptop)

 

4. Install drivers after OS installation

Once Vista is installed, you’ll need to manually install drivers.

• Visit the HP Pavilion DV6000 Driver Page
• Select Windows Vista and download:
  • Chipset Driver
  • Graphics Driver
  • Audio Driver
  • Wireless LAN Driver
  • Touchpad Driver

Install each one and restart as needed.

 

5. Run diagnostics if recovery fails repeatedly

To rule out hardware issues:

• Restart and press F2 to enter System Diagnostics
• Run Hard Drive Test and Memory Test
• If either fails, recovery will not succeed until the component is replaced

Let me know what happens when you try booting from USB or recovery media. Once the OS is installed and drivers are in place, you’ll have a clean, stable system ready to use.

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Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye