System would not recognize my external hard drive for system recovery

[Doug30]

The other day I had tp perform a fresh install using HP Installation DVDS because the system would not recognize my external hard drive that I had partioned and formatted for a system image recovery in the event my system crashed. I even went to the HP website where HP performed the system image onto the hard drive. I am running the F.45 Bios, version 1709 Build 16299.248 and everything is updated since I keep updates on autoamatic.  The external is a WD Passport 1T so I know its compatible. HP formatted 32G in FAT and the rest in NTFS where I store the vast majority of my files so I am trying to understand what went wrong for future case. I even tried using a ISO dvd, didnt work so I was forced to start from scratch.  Since updating to the Creator ed. I have lost the full Recovery Manager with many options and am afforded only a bare bones Recovery Manager today. Any suggestions or comments on how to properly set up from BIOS on down ? I thought I had a basic concept on how to accomplish this task yet given the results it appears I am incorrect. Does the HP creation tool include the drivers with the system image, I assumed it would ? I know Microsoft only includes WIndows only.... Sooo. I guess my questions are these: #1 Why wouldnt the system not recognize my system image # 2 what is the policy on setting up the system in the event this type of action is required from BIOS on down ?  #3 Is there a specfic command prompt to use in the event the system does this again to get the system to recognize either a external h.d. ?  Having purchase the 3 pack dvd from HP which one would contain the drivers list or is there a way I can copy just the drivers list and save it for future use ? The blue screen I can only assume was due to a drivers issue...

Thanks for any assistance and now my computer isnt down I can respond in timely manner. 

[jorkki]

Most of the time you would want to have an image of a fully installed and running system instead of starting from the factory installed state.

You can achieve this even with free versions of some good backup softwares. E.g. Paragon Hard Disk Manager 16 Basic or Macrium Reflect 7 Free allow you to make a bootable USB stick which you can use to boot your laptop and take a full image backup of the current state. If it comes to the worst you can then boot with the stick and restore the system to the state it was at the time of the backup.

You can even make your WD Passport bootable with e.g. the free Rufus program and a few tricks but the USB stick method is more straightforward.

Do NOT use the Windows 7 Backup that comes with Windows 10 to make the full backup. You can make the backups just fine but if you would ever need to restore you are very often out of luck. Google for example for error 0x80042302

[CherylG · Accepted solution]

@Doug30

I'm a bit confused by the statement-  "I even went to the HP website where HP performed the system image onto the hard drive." Do you mean you were helped by a Support Agent?

HP creation tool  creates a set of Recovery Media similiar to what you purchased from HP. If you used it to create the backup image on external hdd it is not going to boot from it.

Your drivers are all in a folder- C:\SwSetup. You can copy the entire folder to external hdd for later use if needed.

[Doug30]

Thank You ! Kudos !

[CherylG]

@Doug30

You're very welcome. Just realized you asked about limited functionality of HP Recovery Manager after updating to Win 10  Creator. There should be an update for Recovery Manager that restores full function- on your Support page with drivers/software. If you don't know how to find your Support page we will need more info.

What is the full Model or Product number of your laptop?

https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c00033108

[Doug30]

I apologize I should  have been more clear - yes I used the HP assistant in making system image and after reviewing your article as well as another I can cleary see that I was at fault for the mishap so I have purchaed another USB just for this occassion if it should rise again. 

Thank you for your time and direction, as always it vey enlighting !

Thanks and Kuods 1

[Doug30]

Hi Cheryl,

Sorry for the late post - I went on vacation for 10 days and left the electronics behind and refused to even open my emails. To answer your questions briefly - this unit is a HP Pavilion 15 ab 153nr - I found the updated Recovery Manager under programs for Windows proviiding all the great options as previously held.  The reason from my understanding as it was explained to me - you cant use a external hard drive as system recovery in the sense its not "bootable" as a flash drive can be. I purchased a WD My Passport 1TB to keep all my files and data on to preserve the operting system just for that purpose - operating the system but I was not aware that it couldnt be made bootable so I simply purchase a new USB just for that reason. I like this unit, its defintely not a high end unit nor is it at the bottom of the pack. I have some serious hardware at work so I keep this one for the odds and ends... Thanks again... Yes a vacation with no work has a way of bringing us back to life and I wasnt going to neglect you after all you have done.. Cheryl Kudos !!

Doug30

[jorkki]

And FYI you can easily make an external drive bootable with the help of e.g. the Rufus program. Just transfer a bootable .iso image on it

[Doug30]

Yes Thank you, you are totally correcf ! I actually purchased another HP Pavilion the other day and in my plight to not repeat the same issue I came here to this forum and found the same information and have RUFUS downloaded and ready - question I will pose is this - on the number of paases what would be ?

Also update BIOS so will let you know - have a good weekend ! Kudos