Download HP Recovery Manager

[pokemonfan13]

A while ago I had trouble with my hard drive, and the place that fixed it didn't reinstall all of the HP software.  I recently got a new computer and want to do a factory reset on this one before giving it to a friend, but I don't seem to have HP Recovery Manager.  I'm finding mixed messages about if I can get it or not, with people on this forum complaining about having to pay $30 for it, but the software page for this computer has two Recovery Managers theoretically available for download. ( https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/selfservice/hp-pavilion-dv6-1300-entertainment-notebook-pc-seri... )

If it does cost money to get a new one, I'm going to be pissed.  It's not my fault that the computer's hard drive failed and the HP certified place I had it fixed didn't reinstall everything.  (And if it does cost money, I'm for sure going to get on their case and see if I can get them to provide me with a copy)

[CherylG]

HP Recovery Manager download works with the files in your Recovery partition. Sounds like the "HP certified place" didn't use HP Recovery Discs  to do the repair/install since all programs weren't installed and Recovery Manager is now missing-and presumably no Recovery partition..

I assume you never made your Recovery Discs using HP Recovery Manager before the hdd failed? Not going to cost you anything because HP doesn't stock them now-ordering link would be in your driver/software list.

 Maybe the repair shop can give you a copy of Windows 7 they used to install. Then you can go to your Support page and download drivers/software. I hope the Windows 7 license key is still legible on the label attached to bottom of laptop? I always covered mine with clear tape to protect it.

[pokemonfan13]

I didn't know anything about recovery disks when I got this laptop, although I should probably ask mom and make sure she didn't make one.   What I assume is the license key is definitely illegible.  I'll be sure to put tape over it on my new one.

Guess it's time to complain to the guys who "fixed" this computer...

[CherylG]

@pokemonfan13

Good idea to check with your mom. Usually a popup will remind you to make Recovery Discs soon after setting a new machine up. She may have made the set and put it away.

I would definitely check with the shop and find out how they installed Windows on the new hard drive. My guess would be a plain Windows 7 dvd. The key may have still been legible when they repaired it.

 On the newer laptops the license key is embedded in BIOS so no need for tape. 🙂

[pokemonfan13]

Well, I now know why they didn't use the HP materials when they replaced the hard drive.  Apparently it "never works", so they don't even try anymore...

Thanks for your help, it sounds like I'm basically SOL on the idea of being able to do a factory reset on this machine.