HP Omen Key not working

[CWBillow1]

I had to reset my Windows 10 installation.  In doing so I "lost" the Omen Control Center software.  I found same in the Microsoft Store, so that part got fixed.

What I haven't been able to fix is that the Omen key (just above the Numlock key) isn't working.  I can call up the Control Center via the Start Menu, but having that key back would be a plus, because otherwise it is totally worthless since it cannot be assigned any funtions or process.

What can I do to get it back?

[Huffer]

Here is a link to Download the Omen Command Center software as found on the Home Page for your model:

https://support.hp.com/za-en/drivers/selfservice/swdetails/omen-by-hp-17-an100-laptop-pc/20329829/sw...

Let us know if that retores the button function. 

[CWBillow1]

I found and downloaded the program, but it wouldn't run.  Error:

The code execution cannot proceed because MSVCP140.dll was not found.  Reinstalling the program may fix the problem.

[CWBillow1]

I found the missing file(s), both 32-bit and 64-bit, but that didn't seem to ix the issue.

[Huffer]

You found MSVCP140.dll or what? So the driver I linked you to still will not install? You may need to reload Windows I am sorry to say. The Omen Command Ceneter found on the Mocrosoft Store site does not appear to be the same driver as provided by HP for your specific model laptop. I am not sure what the effect would be of installing the MS Store version. 

[CWBillow1]

Yes, I found MSVCP140.dll.  

The problem here is this:  My laptop came pre-configured with Windows 10 Home.  In trying to upgrade to Pro, it took three calls to MS in order to achieve the update.  At the same time, I had to install a larger SSD than came with the laptop.  

What I do not know is whether BestBuy (the seller) does the config, or whether it comes "off the shelf" from HP as configured.

I ran an image when the machine first came through the door, so, I suppose, I could go back to square "one" and see if that fixes the Omen button, but the problem with that approach is that I then have to go through the upgrade to Pro again, and perhaps end up in the same situation.  I've never had or known of a computer that NEVER needed a reinstall, and, that being the case, I would expect to just end up in the same situation down the road.  There must be somewhere somone that could tell what was wrong or missing.  The Omen key obviously isn't hardwired or this would not be an issue.  That being the case, there should be a solution somewhere.

[Huffer]

The Omen Key can only be activated with the right HP software. Do the reinstall from your image of Windows 10 Home. Go to the settings/activation page and select upgrade your edition. Provide the Pro Keycode. Very easy. The Omen button should just work. If not reinstall the driver I linked for Omen Control Center. 

[CWBillow1]

I have a couple issues with this route.  First, my copy of "Home" is actually an image of the setup that came with my laptop, and yes, if I use that it works.  But along with it comes all the crud that is attached to the BestBuy config.

The disk was/is set up with a hidden partition that, if removed, may well be the culprit to  the Omen button not working.  After I installed a larger SSD than came with my laptop (250 gig -> 1 TB) I had removed all partitions before install.  The button didn't work.  Then I restored the BB image, the button worked.  Then I "upgraded to Pro over that install.  The button worked.  But, on a clean install of Pro, the button "dies."  So it is obvious that there is some file or driver that is not part of Windows that is necessary, and also not included in the separate install of the Omen Command Center.

What I was wanting to be able to do was a "bare metal install" of Pro, then add necessary hardware files and drivers, and then image THAT.  Any other install always seems to leave behind megs or even gigs of unnecessary and even at times conflicting files, apps, and drivers.  That is why I bought the full version of Pro and not the upgrade.  It seems that I am just going to have to make do here.

The part of this that is the most frustrating is that I KNOW that it is just a single file or driver that nobody seems to be able to identify.  Oh well, for now at least the Omen button is working albeit not on a pristine installation.

[CWBillow1]

But if I do that, using my image of the BestBuy config of W10 Home, yes, the button works fine,  But then I also end up with all the crapware that came ng for the ride.  What I wanted was a clean install of Pro to eliminate all that garbage.  But when  I did that, it didn't work.  Yes, 10 Pro worked, but NOT the key.  Did the activation of Pro work?  Sure.  But not the Omen key.  Now, it could be that there was/is some file in the hidden partition of the BestBuy install that activates the key.  But, since it IS an HP laptop, I would think that the necessary files or drivers for the key would be part of the laptop -- even to the point of being part of the firmware.  There aren't any special drivers or files needed for other keys.  Why this one?

Now, perhaps there is some file in the hidden partition that is part of the BestBuy setup -- but NOT part of any W-10 install.  If that is the case, then, again, it should be HP that can say "Oh, when you start to use this laptop, you first need to install THIS in order for that special key to work."  That would be fine with me.  I have seen that sort of thing many times over the years with many types of hardware.

What is amazing to me is that nobody can specifically identify the components that make that key work and that thereby would be available In an install of W-10 Pro from scratch.

[Huffer]

The Omen Control or at least the part that controls the button resides within the special HP Tools partition so you need to have that in order for the dedicated button to work. When you do a bare metal install you don't get that partition. You could try a clean install then load the HP diagnostics from the driver page and then the Omen Control app I linked and I think you would then have full function I think.