Can't Reinstall Windows 10

[KevinInDK]

Have an interesting question. My mother's laptop (N5Y58UW#ABL)  just up and quit one day and when I tried to restart it ended up with a BSOD and Error 0xc0000225.  I can't get to the recovery screen (just returns to BSOD), and it won't even acknowledge that the flash drive I created to reinstall Windows is even present (Yes, I've turned off Secure boot and turned on Legacy). I've tried installing a new SSD - same results, so unlikely an issue with the drive.

Interesting side note: I have managed to install Linux Mint onto the new SSD without any problem and it boots/runs fine (for Linux anyway  😛 )

The only thing I can think of is since the laptop came with Windows 10 preinstalled, might there be an HP version of Windows that needs to be re-installed (all others will be spat back out)?  If so, where might I get that version?

Any assistance the 'big brains' of the community could provide would be appreciated.

[Max3Aj]

@KevinInDK, Hello and welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for posting your question. I'm here to help you get things back on track.

You've done a great job troubleshooting so far, and it's great to hear that Linux Mint installs and runs fine, that confirms the hardware is functional.

Here's how you can proceed to reinstall Windows 10 successfully:

Step 1: Fix USB Boot Detection

Even with Secure Boot disabled and Legacy enabled, some HP laptops may still not detect bootable USB drives due to BIOS settings or USB formatting issues. Please try the following:

1. Enter BIOS Setup:
   • Power on the laptop and repeatedly press ESC or F10 to enter BIOS.
2. Disable Secure Boot:
   • Go to the Security tab and set Secure Boot to Disabled.
3. Enable Legacy Boot:
   • Under the Boot tab, enable Legacy Support.
4. Set USB as First Boot Device:
   • Adjust the boot order so the USB drive is listed first.
5. Format USB Correctly:
   • Use Rufus to create the bootable USB:
     • Partition scheme: MBR
     • File system: FAT32
     • Target system: BIOS or UEFI-CSM

Step 2: Use HP Cloud Recovery Tool (Recommended)

Since your laptop came with Windows 10 preinstalled, HP provides a tool to download the original recovery image:

1. Download the HP Cloud Recovery Tool:
   • From Microsoft Store: HP Cloud Recovery Tool
2. Run the Tool:
   • Use a working Windows PC to run the tool.
   • Insert a blank USB drive (minimum 32 GB).
   • Follow the prompts to download and create the recovery media.
   • If you're using a different PC, check the box "I need to enter Product ID" and enter N5Y58UW#ABL.

HP Consumer PCs - Using the HP Cloud Recovery Tool in Windows 11 and 10 | HP® Support

Step 3: Boot and Install Windows

Once the recovery USB is ready:

1. Insert it into the laptop.
2. Power on and press ESC, then F9 to access the boot menu.
3. Select the USB drive and follow on-screen instructions to reinstall Windows.

 FAQ

Do I need a product key?
No. Windows 10 will auto-activate using the embedded key in BIOS once connected to the internet.

Can I use Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool instead?
Yes, but HP-specific drivers and recovery tools may not be included. The Cloud Recovery Tool is preferred for factory image restoration.

I hope the information shared has been useful and resolves your concern.

Wishing you a smooth and hassle-free experience ahead!

If this solution helped, please click “Accepted Solution” so others can benefit too. Don’t forget to hit the “Yes” button if you found this helpful!

Warm regards,

Max3Aj

HP Support

[KevinInDK]

Hi @Max3Aj

Thank you for your quick reply. I tried your solution and got as far as the "Entering the Product  ID" step and received the following error... 

Note: I tried using both the ID you provided in your reply, and the one I read right off the laptop itself (and confirmed with F1 - System Information) and both gave the same error.

I tried going to the link you provided relating to the Cloud Recovery tool, and when I entered the Product IDs there they both yielded the following error(?) ...

Sadly I am once again turning to you / the community for support.  Thanking you all in advance for your assistance. Again.

K

[Max3Aj]

@KevinInDK, Thank you for your response. 

Please recheck the product ID for (U and V and 8 and B) and try once. 

Keep us posted. 

Regards, 
Max3Aj

[KevinInDK]

Hi again,

Triple checked the Product ID - I snapped a picture of the service tag in the battery compartment then blew it up, AND I checked System Information (F1) at start-up, both give the same number - N5Y58UA#ABL  (I just mistyped it in the original post).  Yet I keep getting the same error, see screenshot of service tag and error message from today below:

 

FYI: I've tried with and w/o the "#ABL" (as the HP Find your Product search seems to omit it) and get the same results.

I did an internet search using "HP Product ID N5Y58UA#ABL" and AI does return information on my laptop ...

 

so I'm at a loss as to where the glitch is.

[Max3Aj]

@KevinInDK, Thank you for your response,  

I'm sending a private message to assist you with the next action. 

  

Please check your Private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Community profile Next, to your profile Name, you should see a little blue envelope, please click on it or simply click on this link. 

  

I hope this helps! Keep me posted. 

  

Max3Aj

HP Support