Reimage Computer

[MsSyl]

My harddrive died and I had to replace it.  The problem is, my co-worker put Windows 10 on my laptop. I don't want the Win10. I have a copy of the original image from before the harddrive died which was Win7, but the laptop will not pick up the Win7 image. I know this is because the current OS is Win10.

How to I get the laptop to recognize the Win7 image so I can reimage it.

Someone please help me with this problem.

[IT_WinSec]

Hello @MsSyl

Welcome to the HP Support forum. Happy New Year !

If the recovery image has been created properly, I can only guide you how to use it (boot from it) properly.

If (for whatever reason) the recovery image hasn't been created properly or has gone corrupted, I could provide you with a workaround.

Insert the Windows USB thumdrive prepared previously or the Windows DVD1 drive (depending on how your recover image is created)

Please, shutdown the computer using the power button.

Power on the PC.

As soon as you press the power-on button, immediately 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 (or the DVD) as a boot option.

If the computer is capable to detect the USB/DVD and if it boots from it, you can use the recovery image you have - just follow the on-screen instructions.

By the way, do you have a Windows COA sticker attached to your PC (usually on the back or below the battery) , like this:

[MsSyl]

I tried what you asked and it didn't work. My laptop didn't acknowledge the image and then went to the normal profile. Also, I have the Windows COA sticker.

[CherylG]

This original image- how did you make it? For instance was it done using HP Recovery Manager to make backup Recovery Disks. Or was it made using Windows 7 builtin Imaging? Or another method?

[IT_WinSec]

If the recovery image you created is not recognized for whatever reason, you have 2 options now to restore the device to factory default settings (reimage the PC) :

-1- use HP original recovery media (official method, costs around 27-30$, slightly easier to perform/use)

or

-2- perform clean installation of Windows 7 (unofficial method, may be free of chrage, slightly more difficult to perform for an end user)

Here are details:

-1-

You can purchase original HP recovery media from here >> http://www.computersurgeons.com/p-21050-windows-7-64b-recovery-kit-616563-002-for-hp-pavilion-entert...

It includes 4 DVDs.

Once you receive it, insert the first DVD from the set and boot from it (F9). Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

If you use it, it will restore the PC to factory default condition - install Windows, drivers, certain preinstalled apps, etc...

If you decide to choose the official way, here are instructions how to use the recovery media

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

or

-2-

If you do not want to pay the small sum, there is one additional way (unofficial way). You can use this free utility

>> https://www.heidoc.net/php/Windows%20ISO%20Downloader.exe

>> https://www.heidoc.net/joomla/technology-science/microsoft/67-microsoft-windows-and-office-iso-downl...

The tool will download ISO images from Microsoft and has lots of options for many Windows versions including OEM. If you use it, be careful to select the correct Windows ISO for the OEM, x86 or x64 edition, Home/Pro/Ultimate, etc...

When download completes, you will need to write or "burn" the ISO image and boot from a bootable media. You need to use either 1 empty/blank USB pendrive (4 GB capacity or more)  OR  an empty/blank DVD disc (4.7 GB capacity)

** How to create bootable ISO on USB device >> http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop/create-a-usb-stick-on-windows

or

** How to write ISO to DVD >> http://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop/burn-a-dvd-on-windows

 instructions are for Ubuntu, but you need to use the ISO image of Windows 7

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 or the DVD as a boot option.

- Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 7. 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

- Make sure Windows is Activated by going to Start > Control Panel > System

Let me know if this helps. Provide your feedback/update and let me know if you face difficulties

[MsSyl]

I used Win7 builtin imaging. I think my problem is simply that Windows 10 was completely installed on to the new harddrive. Now Win10 will not recognize the Win7 image. I am going to have someone show me how to create a bootable USB with Win7 and then attempt to load the original image. I'll let you know how it works out.

[CherylG]

@MsSyl

With the System Image you also need a bootable System Repair Disc that could be created in the same location/window as the Image. Or you can boot with a Windows 7 dvd or usb and choose the Repair function. If you know someone with a Windows 7 machine use it to create a System Repair Disc.

This video shows how to use it to restore an Image.

https://youtu.be/GbVT4XQcB1A