Solving Error Code = FFFFFF 18

[tzico]

When running the Restore.exe file that was created using HP Recovery USB stick when I had to do a full windows reinstallation, I get this error: "Recovery Manager failed. Error code = FFFFFF 18"

Please assist as I have vital files that I need to recover.

Win 10

Spectre x360

Thanks

[sandytechy20]

@tzico

Welcome to the HP support community.

How was the reset attempted, did you make use of the HP Recovery partition (F11) or did you use the HP recovery media? 
If you don't have an HP Recovery media and have attempted reset using the windows troubleshooter or a retail copy of windows, you'll need to order a recovery media: Click here for steps.

Or you may also attempt to download the same using the steps on this link: click here

For details on how to perform a successful reset: click here

I hope that helps.

To thank me for my efforts to help you, please mark my post as an accepted solution so that it benefits several others.

Cheers.

[tzico]

I completed the reset using the HP Recovery media (USB). During the early stages of the reset process, the recovery created a backup file stored on a different USB.

After the new Windows was installed and all the updates downloaded, I tried to use the backup USB to restore all my files. At this point, the HP Recovery Manager failed (after choosing the location where to copy the backup files) showing error FFFFFF 18.

I need to find a way o recover all my files, this is the reason I created the backup. I found very troubling that HP not only doesn't answer to my specific question regarding this error code, but it doesn't even provide a contact number where I could talk with a technical service person.

I have 5 HP products in my home, but if the customer technical service is proven to be as bad as it looks right now, no other HP will ever be in my views.

[sandytechy20]

@tzico

Try the steps mentioned in this HP document:- Click here

Let me know how it goes.

To thank me for my efforts to help you, please mark my post as an accepted solution so that it benefits several others.

Cheers.

[tzico]

After I completed the HP Recovery Manager backup operation, a folder named "Backup_2020-07-22 131818" (not MINWINPC) was created on the USB storage device.

I followed steps 1 and 5 from the document you mentioned (my executable file is called Restore.exe), after which I received the error message "HP Recovery Failed. Error Code = FFFFFF18".

Because there is a specific error code, it should be a specific reason why appears, and therefore a solution. Please provide it.

[sandytechy20]

@tzico

This might require one on one interaction to fix the issue.

I request you to talk to HP support.

They might have multiple options to help you with this.

1. Click on this link - https://support.hp.com/us-en/contact-hp?openCLC=true
2. Select the country.
3. Enter the serial of your device.
4. Select the country from the drop-down.
5. Click on "Show Options".
6. Fill the web-form. A case number and phone number will now populate for you.

I hope that helps.

To thank me for my efforts to help you, please mark my post as an accepted solution so that it benefits several others.

Cheers.

[tzico]

After completing steps 2 and 3 (selecting Canada and entering the laptop serial number) at the link you provided in step 1, I got to a webpage that doesn't have any of the options from your steps 4 to 6.

Don't have enough words to express my frustration with HP, this laptop is definitely the last product that I will ever purchase from this brand.