My HP Envy on Windows 8.1 (64-bit) won't reset--needs a missing file

[BellevueMichael]

I want to donate my PC to charity but cannot reset it. Error message that I'm receiving when I go the proper route, logged into Windows already:

"Your PC needs to be repaired.

The application or operating system couldn't be loaded because a required file is missing or contains errors.

File: \windows\system32\winload.efi

Error code: 0xc0000001"

I don't know where my installation media are, so that isn't an option. It otherwise suggests I contact my PC manufacturer. I had also attempted this process while NOT being logged into Windows, via pressing F11 and such. That didn't work either.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

You would have to pay HP and order recovery media in order to factory reset the notebook if the internal factory reset option isn't working.

https://support.hp.com/us-en/mediaorder/HP-ENVY-TouchSmart-15-j000-Notebook-PC-series/5354987/model/...

I can give you a free way to clean install W8.1 by using the W8 product key in your notebook's BIOS.

Let me know if you want to pursue that option.

[BellevueMichael]

Thanks Paul! I contacted the local HP support location, a rep there called me back pretty quickly a few hours ago, and she may be able to coordinate with me on getting Windows 8.1 reinstalled. I'll get back to you if that doesn't work out. Appreciate the help!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

[BellevueMichael]

I am ready for that solution, kind Paul. How do I implement it / what are the steps?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Here's how 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

Only 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

If you had to enter the generic key, manually change the generic product key to the W8 'standard' 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.

I have also zipped up and attached below, the Microsoft tool which hopefully will transfer the ISO file to a DVD or usb flash drive so it is bootable.

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

https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/selfservice/HP-ENVY-TouchSmart-15-j000-Notebook-PC-series/53549...

[BellevueMichael]

Thanks. Seems like I may have some security exposures here though with which I wouldn't be comfortable. I appreciate the advice though.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Then your only other option would be to pay HP for the recovery media.

[BellevueMichael]

HP and Microsoft are therefore both foolish and self-involved, as companies unfortunately often are. All of this effort on my part is in the name of donating a perfectly good laptop computer to a child in need, who doesn't have such a device at home. I will just delete as much as I can manually, I guess: corporate America nonsense is not going to get in my way. Period. Thanks anyway/again, Paul.