Recovering windows

[andrewday]

I tried to recover my notebook as it won't boot.  It asked for the windows media disc which I don't have.  I can download one from Microsoft site for this notebook which is 64bit but was it Win 8 or 10, how do I find out without spoiling the notebooks chance of recovery.  It is currently Windows 10. I don't have any discs or licence label details anywhere including the battery tray.  Please help

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

The product specs page for your model indicate that it came with W8.1 from the factory.

https://support.hp.com/gb-en/document/c04536846

However, if you had previously upgraded the PC to W10, you can clean install W10 for free by using the Media creation tool at the link below.

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

You will be given the option to make a bootable USB installation file, or save an ISO file which you can later burn to a DVD using your DVD burner's burn ISO file option.

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

[andrewday]

Wow, that solves my problem. However is there any chance that this will fail.  Can I get the licence key/ assistance if this were to go wrong???

[Paul_Tikkanen]

The license key is embedded in the BIOS.

I am pretty sure that you will have no issue reinstalling W10 using the guidance I provided.

After you install W10, you can retrieve the W8.1 key by using the free utility I zipped up and attached below.

It won't work without a working operating system installed.

If you want W8.1 back on your notebook, you can purchase recovery media for your model from HP's e-Partner at the link below.

https://www.best2serve.com/page/rcd_hardware_related_products/?product_type_id=4&hardware_product_id...

[andrewday]

Thanks for all your help with this.  I found out that the HDD has failed and needs replacing, I have marked your first reply as the answer and will get one and follow your replies to recovery this laptop.  

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime.

Glad to have been of assistance.