HP Envy running unbearably slow and buggy. How do use my recovery drive?

[Geecee49]

My notebook is so slow to boot up and is running unbearable slow.  Programs are sometimes reluctant to open and sometimes I get error messages. I've tried various things to optimise performance / check for errors but nothing has worked.  I don't have (and can't get) any recovery media but I do have a recovery drive.  Can anyone tell me how to use this and what will happen if I do?  

Many thanks

GC

[WAWood]

@Geecee49 

Sure -- the recovery function will remove EVERYTHING from your PC and force a clean reset -- which will take HOURS to do, and when you're done, you'll be locked into Windows Updates for HOURS.  So no, do NOT force a reset.

This issue is often due to a failing drive. So, let's check that first, because if it is failing, it would need to be replaced and there is no point then in doing anything else until we confirm that.

If your PC is new enough to support UEFI, you can use these steps to test the hard drive: http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c00439024

If not, to check the drive you have to follow these steps:
1) Press Esc key repeatedly, several times a second, while rebooting the laptop. Do NOT hold the key down, just press it over and over.
2) Eventually, you will see an HP Startup Menu
3) Press the Function key for testing the hard drive (usually F2) and let it run.
If the drive checks out OK, then report that and I can provide you options for reinstalling Windows on your PC.

[Geecee49]

Thank you.  I ran the diagnostic and got this: Hard Drive Short DST Check: FAILED.  So it does look like it's a problem with the hard drive.  No idea what to do next?  Any suggestions very welcome.

GC

[WAWood · Accepted solution]

@Geecee49 

That error code means your disk drive is failing and needs to be replaced.

Once you have the replacement drive, read the information below about HP Could Recovery to be used to restore your PC to working condition:

If your PC is a 2016 model or newer, you should see if you can make a bootable USB recovery drive using the HP cloud recovery tool on a working PC. The recovery drive can then be used to install Win10 and the HP drivers and utilities that originally came with your PC. Here is the link: https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c06162205

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If the HP Cloud Recovery is not available or does not work, you may have to look into ordering HP Recovery Media -- which 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. 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 Support:
https://support.hp.com/us-en/contact-hp?openCLC=true