How do I reformat entire computer?

[lbeck02]

Using advice from another forum I have messed up my HP Pavilion dv6.  My initial objective was to reformat the entire computer and reinstall Windows 10.  I don't want to keep my programs or data.  I'd like to revert the computer to how it came out of the box.

What I now have is:

• All of my Hard drive partitions have een changed from basic to dynamic.
• My partitions system, recovery, HP tools have different drive letters.
• My programs are gone except those installed with W10
• My data has been moved from their original location (Documents, Pictures, etc) to the root C:\.

How can I accomplish my initial objective of reverting to out-of-the-box state?  I suspect this also involves changing my HDD from dynamic to basic.

Thanks.

[IT_WinSec]

Hello @lbeck02

Welcome to the HP Support Community.

In order to recover your system now and kind of restore it back to factory default condition, you have 2 options :

• 1st option - official solution - use HP Recovery USB drive or recovery DVD set to restore the PC as it was (factory default condition) - your original OS might not be Windows 10
• 2nd option - unofficial option - use Windows Media Creation tool to create Windows 10 installation media, reinstall Windows 10 on your own, reinstall drivers and apps.

• The 1st option is official and easier from an end user perspective. This USB costs about 30 USD. However, if the PC model is too old, such a media might not be available.
• The 2nd option may take more time, is a bit harder from end user (average Joe) perspective but is almost free

If you decide to go with the 1st option:

- post your full HP product model and product number (p/n). Serial number (s/n) is not needed. Here is how to find the information >> http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c00033108

- Once I have this info, I will research if such a media is available and will post back.

- once you order and receive the USB drive or the DVD set , plug it into the PC or insert the 1st DVD

- start the PC and go to boot options (F9)

- follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows, drives, preinstalled apps and it should be fine

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

If you decide to go with the 2nd option:

Here are instructions how to clean install/reinstall Windows 10:

Video reference >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAvFm52IjI4

Windows reinstallation / clean installation :

- You can directly download Windows 10 ISO from MS site or download >> Media creation tool from Microsoft site, create installation DVD or installation USB  and  proceed with clean installation/reinstallation.

Download:

>> https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10ISO

Make sure you select the proper version (64 bit / Home or Pro) if asked.

Media Creation tool will always provide you with the latest Windows version/build - now 1809.

- When download completes, you will need to write  the ISO image and boot from a bootable media. You will need a blank USB pendrive (min 4 GB capacity). Use the Media Creation tool.

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 as a boot option.

- Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 10. Perform clean installation/custom installation (not repair).

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

- After successful Windows installation, install drivers taken from HP web site or via Windows Update/Device Manager >> http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c03330139

- Make sure Windows is Activated by going to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Activation

- You might want to stop some of the Windows Telemetry by using free tools such as Spybot AntiBeacon or DWS Lite

Hope this helps. Let me know how it goes

[lbeck02]

Thanks for the expert information! Actually, I have performed the actions precisely as shown in the YouTube video. This has resulted in the installation that I currently have.

 Prior to doing the actions prescribed in the video, I did several other things that may be problematic. One thing that I did inadvertently, apparently by clicking an incorrect choice, is that I have converted my disk to Dynamic rather than basic. The first thing I would like to do, is to convert my disc back to basic. This is why I am hoping to revert my computer back to out - of - the - box status.

After I get over this first hurdle, I'll be in an area that I'm more familiar with. I believe then I can delete all partitions and the information that they contain. Then I'm assuming that I can do the steps shown in the video to get windows installed.

I I am aware that there are several software packages that can convert Dynamic to basic, but only the paid versions. I hate to pay 40 or $50 just to perform this one function. Do you know of a free way to convert my disk back to basic?