Can't get to Factory Reset

[loopygram]

Sorry I can't find the name such as Pavillion or whatever.  I used my magnifying glass even and it isn't on the back or anywhere else that I can find. I did get the model number though.

I want to set the laptop to factory settings.  Here is the problem....I can't get to anything from my desktop.  When I turn it on, it boots to the desktop but only shows the wallpaper and about 3 icons on the taskbar, such as start, search and one other.  I can't get to any of them because as soon as the cursor touches the taskbar it turns to an hourglass.  The desktop is bare except for the wallpaper. The only thing I can open is the task manager but I can't shut anything down from there as I tried to stop Windows Explorer.  The whole desktop flickers like it's trying to redraw or something,  Any help in easy terms would be awesome and appreciated.

[WAWood]

@loopygram

Try the following ...

When rebooting, press the Esc key repeatedly -- until the PC beeps or until you see the Startup menu.

When the menu appears, one of the options will be a reset.  Select that option.

That should reboot the PC into the factory reset mode.

Good Luck

[loopygram]

Thanks WAWood.   I did get to the Recovery option and thank you.  The problem now is that I am getting an error code 0xc0000225 and it says 'You'll need to use recovery tools.  If you don't have any installation media like a disc or USB device' contact your PC/Device manufacturer. - Unfortunately that would be me. I also pressed the F8 key for startup options but it didn't go anywhere.

Yesterday I downloaded from Microsoft this MediaCreationTool1809.  I installed it to a flashdrive but don't know how to use it,  I had it in the laptop while I turned it on and used Esc to get into recovery but it didn't read anything from it.  Any more help for me?  Please?  I can follow instructions but not a techie.

Thanks for any help.  I really appreciate it.

Loopy

[WAWood]

@loopygram

The Media Creation Tool (MCT) is an App that MS provides so you can create your own Win10 install media.

You want this tool locally on your HDD, not on a USB stick.

When you run it, it will give you options about what you want to do -- Upgrade your PC, create install media, or download an ISO file.

Insert a large (8GB) USB stick and select the option to create install media.

It will take a while as it has to download about 4GB of files and write them to the USB stick.

Good Luck

[loopygram]

Ok thanks but I was following the instructions here https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

for putting it on a different computer.   The computer I am trying to restore to factory default is where I need it but I can only get to safe mode.  I somehow just want to get it back to factory settings so am looking at trying anything and everything.  When I pressed esc I could get to recovery but that was as far as I could get.  It returned an error so thinking this laptop is now a paper weight and it's not that old.  Maybe 2 years.  This is so frustrating.  I'm 73 so this stuff doesn't just come as easy as it once did...lol

Any other help much appreciated.

[WAWood · Accepted solution]

@loopygram

Only HP files can get a PC back to factory settings; using install media from MS will not do that.

Those files are stored in a Recovery partition on the hard drive of the HP PC.  If those become damaged or corrupted, they can not be used for a factory reset.

In that case, the only recourse then is to order something known as HP Recovery Media:

HP Recovery Media is a set of DVDs and a CD, or USB stick, that will erase the hard drive (removing all data, settings, and applications, reinstall the original OS, drivers, and some HP Utilities.
In some cases, you may be able to order a USB stick instead of disks. You have to order these from HP; they can not be downloaded.
You can look online for Recovery Media starting with the linked paged: http://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers
Once there, input your Product name or number. On your Software and Drivers Download page, select your Operating System and and Version. Click "Update". If HP Recovery Media is available for your machine, down near the bottom of the page, you will see an entry for Order Recovery Media-CD/DVD/USB. Click the "+" symbol to expand that entry and click on Order Media for details.
Or, if you prefer, you can do the same by contacting HP Customer Service:
If you live in the US or Canada, contact information is on this page: http://www8.hp.com/us/en/contact-hp/phone-assist.html#section1
If you live elsewhere, contact information is on this page: http://www8.hp.com/us/en/contact-hp/ww-contact-us.html
NOTE: After you get through, stay on the line until you are finally able to talk to some one -- it can take a while!
If you have trouble finding a phone number, then try: 1 (800)474-6836
If HP no longer provides Recovery Media for your model, another site you can check is: http://www.computersurgeons.com
When you get the media, if it is a USB stick, insert it into your PC, pressing F9 to get a Boot menu, then select the External USB Hard Drive to boot from it.

[loopygram]

I just wanted to thank you for your time explaining things to me.  All is well.  I had a friend visit over the weekend and he helped me do what I needed to do and all is well.  Appreciate your time very much.

Regards

Loopy