CTO Error

[Ed3701]

Installed recovery disk from my laptop to a new HDD hard drive and got CTO Error.  Currently screen is on log/detail/retry.  I have read several posts regarding this error  and will need to install new Windows 8.1 from the link provided in one of these post.  Need to know process  how to load DVD with Win 8.1 to  laptop.  Thanks

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Here is how you can clean install W8.1 for free by using the W8 product key in your notebook's BIOS.

Install W8.1 by creating the Microsoft installation media, using another Windows PC, if yours is not working...You want W8.1 64 bit.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows8ISO

If you are asked to enter a product key during the installation process, use this generic key.

This is the generic key for W8.1 'Standard.'

334NH-RXG76-64THK-C7CKG-D3VPT

When you get to the screen that asks 'Where do you want to install Windows,' delete every partition on the hard drive, leaving just one partition of unallocated space. Click Next, and W8.1 should begin to install.

If you had to enter the generic key, manually change the generic product key to the W8 key in your PC's BIOS in the PC settings menu.

After you get W8.1 installed, and you had to manually enter the W8.1 generic product key, you will need to run the free utility I zipped up and attached below, that will show you show the W8 product key in your PC's BIOS.

I have also zipped up and attached below, the Microsoft tool which hopefully will transfer the ISO file to a DVD or USB flash drive so it is bootable.

Then you can install the available drivers and software from your PC's support page.

https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/selfservice/HP-Pavilion-g7-Notebook-PC-series/5296086/model/533...

[Ed3701]

Paul,

Thanks for all you rhelp.  I was able to install W8 had to go to Start/ESC/F9/CD-DVD/Enter to get DVD to load.  Did not need to enter key, deleted partitions but the link to HP for drivers stated we were unable to find drivers for your product.  Any other way of getting drivers?

Thanks Ed

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome, Ed.

You are probably using a PC with W10 to access the web page, and are getting this notice...

We were unable to find drivers for your product.

Just above and slightly to the left of that notice, are two links to click on.

Choose a different product

Choose a different OS

Select the Choose a different OS option, and a window will open.

Select the operating system (Windows) and on the right, select the version of Windows (Windows 8).

[Ed3701]

Paul, 

Should I choose W8 or W8.1?  I though you sent me link for W8.1.

Thanks Ed

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, Ed:

If you currently have W8 installed, select the W8 driver page from the drop down menu.

[Ed3701]

Paul,

Sorry but don't know which one?  I thought you sent me link for W8.1.  

Thanks Ed

[Paul_Tikkanen]

The link I sent you has drivers for both W8.1 and W8.

You have to follow the guidance I posted earlier regarding how to select the operating system you want the drivers for.

[Ed3701 · Accepted solution]

Yes I found out that I downloaded W8.1.  Installed drivers last night.  Thanks Ed

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime, Ed.

Glad to have been of assistance.