Windows is gone after factory reset

[Travijay]

Rstrui.exe doesn't help. I feel as though I'm causing more harm than good with so many restarts. How about bios power on settings? They all ready disabled for each day of week.... probably nothing. How big a usb drive do I need for Windows 8.1 to fit?

 

[Cycloid Torus]

First, Post #19 OR Post #25

 

[Travijay]

I talked to hp. They can send me a recovery drive with my key embedded for 50$~. That will be my last resort if that script and ISO 8.1 doesn't work. So I need to run that script off a flash drive, record the key, and then download 8.1 to the flash drive, start on my pc and activate with the key? Is it tricky to run the 8.1 install from a flash drive?

 

[Cycloid Torus]

Once you have [1] the key [2] good hardware [3] access to BIOS and [4] good media w/ 8.1, it just falls in place.

For an ISO copy of Win8, you adjust BIOS to boot from the flash drive (or CD if you burned one) and let it boot from there. Yes, there are variations (must be 50 of them) which is why we keep pushing links to you - it would take hours otherwise to explain.

Do read the links, make your choice, follow instructions.

 

[Travijay]

Ok I watched a few vids and it sounds reasonable. I'm starting to understand. But to even get the ISO, Imma need that key first, correct? Computers are so insane... like witchcraft... lol-> heading to Wal-Mart to get a flash real quick. I'll update after getting the Iso on the flash.

 

[Cycloid Torus]

Flash - I use 16GB and larger which I buy in lots of 3 or more, but I think it might fit on a 8GB.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/15088/windows-create-installation-media builds it without key so you can use on various systems. 64-bit version if you want current games.

"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." A. C. Clarke

 

[DavidBailey]

It will read your Product Key from the BIOS.

 

[MaikuTech]

I talked to hp. They can send me a recovery drive with my key embedded for 50$

So you gave 50$ to hp for nothing just to do something that easy ?
I'm sorry learn a special lesson from this:

Or ask hp to give you the product key number you payed for with the system.
They shouldn't charge you for that as long as you verify as the owner.

1. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Windows-8-...nstall-Recovery-Repair-DVD-w-Hd-/181956457523

2.http://www.mediafire.com/file/rc07a5r5r537fu6/Windows7-USB-DVD-Download-Tool-Installer-en-US.exe
Windows 7 usb tool would work out if you wanted to make a usb from windows 7 - 10 microsoft pulled it off last year.

 

[Travijay]

I didn't pay them and don't want to. I agree they should be more clear with what they can do. But I couldn't get them to give me just the key for free.

 

[Travijay]

I can't get the can script to work. Partly because I don't know for sure if the drive is d:\ and because I don't know what accounts are on the pc to get the path right. What acc would I be on if I'm not running an OS? Administrator? Guest? The cmd prompt says admin. Is there a cmd for a list of acts on the System? When I type the cmd in nothing happens alright now. My pc I donlwnloaded the script from was e:\, Will it be the same on my pc?

 

[DavidBailey]

Insert a usb.
Run one or both commands---

wmic logicaldisk get name

wmic logicaldisk list brief

 

[DavidBailey]

In the cmd change the D to whatever your drive letter is.

"D:\ShowKey v1.3.vbs"

Since you are working with 2 computers copy & paste is too much to ask.
Just try to type it in correctly.

 

[Travijay]

When I do wmic list brief, get name

DESCRIPTION: CRITICAL ERROR

 

[DavidBailey]

In that case your computer problems are too much for me to help with.
Someone else will have to offer help.

 

[holdum323]

Hi You all have gone way past my pay grade! I'm trying to learn new things. This is what I get. I'm assuming(E) is my
USB?

 

[DavidBailey]

It is safe to say so.
Another way to check---

 

[Travijay]

I figured it out. my drive was F. I used diskpart -> list volumes and unplugged my flash to see which one went away. Downloading the ISO file now to my flash. Hopefully I can be done tonight. Would it be better to start the install from cmd prompt or to change my bios boot order to start usb first?

 

[holdum323]

Thanks @DavidBailey You are my new hero here on TS.(y)
Lets hope @Travijay is successful!

 

[DavidBailey]

I figured it out. my drive was F. I used diskpart -> list volumes and unplugged my flash to see which one went away.

Good job !

 

[Travijay]

Also do I need the OEM key or just installed key? the OEM key said unsupported..

 

[holdum323]

I figured it out. my drive was F. I used diskpart -> list volumes and unplugged my flash to see which one went away. Downloading the ISO file now to my flash. Hopefully I can be done tonight. Would it be better to start the install from cmd prompt or to change my bios boot order to start usb first?

ROFL I did that also. I would think change the boot order, but I'm going to let the Pros answer that. Team work is good!

 

[DavidBailey]

Would it matter if I start the install from cmd prompt instead of changing bios boot order?

Try it.
Either it will work or it won't.

If you had a 64 GB usb you could extract the iso to it & use the setup.exe file to start the installing.
IF it would work in the cmd prompt.
Since you got an error with the last cmd it might not work.

 

[DavidBailey]

Also do I need the OEM key or just installed key? the OEM key said unsupported..

Did you then get the vbs script to work ?
Try the installed key too.
It might not be supported either.

 

[holdum323]

Hi Setup exe file! Sorry I had to add my 2 cents.

 

[holdum323]

Good luck! Maybe to many chiefs in the kitchen. I'm still a believer in team work.
Let us know how things go!