Factory resetting windows 7, no reset disc

[CaylaN]

Hello! 

Wondering if anyone can help me reset this windows 7 laptop to factory settings. It is saying invalid password (could the kids have locked us out?). There is no factory reset software available for this version anymore, I found a flashdrive but it's not a password reset one, therefore not working. I can't even get to the start screen for any of these options. Please help!

[WAWood]

@CaylaN 

Given the date of your post, I would have expected someone to respond to it before this -- but since that has not happened, I will take a shot at it ...

Factory Reset using external media is simply no longer possible because no one has supplied that in a long time.

To do it using the internal files, you have to press the Esc key repeatedly while rebooting and when the HP Startup Menu appears, select the option to do a reset.  If that does not work, you are stuck and would have to see if there is any place online where you can still purchase Windows 7 -- and you would have to buy your own license because HP does not sell Windows licenses.