i cant completely reset my laptop

[JOEZM]

Need some help trying to reset my laptop, clearing all files etc. First i tried to reset my pc in recovery in settings, however i get the message that there was a problem resetting your pc. So after this i did a bit of research and found that by using the command prompt in advanced settings, entering

cd %windir%\system32\config

ren system system.001

ren software software.001

would fix it, however i now get a message saying cannot access the file because its being used by another process. Can anyone help me? Thanks

[IT_WinSec]

Hello @JOEZM

Thank you for posting in the HP Support forum. Welcome !

The problem may be caused by corrupted partition (software error caused by 3rd party program, Windows update itself, etc)  or  could be some hardware failure (rarely).

** Could you post your full product model and product number (P/N) as described here >> http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c05195323

When the recovery process from the internal recovery partition does not work, next step is to use HP Recovery media (e.g. recovery USB or recovery discs - created by user or purchased from HP).

Perform some basic hardware checks to rule out hardware problem

1. Please, shutdown the computer using the power button (pressed and hold for a few seconds until PC powers off)

2. Power the computer back on.

2.1 As soon as you press the power-on button, immediately begin hitting the Esc button (like tap-tap-tap) before any logo appears. This should open a HP Startup Menu

3. Choose F2 to open System Diagnostics. Follow the on-screen instructions to perform System Test >> Quick test.

This will check major hardware componets for issue (do it just in case) . Here is more info >> http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c03467259#AbT1

If there are no system checks/no quick tests, perform HDD (hard disk drive) and RAM check (memory check).

Let me know the test results

[JOEZM]

thanks for your reply. yeah im fairly certain it is caused by third party conflicts. for example i occassionally get the message that 'some settings are managed by your organisation'. however, on the link provided or elsewhere im unable to find any useful ways of removing this, and therefore allowing me to reset my laptop. any help would be appreciated, cheers

[JOEZM]

my model is a hp pavilion ab269na by the way

[IT_WinSec]

Hi @JOEZM

I am terribly sorry for the prolonged reply time. I was very busy with personal things outside the forum.

I just today noticed your post and reply.

Did you manage to test the hardware for issues just to rule out potential problems there ? Did the tests pass ?  If yes, that would be good news. If they fail, please post the failure code and let me know.

In order to permanently fix your issue, you need to use original HP recovery media which contains Windows, drivers, preinstalled apps. Using it you will be able to fix your issue and reset the PC to factory default condition. If you haven't created your own before, you can get original one from this HP partner (providing recovery media for Europe/EU/EMEA) > http://www.best2serve.com/page/rcd_hardware_related_products/?product_type_id=4&hardware_product_id=...

After purchase and after receiving the media, you need to plug it in and boot from it (F9). Details can be found here >> http://hp.dezide.com/ts/start.jsp?guide=HPSystemRecovery.net&section=ccweb&sfs=tdoc&lc=en&language=e...

Hope this works for you. Let me know if you any difficulties.

[JOEZM]

This is disappointing to hear as I don't really want to have to pay to fix this issue. I think I read somewhere that I can simply do this with a USB stick? Is there any other alternative solution.

[IT_WinSec]

Hello,

I asked you in my first reply here to test the hardware. I'm afraid you never replied to me if you did run the tests of the hardware and what the output was.

Can you boot the PC to desktop depite your issues with the recovery ?

If the HDD is OK and tests pass, the official procedure is using recovery media when the built-in recovery partition fails to work properly. The failure could be caused by hardware problem with the storage device (e.g. HDD) or could be caused by some corrupted or Windows update. Users can create their own recovery USB drive for free initially so that they don't have to pay. But if this hasn't been created already before any problems start, the official procedure is to obtain original HP Recovery media from HP or from HP Partner company. This recovery media restores the PC to factory default condition (reinstalls Windows and activates it, install drivers and preinstalled apps).

The USB stick procedure you have read may work or might not work - it is usually downloading ISO image from Microsoft website but this is for the FPP Windows version (FPP = full product package). What you have is preinstalled Windows (preinstalled by OEM vendor like HP) and if you use the Microsoft ISO you might have issues activating Windows. Therefore, the official procedure is to use the recovery media.

However, if you can boot to Windows desktop and if the hardware tests pass, you might try another unofficial procedure I can post (no guarantee it will work).

Please, let me know :

- the hardware tests results

- if you can boot the PC to destop

- if you are willing to try the other (unofficial) procedure - I can post details but I don't recommend.

Looking fordware to your reply. 🙂

[JOEZM]

Hi mate, yeah ive just done the hardware test, and it passed.  Im fairly sure i can boot to desktop. By that do you mean simply be able to turn off and on my laptop, and logging in as normal? Could you guide me on the unoiffical procedure? Thanks again

[JOEZM]

Also, when you say you wouldnt recommend the unofficial procedure, what do you mean by this? Could it worsen my laptop? 

[IT_WinSec]

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@JOEZM wrote:

Also, when you say you wouldnt recommend the unofficial procedure, what do you mean by this? Could it worsen my laptop? 

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How could it go worse 🙂