HP Split x2 recovery image is missing

[LaAngel67]

Hello, I am trying to reset my Hp Split to factory but the recovery drive is empty. Is there a place to download the recovery media? It has no CD drive, just an SD card and USB. It says my internet is limited and I can't even get online with it to troubleshoot through the HP website.

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

Recovery media was never available for download from HP for your notebook.

Here is a way you can reinstall W8.1 for free by using the W8 product key in your notebook's BIOS.

Install W8.1 by creating the Microsoft installation media, using another Windows PC, if yours is not working...You want W8.1 64 bit.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows8ISO

Use the free Rufus utility to transfer the ISO file to a USB flash drive so that it is bootable.

Rufus - Create bootable USB drives the easy way

Set up the Rufus menu as you see it in the illustration.

If you are asked to enter a product key during the installation process, use this generic key.

This is the generic key for W8.1 'Standard.'

334NH-RXG76-64THK-C7CKG-D3VPT

When you get to the screen that asks, 'Where do you want to install Windows,' delete every partition on the hard drive, leaving just one partition of unallocated space. Click Next, and W8.1 should begin to install.

If you had to enter the generic key, manually change the generic product key to the W8 key in your PC's BIOS in the PC settings menu.

After you get W8.1 installed, and you had to manually enter the W8.1 generic product key, you will need to run the free utility I zipped up and attached below, that will show you show the W8 product key in your PC's BIOS.

Then you can install the available drivers and software from your PC's support page.

HP Split 13-m010dx x2 PC Software and Driver Downloads | HP® Customer Support

Your other option would be to purchase recovery media from this vendor, since HP no longer sells it.

Computer Surgeons - Windows 8 64-bit (USB) Recovery Kit 739822-002 For HP Split x2 PC Model Number 1...

[LaAngel67]

Thank you, I will try your solution first.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

[LaAngel67]

After poking around on the laptop, it finally somehow let me restore to factory. But the Rufus would not recognize any of my flash/jump drives. I tried several of them. Anyhoo, thank you so much for your help and knowledge. I do have this saved for future reference. Have a blessed day!!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome. 

Glad you were able to restore your notebook. 

You have a blessed day too!

[LaAngel67]

Why is Rufus not recognizing any flash drives? I just went and bought a brand new 3.0 and still not working.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Unfortunately, I have no idea.

It works fine for me.

Try the Microsoft USB tool that I zipped up and attached below.