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HP Beats 15 Notebook PC
Microsoft Windows 10 (64-bit)

I'm trying to factory reset my laptop, but can't access System Recovery in HP Recovery Manager, because it's grayed out. I'm not sure how to fix it, or maybe if there's another way to factory reset? Also, this question is for Microsoft Windows 8.1 (64-bit). I tried to change that in the question, but it wouldn't let me.

5 REPLIES 5
HP Recommended

Hi

Perhaps... https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/software-download/windows8iso

W8 Repair.pngis a good starting point.

W8 Default Key is: [edited]

It's not a Factory Reset.  Have you done a Diagnostic F2 check on the HDD?

 

IF in doubt please ask.

 

HP Recommended

Sorry it's taken so long to reply. Downloading that didn't really work. It just said I already have that version of Windows. I'll try a diagnostic after work. Is that just hitting F2 when the PC starts up?

HP Recommended

Try F11.

 

 

HP Recommended

That's how I get to Recovery Management. But, System Recovery is greyed out. I did the F2 diagnostics and everything passed.

HP Recommended

Hi

Well I cannot help with resetting to Factory Fresh (F11), however something here may help...

This First part only works when a valid Recovery Partition is enabled.

If it displays an error message then move onto the Second part,
OR if you have data you wish to try and save using the XCOPY command.
Then create your own Repair/Recovery/Rebuild/Re-install media or buy a set from HP.

Turn off the computer.

Disconnect all connected devices and cables, Media Drives, USB drives, printers, & faxes.
Remove media from internal drives, and remove any recently added internal hardware.
Do not disconnect the monitor, keyboard, mouse, or power cord.

Turn on the computer and repeatedly press the F11 key, about once every second,
until the Choose an option screen is displayed, and then continue.

On the Choose an Option screen, click Troubleshoot, and work your way through the screens.

Second Part:-
This may require another PC. Find and Download your .iso from…
(You will need a NON_OEM key for W7;
W8.x and W10 should activate automagically from their embedded licence key.)

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows8ISO
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

For when it’s a NON MS OS ( iOS / Linux ) creating the install media.
www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10ISO

A 3rd party site like…
https://www.heidoc.net/joomla/technology-science/microsoft/67-microsoft-windows-iso-download-tool

Expand/Extract/Burn the iso Image onto a DVD/USB as needed.
Microsoft’s Creator Tool will make the required DVD or USB.

Even though it has NO actual HP software/drivers included, you may be able to
XCOPY the C:\Users\* area onto a ‘large’ USB stick, via the Command Prompt.

You’ll need to try various drive letters; D:..-..Z: until it’s matched - could be G; mine’s S:

C:\>XCOPY C:\Users\* S:\ /e /i /h (then files like those 3 listed below get copied over)

C:\Users\desktop.ini
C:\Users\All Users\agent.1509128044.bdinstall.bin
C:\Users\All Users\HP Deskjet 2540 series\Help\flash\zoom.swf

Then you can try System Recovery Options / Advanced Options shown in the screenshots.

NB:- W7 Try running a Startup Repair more than once for a full fix.
NB: - W10 Begin with the Automatic Repair, then Startup Settings etc.

From either the C:\ or the X:\ prompt try the following

cd boot
bootrec /FixMBR
bootrec /FixBoot
bootrec /RebuildBCD

If the above FAILS then please try:-
http://www.thewindowsclub.com/repair-master-boot-record-mbr-windows
http://www.thewindowsclub.com/install-windows-7-from-usb
http://www.thewindowsclub.com/install-windows-10-from-usb

 

W7 and W10 Repair.png

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