Factory Reset a HP 15 Notebook

[Calum-Bell]

I recently encountered a virus on my laptop that denies me access to my files and is severely restricting my computer, i therefore wish to factory reset my laptop. I have already backed up my files but i looked up how to factory reset it with steps such as take out the battery and hold the power button for 15 seconds but this does nothing, how do i do a complete factory reset to get rid of the virus. Anti-virus software has not got rid of it

[IT_WinSec]

Hello,

Welcome to the HP Support forum. Thank you for posting.

Almost all threats (if not all) can be eliminated should you have the time, knowledge and persistence to combat it. If you do not want to factory reset your PC but want to attempt to fix it, I may be able to assist you with this.

If you prefer recovery/reset, the procedure is called HP Recovery.

HP computers which have Windows preinstalled on them (a.k.a. OEM Windows version) have partitions which contain an image of OS, drivers, software and can be helpful in tough moments - to restore your PC to factory default condition.

Here is a video example >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6bGr3EgEI0

Here are official instructions >> http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c03489643

Let me know if this works for you. Looking forward to your reply.

Happy holidays

[Calum-Bell]

In system recovery the help section is blanked out so the system recovery and minimized image recovery are not clickable

[IT_WinSec]

Try to start the recovery process from outside fully loaded Windows environemt , aka from the recovery environment:

1. Please, restart the computer

2.As soon as it begins to power-up, immediately begin hitting the Esc button (like tap-tap-tap).

This should open a HP Startup Menu which may look similar to this one

3. Choose/press  F11 for System Recovery options.

The computer should boot from recovery partition to open you various recovery options. Note, that F11 option will only work if the recovery partition is there (not deleted) and intact. From there, you have prenty of options to choose from.

4. Go to Troubleshoot ... find the HP Recovery manager

Hope this works...

[Calum-Bell]

Sorry but its still grey and unclickable, I've tried backing up some files to see if it will maybe work after

[Calum-Bell]

What does "insert your windows installation or recovery media to continue" mean

[IT_WinSec]

Hello,

Something is wrong with the recovery partition if it appears this way even in the recovery environment. Prompting for a recovery media or installation disk is also not a good sign.

Changing, deleting, adding partitions might break the Recovery functions. The HDD partition(s) may have also been converted from Basic to Dynamic. You may want to check this thread.

Another option is that the recovery partition is corrupted, therefore not working as expected.

In this case - if it continues not to work,  your options are limited:

- you may need to use original HP Recovery media [USB thumbdribe or DVDs] to reinstall Windows and restore to factory default

- you may want to try to avoid the reimage/reinstall procedure and provide details and work with me on the virus issue

Would you be able to provide me with your full product model and product number (PN) - instructions >> http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c00033108

Let me know which option you choose