Created recovery media-but it failed; Can't retry

[dibble_999]

The original HDD has issues. With the originally installed OS and my applications and files it would not complete a CHKDSK /R.

Using Macrium Reflect I could not image or clone the C partition. It kept failing due to disk i/o errors. I was able to back up my user account and other important docs to a USB drive. So, no real data loss.

I ordered a new HDD and prepared to make recovery discs and move everything over.

However, during the Create Reovery Discs process (I was using Flash media--not discs), a message popped up saying that creating recovery media failed.

The flash drive was 64gb, brand new out of the package. After the recovery creation attempt the flash drive was empty. No files had been written. So, I attempted to make recovery discs instead. But, now when I launch the media creator app I get the message "Recovery media has already been created for this computer. You can only do this once" ( I paraphrased...but basically--ya it won't let me try to create them again).

So, I'm stuck. At this point I just want to install Windows 7 home premium (that shipped with the computer) and get all the device drivers installed. I have the HP product key on the bottom of the laptop. But, no way to install the OS.

What do I do now?

[lasvegaswireman · Accepted solution]

If you didn't create your HP Recovery Media when you first setup your computer and waited until it the hard drive started to fail, it is likely that the recovery image was damaged and resulted in the failure you see. Because the computer is six years old, HP no longer sells recovery media for this model. Please see ComputerSurgeons.com Set #: 616567-002 for HP Recovery Discs for you computer.

If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

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[Verki1]

First, you need create a system backup image by Windows Disk Management, and then, it will remind you to create a recovery disk. Follow the steps to finish it. Or, you can find a third party software such as AOMEI Backupper to help you create recovery media.