Can I recover an HP Stream 11 if I don't have recovery media

[jsd1]

Hi,

I am trying to fix a friends HP Stream 11 for them. It looks like it has got messed up during the upgrade to Windows 10 - if you power it on, it starts to boot, then shows 'restoring your previous version of windows' then reboots agian and just goes in an infinite loop. I'd like to just do a fresh install, however, having googled it, it looks like you need recovery media to do this - i.e. recovery media that you need to have created while the Windows OS was working. I do not have this recovery media, so I'm a bit stuck. I've contacted HP support via the form on the website but it doesn't look like they will help as it is out of warranty.

One thing I tried was to create a windows 8.1 installation USB on another PC and try to install this, however I only get as far as the screen where you enter the windows Key but I do not have a windows key for this machine (there isn't a sticker on the machine with the key number), but having googled it, I beleive the key is embedded in the BIOS somehow and that the Windows installer should just detect it - however this did not happen. I was trying to install windows 8.1 64 bit, as I believe that is the version that comes with the HP stream 11, however I could be wrong about that - I've never seen this laptop in a working state so I just did a search to see what Windows version it would have come with.

So, does anyone know of a way to reinstall windows on an HP stream if you haven't previously created any recovery media? Or is the only fix for to just purchase a new Windows licence?

Thanks

[Patravane]

HI Jsd1,

At the startup, before windows attempts to launch, Press F11 to launch the HP Recovery Manager.

if the partition containing the Recovery Manager has not been formatted, then this can help. you might need to backup data before doing this as this will reset the laptop to the factory settings.

here is a guide for the Recovery manager:

http://h50146.www5.hp.com/lib/doc/manual/workstation/xw8400/HP_Backup_and_Recovery_Manager_User_Guid...

regards

[jsd1]

Thanks for the reply Patravane.

Unfortunately I think the recovery partiion might be gone - if press F11 to get to the recovery screen it just asks for recovery tools on the installation media (which I don't have) - see the photo of this below - sorry its not too easy to read so here is the text:

"Recovery

Your PC needs to be repaired

a required device isn't conencted or can't be accessed.

Error code: 0xc0000225

You'll need to use the recovery tools on your installation media. If you don't have any installation media (like a disc or USB device) , contac your system administrator or PC manufacturer."

[lasvegaswireman]

When requesting assistance, please provide the complete model name and product number (p/n) of the HP computer in question. HP/Compaq makes thousands of models of computers. Without this information it may be difficult or impossible to assist you in resolving your issue.

The above requested information can be found on the bottom of your computer, inside the battery compartment or on the startup BIOS screen. Please see How Do I Find My Model Number or Product Number? for more assistance locating this information. DO NOT include your serial number.

You need to use the HP Recovery Media that was created when they first setup the computer. If they didn't create this media, the media will need to be purchased from HP for a nomimal fee. Please provide the above requested information so we can direct to the correct support page.

If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

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[kyle_b]

Yes, if a recovery USB was not created prior to the upgrade attempt, you would have to order one from HP. 

The Stream 11 came with Windows 8.1 with Bing  which is not officially available for download from Microsoft, it was only made available to OEM's.  Other Windows 8.1 versions will not install without a license as you are seeing.

[jsd1]

Thanks lasvegaswireman - the infomration around the barcode on the stream looks a little different to the image in your post, but here is what I've got:

SN: XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Model: 11-d007na

PN: K6C81EA#ABU

Warranty: 1y1y0y

I did try to contact HP support via the form on the HP website, but when I put in the above model number etc. it just said that it was out of warranty - so if you do know of a some way for me to request the recovery media from HP then that would be great - thanks

[kyle_b]

http://support.hp.com/hk-en/document/c04487758#AbT3

[lasvegaswireman]

I didn't see HP Recovery Media available to order on the HP Stream Notebook - 11-d007na (ENERGY STAR) - Driver and Software page, however it may be available via HP Customer Support. This method may only be valid in the US and Canada. Contact costomer support and see if you can request the media. You can also try the Troubleshooting and Contact Options page.

If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

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[jsd1]

OK thanks - looks like that is the answer - I have to buy an HP recovery kit. I'm in the UK, so I've found the uk link for purchasing these - link is below for anyone else reading this with the same problem.

http://www.best2serve.com/page/rcd_hardware_related_products/?product_type_id=4&hardware_product_id=...

Its pretty expensive - £33.79, so I'm not sure if I will actually buy one. I might just but a retail copy of windows 10. Annoying that HP don't just let you download this from their website - this seems pretty unfair to charge this much for a USB stick (given you've already bought the windows licence when you buy the device).

Thanks to everyone who repsonded to this