Can factory reset be used after formatting the C:/ drive?

[ekov]

I think the question tells it all - can the factory reset be used to re-install Windows, after the C drive is formatted?

I made a factory reset, but I have much less free space on C:/ drive after it, even with all the windows.old directories and temporary files for updates deleted. Is it possible to make a clean install with the factory reset, after I manually format the C:/ drive?
Or, if not, how can I reinstall Windows after formatting? I did not get any kind of product key, since this OS doesn`t use it, but then can I just reinstall it from a basic installation DVD? How will I activate it?

Thanks for the answers.

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

If you formatted the C:\ drive, most likely you will not be able to use the HP factory reset program because it was installed on the C:\ drive.

However, you can use the Media Creation tool to make your own W10 installation media to reinstall windows.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

That will work with the W10 product key in your notebook's BIOS.

You can also use a free disk imaging utility such as macrium reflect to keep your PC's operating system and files backed up at regular intervals and restore from the image you create.

https://www.macrium.com/reflectfree

[ekov]

Thank you so much!

So, basically, I just need to download it from this site, write the installation files to a disc/usb drive, and I`m ready to go, it`ll be automatically activated? So no need to create an installation disc with my current settings and stuff (this is what I try to avoid)

Thanks again!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Yes that is correct.  The media creation tool will allow you to either make a USB flash drive installation media or a DVD--or you can make both if you want.

It will work with the W10 product key in the BIOS, but all of your drivers and programs will have to be reinstalled.

You can get the drivers and most of the software that came with your PC from your PC's support page.

Use the Macrium Reflect software to create system images, and it will also allow you to create a rescue DVD to access your image.

I put my Macrium images on a portable hard drive.  It works great.  I have used it a couple of times now.

[ekov]

Thanks a lot!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.