Hard Drive Replacement without Recovery Disk

[Toadman2]

I have my sister's HP G71 Laptop which has a faulty hard drive that needs to be replaced.  It will not boot into Windows 7.  She does not have a recovery disk for this PC and I have had no luck in finding one via the HP support website.  How do I go about getting the Hard Drive replaced AND recovering her operating system and files?  Thanks for your help!

[pritam2015]

Hi,
Unfortunately, hp does not provide hp recovery drive for your notebook and there is no way to recover your personal files. but you can recover windows 7 using the product key printed on back side of your notebook.
Just visit https://www.microsoft.com/en-in/software-download/windows7 and enter the product key to download windows 7 iso.
Use small tool named Rufus to create boot able USB drive.
Follow this quick guide if you need help https://techsimplifier.blogspot.in/2017/08/how-to-install-windows-what-is-clean.html?m=1

[Toadman2]

Sorry for the late response, but I really appreciate your help.  Unfortunately, when I enter the Product Key, I got this response:

Error

The product key you entered appears to be for software pre-installed by the device manufacturer. Please contact the device manufacturer for software recovery options.

When I go onto the HP website, it tells me the recovery kit for this model Laptop is not available.  

Not sure where to go now?  

[Toadman2]

Update:  I was able to find a recovery disk for $26.99 from this site [edit]and for lack of anywhere else to look or go, I ordered one.  I hope this takes care of the issue....Thanks

[Toadman2]

Update 2:  As of tonight, I got someone from Microsoft support and they were very helpful in getting me an .iso download of my version of Windows 7.  I now have the PC operational, but do not have all of the necessary drivers.  I am currently struggling with the network controller.  It says there is no driver installed, I am unable to identify which driver I need because via Device Manager, I cannot tell which controller I have.  There are several possibilities for downloading drivers, I just want to make sure I get the correct one.  Will keep you posted.

[pritam2015 · Accepted solution]

Hi
Visit https://support.hp.com/in-en/drivers to download latest drivers

[Toadman2]

I connected the problem PC to the internet via Ethernet and then went to the Hp Help site provided by you, at which time I was able to download the correct driver for my device.  Thank-you VERY much for all your support and assistance.  I am now back up and running, connected wirelessly to the internet.  My sister will be SO pleased!  Thanks Again!!

[bud22405]

The Microsoft download link you provide yields the following msg when I enter my product key:

Error

The product key you entered appears to be for software pre-installed by the device manufacturer. Please contact the device manufacturer for software recovery options.

So...what is HP's recommended way forward for my recovery?

[pritam2015]

which link?