Totally Reset Notebook Windows 10, drivers and HP software to factory after update killed my machine

[FlyingFish66]

Microsoft update killed my machine. Was able to reboot using Windows10 downloaded from Microsoft onto a stick but this did not come with any drivers or HP software. Windows10 now functions but most apps do not work properly, or are very slow at best. Hardware issues include SD card reader not functioning and the cooling fans not activating so the machine runs very hot. How do I completely wipe the Notebook and reset back to its state when purchased new ?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Your notebook is supported by the HP cloud recovery tool which you can use to create a bootable USB recovery drive that will reinstall W10, the drivers and the software that originally came with your notebook.

You will need a 32 GB USB flash drive to create the recovery media with.

Here is an info link for how to use the utility.

HP Consumer PCs - Using the HP Cloud Recovery Tool in Windows 11 and 10 | HP® Customer Support

[FlyingFish66]

Thanks Paul. I will give that a try right now.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome. 

[FlyingFish66]

Spent the evening downloading the HP Cloud Recovery Tool on to a data stick (I am in an area with slow and sometimes patchy internet). Once 100% complete it declared the creation attempt as failed, suggesting I contact support with Error 0xC00409 and a copy of the .zip file. Support will not accept an online contact because the 2019 warranty has expired but offered a pre-paid phone number - which to me smacks of extortion. Any ideas ?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

I'm going to try and create the recovery drive from my PC and see if it works.

I'll let you know the result.

If it works, you will probably need to find someplace that has reliable internet service.

If it does not work on my end either, then there is nothing you can do to fix the problem, and you will have to manually install the drivers and software from your notebook's support page and hope they resolve the problems.

HP ENVY - 13-ah0003na Software and Driver Downloads | HP® Customer Support

I'll be back in 30 minutes or so with the results.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, again:

I had no problem creating the recovery drive with the cloud recovery tool.

I used a PNY 32 GB USB 3.0 USB flash drive to create the recovery media with.

[FlyingFish66]

Hello Paul

It took a few weeks to follow your advice but I was finally able to reach stable internet and successfully download the HP Cloud Recovery Tool relevant to my specific machine.

It worked beautifully restoring my laptop back to factory ...including all drivers.

(then spent even more time disabling the automatic Microsoft updates).

Thank you very much for your excellent assistance.

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

You're very welcome.

Glad to have been of assistance.