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HP Recommended
compaq
Microsoft Windows 8.1 (64-bit)

My Hard drive completely crashed and I had to install a new HD....It did not come with any disks as it was pre installed...how can i re install it to get it up and running again? Ive searched and searched to no avail can someone help me please?

1 ACCEPTED SOLUTION

Accepted Solutions
HP Recommended

Hi, @foxster8 

 

Your notebook is not supported by the cloud recovery tool since it came with W8.1.

 

Here is how you can reinstall W8.1 for free...

 

The specs for your model indicate that it came with W8.1 'standard.'

 

https://www.support.hp.com/gb-en/document/c04232202

Now it could be W8.1 or W8.1 Single Language, and the specs don't state which one it is.

So...Download the plain W8.1 ISO file from the link below.

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

Use the Microsoft tool that I zipped up and attached below to transfer the ISO file to a DVD or USB flash drive so that it is bootable.

If you are asked to enter a product key during the installation process, cancel out.

Go back and download the W8.1 Single Language ISO file instead and windows should install and activate this time.

After W8.1 has installed, you can install the drivers and available software from your notebook's support page.

 

https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/selfservice/Compaq-15-Notebook-PC-series/6545572/model/6973694

 

If you are interested, you may still be able to get the free upgrade to W10, after you install W8.1.

 

You can do that by clicking on the blue Update Now button at the link below.

 

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

 

See this link for more info.  I was able to upgrade my W8.1 PC to W10 a couple of months ago.

 

https://www.zdnet.com/article/heres-how-you-can-still-get-a-free-windows-10-upgrade

View solution in original post

8 REPLIES 8
HP Recommended

What is the complete product name or the ProdID from the bottom of the notebook?

 



I am a volunteer forum member, not an HP employee. If my suggestion solved your issue, don't forget to mark that post as the accepted solution. If you want to say thanks, click on the Yes button next to the "was this reply helpful?"



HP Recommended

Thanks Erico

My Product ID is G3L81EA#ABU

Model 15-h011sa

Came with windows 8 installed

HP Recommended

Can anyone help please?

HP Recommended

Hi,

Sure thing. 😊

 

Download the cloud recovery tool as described in the following document and use it to reinstall your Windows  OS.

https://support.hp.com/bg-en/document/c06162205

You will need a blank (minimum 32 GB) USB flash drive to do this.



I am a volunteer forum member, not an HP employee. If my suggestion solved your issue, don't forget to mark that post as the accepted solution. If you want to say thanks, click on the Yes button next to the "was this reply helpful?"



HP Recommended

 Thanks for the link, however it is saying it does not recognise my product ID?

HP Recommended

Hi, @foxster8 

 

Your notebook is not supported by the cloud recovery tool since it came with W8.1.

 

Here is how you can reinstall W8.1 for free...

 

The specs for your model indicate that it came with W8.1 'standard.'

 

https://www.support.hp.com/gb-en/document/c04232202

Now it could be W8.1 or W8.1 Single Language, and the specs don't state which one it is.

So...Download the plain W8.1 ISO file from the link below.

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

Use the Microsoft tool that I zipped up and attached below to transfer the ISO file to a DVD or USB flash drive so that it is bootable.

If you are asked to enter a product key during the installation process, cancel out.

Go back and download the W8.1 Single Language ISO file instead and windows should install and activate this time.

After W8.1 has installed, you can install the drivers and available software from your notebook's support page.

 

https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/selfservice/Compaq-15-Notebook-PC-series/6545572/model/6973694

 

If you are interested, you may still be able to get the free upgrade to W10, after you install W8.1.

 

You can do that by clicking on the blue Update Now button at the link below.

 

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

 

See this link for more info.  I was able to upgrade my W8.1 PC to W10 a couple of months ago.

 

https://www.zdnet.com/article/heres-how-you-can-still-get-a-free-windows-10-upgrade

HP Recommended

Thank you very much Paul.....it worked perfectly

 

HP Recommended

You're very welcome.

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