factory reset error

[lorevh]

I need urgent help with my problem. I'm trying for a long time now to reset my pc to factory settings, because I want to sell it. A few minutes in the reset I get an error that says the recovery could not go through and nothing has changed. What do I need to do? my product number: D8R81AV andd my [serial number removed]

[IT_WinSec]

Hello @lorevh 

Thank you for posting in the HP Support Community.

You have got a great device - Elitebook 840. One of my computers is the same model and I really love it. Why would anyone want to sell such a gorgeous computer ?

Anyway - if you are sure about that 🙂 and if the standard recovery fails, please note that the built-in technology for recovery is kind of obsolete now. Also, the recovery partition may have gone corrupted.

• Please, first test your HDD/SSD/storage device for any issues to rule out hardware problems - use the built-in F2 options >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JXUp43ahHA
• If the tests pass, note that if the built-in recovery partition (option you used initially) did not work, you will need to perform fresh clean Windows 7 reinstallation
• Your Windows 7 license key is on a COA sticker like these :
  
• The sticker should be on the back end, of below the battery - you may need to open the down/back side of your PC using the service panel
• You should use an unofficial option known as a utility from Heidoc to download the OEM image of Windows 7 as the OS vendor Microsoft no longer provides publicly OEM versions

• 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...

• Read the attached PDF instructions (below), use Heidoc, Rufus, boot from a USB device using the F9 options

• - 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 you face any difficulties