HP Compaq nc6400 not working

[vinxen00]

My laptop has not been working. I wanted to factory reset since i don't know the login and i have tried f8 and f11 options but still no solution. i have run into windows error recovery multiple times and ran the repair but it keeps showing up. again i want to factory reset and not back up.

[IT_WinSec]

Hello @vinxen00 

Welcome to the HP Support Community.

Could you please take some pictures of what you do and showing the errors. Use your camera or smartphone and post them back here.

Do you have a readable COA sticker of WIndows similar to this one (do not take pictures of it)

[vinxen00]

Always stops here

This is what happens everytime i turn it on. It allows me to set up repair but it always fails and it restarts, it never lets me run windows normally. I do not have a spare CD or floppy disk so i cannot install anything. i also have the sticker

[IT_WinSec]

Thank you for the pictures. Based on the description and the pictures, I can conclude the recovery partition is corrupt.

• Let me know if you have a Windows 7 COA sticker attached at the bottom of the PC?
• Could you post your full HP product model and the product number (p/n) - here is how to find it >> http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c00033108
• do not post serial number (s/n)
• Could you test your hardware for problems to rule out hardware issues - use the F2 options (run in test, may be) - here are instructions >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JXUp43ahHA

Looking forward to your reply,

[vinxen00]

I have 2 COA stickers. 1 with refurbished PC and other is original. I have tried the power on and ESC method but it just keeps repeating the HP logo on startup. I am able to run HDD Self Test from Computer Setup, i have started it already.

[vinxen00]

Here is the test results

[IT_WinSec]

Thank you. The hardware is OK and it's all about software problem with the recovery partition. If you want to reinstall Windows,

you have 2 options now to restore the device to factory default settings (reimage the PC) :

-1- use HP original recovery media (official method, costs around 27-30$, slightly easier to perform/use)

or

-2- perform clean installation of Windows 7 (unofficial method, may be free of chrage, slightly more difficult to perform for an end user)

Here are details:

-1-

You can purchase original HP recovery media from here >> http://www.computersurgeons.com/p-18493-recovery-kit-for-hpcompaq-model-number-hp-compaq-nc6420-note...

It includes installation media (CD/DVD)

Once you receive it, insert the first disc  from the set and boot from it (F9). Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

If you use it, it will restore the PC to factory default condition - install Windows, drivers, certain preinstalled apps, etc...

If you decide to choose the official way, here are instructions how to use the recovery media

>> http://hp.dezide.com/ts/start.jsp?guide=HPSystemRecovery.net&section=ccweb&sfs=tdoc&lc=en&language=e...

! Note - I am not sure if your PC originally comes with WIndows 7. Probably not. Therefore, the original recovery media may include even older Windows (e.g. XP ?) 

or

-2-

If you do not want to pay the small sum, there is one additional way (unofficial way). You can use this free utility to reinstall Windows 7 for free and register it using the code from the COA sticker

>> https://www.heidoc.net/php/Windows%20ISO%20Downloader.exe

>> https://www.heidoc.net/joomla/technology-science/microsoft/67-microsoft-windows-and-office-iso-downl...

The tool will download ISO images from Microsoft and has lots of options for many Windows versions including OEM. If you use it, be careful to select the correct Windows ISO for the OEM, x86 or x64 edition, Home/Pro/Ultimate, etc...

When download completes, you will need to write or "burn" the ISO image and boot from a bootable media. You need to use either 1 empty/blank USB pendrive (4 GB capacity or more)  OR  an empty/blank DVD disc (4.7 GB capacity)

** How to create bootable ISO on USB device >> http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop/create-a-usb-stick-on-windows

or

** How to write ISO to DVD >> http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop/burn-a-dvd-on-windows

 instructions are for Ubuntu, but you need to use the ISO image of Windows 7

When ready with the USB drive or with the DVD:

Please, shutdown the computer using the power button.

Insert the Windows USB thumdrive prepared previously

Power on the PC.

As soon as you press the power-on button, start hitting the Esc button repeatedly (like tap-tap-tap).

This should open a HP Startup Menu

Choose F9 to open Boot options. Select the USB thumb drive or the DVD as a boot option.

- Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 7. Perform clean installation/custom installation (not repair).

Delete all existing partitions and install Windows on Disc 0 Unallocated space

If asked, enter the Windows 7 licence code from the COA sticker for Win 7.

- After successful Windows installation, install drivers taken from HP web site

- Make sure Windows is Activated by going to Start > Control Panel > System

Let me know if this helps. Provide your feedback/update and let me know if you face difficulties