Formatting an HP notebook

[TI33]

Good morning,

I have an HP model: HP 256 G8 / SN: BRM3498JB5
I need to format this notebook using a bootable USB drive, 
but the partitions don't appear so they can be formatted. 
Where do I enable the option to make the partitions visible so they can be formatted and new partitions 
installed?

[Venom21]

To make partitions visible during formatting from a bootable USB (likely Windows installer), load the Intel Rapid Storage Technology (RST) driver at the "Where do you want to install Windows?" screen, as this model uses Intel storage controllers not natively detected by Windows setup. IRST driver should be available on hp driver page of your laptop. Get that and extract it in your bootable USB. 

Then to Load Storage Driver: 

In Windows Setup, when no drives/partitions show:

- Click Load driver > Browse to your USB.

- Select the compatible Intel RST driver folder (e.g., iaStorAC.inf); partitions will appear.

Format and install as needed.  I just suggest to delete windows driver and it's partition then install windows on unallocated space.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, @TI33 

Since all of the Intel storage controller drivers are in exe format, you need to extract the exe file into its driver folder.

I have done that work for you below and attached the driver file that should allow Windows to find the drive.

Another option is to use the HP cloud recovery tool to create a bootable USB recovery drive to restore the HP factory software image.

Here is an info link for how to use the utility:

Computadores domésticos HP – Uso da ferramenta HP Cloud Recovery no Windows 11 e no Windows 10 | Sup...

[TI33]

Good afternoon.
Thank you for your reply and for the suggestion, but the solution you proposed did not work.
I followed the procedure correctly, downloaded the file and extracted it to the USB drive; however, when running it, an error occurs while installing the driver. I am attaching an image showing the issue.

The second option, using the recovery tool, also did not work because the software is unable to identify the product ID.

Note: This notebook came with Windows preinstalled and was formatted to Linux, but when trying to return to Windows we are unable to see the partitions to format them.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

The storage controller drivers should have worked so I wouldn't be able to help you with that.

The cloud recovery tool issue...you have to also enter the # sign and 3 characters that appear after the 7-character product number.

For example:  78L98LA#AC4, or whatever the 3 characters to the right of the # sign are.

[TI33]

I also tried using the tool, however it resulted in an error.
Please find the photo below.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Unfortunately, I won't be able to help you any further.

The drivers I gave you should have worked and the product number you posted is not supported.

I checked it in the cloud recovery tool's website.

Cloud Recovery

I don't understand why your notebook is not supported because according to the serial number you posted, it came with W11 Home single language.

I suggest you take the PC to your local repair shop and see if they can install W11 for you.