Can't Download Factory Image

[Ollie1949]

I need to replace the hard drive and also upgrade from Windows 10 Home Edition to a fresh version of Windows 11.  My approach is to download the Cloud Recovery Tool from the Windows Store, Create a recovery USB device, replace the drive, use the recovery USB to reimage the new drive with Windows 10 and then upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11.  When I go to run the cloud recovery tool it tells me "Product ID does not match or is INVALID, Please contact HP Support".  The product ID used is "3WF11UA#ABA" which is verified both on the back of the laptop as well as within the Bios setup.  What are my options for obtaining a usable replacement image for this laptop?

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

The reason the HP cloud recovery tool does not recognize your PC as supported is because HP withdraws support for the HP cloud recovery tool when the notebook reaches 5 years of age.

You have two options:

1. Clean install W10 by making a bootable USB installation flash drive with the Media creation tool:

Download Windows 10

After W10 has completed installing, you can install the drivers and available software from your notebook's support page.

HP ENVY - 17m-bw0013dx Software and Driver Downloads | HP® Support

2. Your other option would be to purchase a recovery image kit from this vendor at the link below:

Computer Surgeons - Windows 10 Home Advanced & W - 64 Recovery Kit Part Number L49870-001 For ENVY L...

[Ollie1949]

Thank You for a Timely Response!!!

Concerning Option #1, If I download Windows 10 from the Microsoft site, create a USB install device and install Windows 10, will the original windows activation key that worked with the HP image of Windows 10 also work with the version of Windows that is being created from the newly installed image of Windows 10 from the Microsoft site -or- will I need to purchase another fresh copy of Windows 10 or 11 in order to get a usable activation key?  I realize the activation key can be obtained from either the Registry or from a Dos command and since it is currently using the OS that was delivered by HP that it will probably reside in the registry.  --Thank You

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome. 

Actually, the Windows product key is encrypted in the BIOS and you don't need the product key to reinstall Windows.

Windows will automatically pick up the product key in the BIOS, install and then activate after your notebook is connected to the internet. 

[Ollie1949]

So can I correctly assume the key (within the BIOS) used by HP when they built the system will also work with Windows 10 when I download it and install from the Microsoft site?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

That is correct. 

[Ollie1949]

Thank You!!!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime. 

Glad to have been of assistance.