How do I recovery media for CQ56 windows 10K

[79rotorhead]

I have a compaq presario cq-5611dx notebook.  It came installed with 64 Bit Windows 10.   How do I order recovery software for this notebook?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Your notebook originally came with W7 from HP.

If you need to reinstall W10 you can do so by:

Downloading the W10 ISO file using the media creation tool below.  Then use the Microsoft ISO to USB or DVD tool that is linked on the below page.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

When you get to the part during the W10 installation process where you are asked to enter a product key, you select the other option...'I don't have a product key,' and Windows 10 will install and automatically activate once you are reconnected to the internet.

[79rotorhead]

It came with Windows 10.  I believe I need recovery software.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

No CQ 56 notebook PC originally came with W10.

If you bought it with W10, then you bought it used, and the previous owner put W10 on it.

CQ-56's either came with Vista or W7, depending on the specific model #.

HP no longer sells recovery media for the CQ 56 model series.

There is no such notebook as a cq-5611dx.

Use this guide for how to find the model number/product number of your notebook.

http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c00033108/

If you indeed have a CQ 56 notebook, I have given you the directions for how to reinstall W10 on it.

If you want to order Vista or W7 recovery disks, this non-HP vendor may still have them.

You must know the product number of your notebook to order the correct set of disks.

http://www.computersurgeons.com/

[79rotorhead]

OK, in trying to id the Key code, I found it on the bottom of the computer and, sure enought, it came with Windows 7.  I guess I upgraded it at some time.  It is too slow, so I would like to reinstall 7, so I will try your solution.

[79rotorhead]

And you are correct. It's a CQ56-115DX.  guess I mistyped. 

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

It looks like the Computer Surgeons still sells that recovery disk kit.

http://www.computersurgeons.com/p-21803-windows-7-64b-recovery-kit-630321-001-for-compaq-presario-no...

Another alternative would be if you can still read all of the 25 characters on the W7 product key sticker, you can make your own plain W7 installation media.

This site claims to have genuine, unadulterated W7 ISO files for download...

https://www.heidoc.net/joomla/technology-science/microsoft/67-microsoft-windows-iso-download-tool

Click on the link labeled Windows ISO Downloader.exe

You can use either the:

 Win 7 Home SP1 or the (Retail version, but the  OEM key on your PC's case will work with it)

 Win 7 Home SP1 COEM (This version would be for what HP would have used--System Builder)

N is for European Union (EU) countries.

K is for South Korean markets.

Then you can use this tool to transfer the file to a 4 GB USB flash drive or a DVD.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/windows-usb-dvd-download-tool

[79rotorhead]

Thank you.  This is great information.   I can read all of the W7 Product Key, so I will go that route.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.