compaq 6720s factory restore from partition

[Lynton]

Hi,

Could anyone please help me?

I have replaced the original WinXP Pro with Vista, and since then couldn't access the backup partition. After reading this forum I found a way to invoke the F11 function again. The advice was to activate the partition and reboot the laptop. This worked, and I got to go through the recovery options, but when the laptop restarts, after recovery (factory reset), a small window comes up saying that the OS hasn't been installed properly.

I also tried to do a clean install of XP Pro, with an original disc, but it wouldn't see my hard drives this time...

What could be the cause of this? Do I need to find a way to deactivate the backup partion now?

All help is appreciated.

PS: The product number is KE201ES#ACQ

[Mumbodog]

test your hard drive and memory, to be sure there is not a hardware problem.

http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Lockups-Freezes-Hangs/How-to-test-RAM-and-HDD-Hard-Drive/td-p/...

 .

If the tests pass, order Recovery Discs from HP

You can order recovery media here

http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c00810334

If HP no longer has Recovery Media for your model, order them here

http://www.computersurgeons.com/Default.aspx'

If you wish to install XP from a non HP CD, follow these instructions:

Use driver packs to slipstream "Mass storage" drivers into the XP CD.

Driver packs tutorial, read carefully.

http://forum.driverpacks.net/viewtopic.php?id=1449

Download software "Driverpacks Base"

http://driverpacks.net/downloads

You can install other driver packs besides the "Mass Storage", but this will bloat the size of the XP install to DVD size, The only driver packs I suggest to slipstream are

Mass Storage, Chipset, Lan, CPU

This will keep it a size to fit on a CD. If you want all the drivers slipstreamed it will require a DVD burner to make the DVD and a DVD drive on the target installation PC.

I don't change any of the default settings when using the software, just pick the driver packs you want to slipstream and create the ISO image.

If you use other customizing software for other reasons than drivers such as Nlite, use Nlite first then driver packs last or install problems will result. Only use DP to slip drivers, do not use Nlite for this task.

Start with clean unmodified Installation files when using DP for best results

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

I can't help you with the recovery partition issue. Personally, I just delete them on my HP business notebooks and order the Quick Restore DVD's for my notebooks from HP for $10.

But I can tell you why you're having issues with XP loading from a generic XP disk.  The answer is because you need to either load the SATA ACHI drivers at the F6 prompt presented at the beginning of the XP installation routine, or slipstream the drivers into a copy of the XP installation disk, or do it the easy way that I do it.

Go into your BIOS and in the device configuration menu, change your SATA Native Mode from Enabled to Disabled. Save your settings here (F10 key) and upon exiting (save settings and exit).

Now you will be able to load XP.

I recommend you spend the $10 like I do, and get a set of those disks for your notebook because the HP XP disk will have all of those SATA drivers already loaded and you won't have to change your BIOS setting,

Here's how to order if you live in the USA or Canada:  If you don't live in the USA or Canada, you can order them by contacting HP worldwide support for the country you live in at the link at the bottom of this post. If they have a separate phone number for business PC's notebooks, call that number. You will need to provide similar info. Costs range from free to more than $10 USD, depending on what country you live in.

1. Write down the part number and serial # on the bottom of the computer on the white tag. The model # is an HP-Compaq 6720s, but the part number will be found on that white tag below the serial #.

2. Call HP at 1-800-952-7689, option 1 (ordering restore disks is part of the list in the option).

3. Provide the info asked by the rep that answers the phone. Some just ask for the serial #, some want both, or they will just want the serial number and type of computer (6720s).

4. Have a Master Card or Visa ready for purchasing. They don't take Discover. You will be charged $10.00.

You will receive the disks by First Class Mail or you can pay an additional $10.00 for FedEx shipping.

Now, if you plan to install with the XP disk you have now, you will want to change the SATA Native Mode back to Enabled. You won't be able to do this until you manually install the ACHI drivers afterward. This is an easy, but intricate process.

If you don't want to wait for your HP disks to arrive, and you install XP, please post back, and I will give you the step-by step process to install the SATA ACHI drivers once you have XP installed. If you attempt to change that BIOS setting before doing this, your notebook will not boot.

Link to HP WW Support.

http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/en/wwcontact_us.html

Paul

[dand1977]

Basically I was doing a restore the other week and there was a power cut and everything has gone! Is there a way I could download original factory software to a flash drive and install it? Any links?