Recover my system using D:\preload\*.* files.

[Stratos4x]

Hi, I have lost the C: partition after a failed system restore. Fortunately I saved all the files existing in the "D:\preload\" folder from the recovery partition.  There are one "BUILD.WIM" and the rest are named "Install*.SWM" : Files I have from the recovery partition.Is there a way to restore the system using these files? Hope you can help me. Thanks in advance!!!  

[CherylG]

Are the files still in the D partition? If so have you tried booting into it to reinstall? Tap away on the Esc key immediately after powering on. This should open a menu where F11 is a choice. Tap F11 to see if it boots to recovery partition. On the Choose an Option screen, click Troubleshoot. On the Troubleshoot screen, click Recovery Manager.

[CherylG · Accepted solution]

Your Windows 10 license key is embedded in BIOS and you can reinstall Windows without HP Recovery. Microsoft provides the free Media Creation Tool to download files and create a Windows 10 usb flash drive.Advantage is you will have latest updated version of Windows 10. At least 8gb flash drive required:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

Select Download tool now,save it,then Run.
If you agree to the license terms, select Accept.
On the What do you want to do? page, select Create installation media for another PC, and then select Next.
Select the language, edition, and architecture (64-bit) for Windows 10.
The Guide here shows the steps.Pay attention to Step 5 since you will be using another pc:
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2376-create-bootable-usb-flash-drive-install-windows-10-a.html
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When the flash drive is prepared insert it in a usb port. Power on the laptop and immediately start tapping Esc key. From the menu tap F9 key and use the arrow keys to move to and select usb. Tap Enter key.
When installing and you go through first few screens- choose Custom and select each partition and delete each (if you have more than one).Install on the unallocated space left from that process.Continue with installation.It should pickup the key from BIOS but if it asks at any point just choose "I don't have a key". It will continue and should activate once you are online.