Windows is gone after factory reset

screenshot_11.jpg
 
I think you are all missing something here as if this pc came with Windows 8.1 installed on it you do not need a COA as it is embedded in the bios which started with Windows 8.0 and is why there is no sticker on the computer. The problem is if you install simply Windows you may be missing some important drivers which you can obtain from HP site as Support, Drivers as Windows 8.1 was not as good as Windows 10 is for installing oem drivers to a new install. If you hurry you can do what Holdum originally suggested and use the Media Creator Tool dvd or usb iso which will still work in December free to give you Windows 10 most recent version which is a much better OS than Windows 8.1. Use 2nd choice "Download Tool Now" here:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
 
Download is starting.. =) Should I format the storage partition I download it to? also after its done, should I change my boot order back to default?
 
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Travijay said:
Download is starting.. =) Should I format the storage partition I download it to? also after its done, should I change my boot order back to default?
Click to expand...

What are you downloading?
It's my experience that when you install Windows it creates its own partitions.
I have never changed my boot order.
 
Downloading the ISO file of windows 8.1.. Got it going now. My flashdrive change from F:/ to G:/ after the install. I just hope the installed key is all I need to make it work. So far I havent needed to enter the installation key and I can finally see my desktop. =)
 
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Travijay said:
Downloading the ISO file of windows 8.1.. Got it going now. My flashdrive change from F:/ to G:/ after the install. I just hope the installed key is all I need to make it work.
Click to expand...

I hope so too. :)
Good luck.
 
Bad idea David as that is for Update and who knows what version you will be downloading you may have to do heavy build updates after and I never suggest doing any version of Windows as an update. The Media Creator Tool takes way less time and puts the most current build of Windows 10 on your pc.
 
Rich M said:
I think you are all missing something here as if this pc came with Windows 8.1 installed on it you do not need a COA as it is embedded in the bios which started with Windows 8.0 and is why there is no sticker on the computer. The problem is if you install simply Windows you may be missing some important drivers which you can obtain from HP site as Support, Drivers as Windows 8.1 was not as good as Windows 10 is for installing oem drivers to a new install. If you hurry you can do what Holdum originally suggested and use the Media Creator Tool dvd or usb iso which will still work in December free to give you Windows 10 most recent version which is a much better OS than Windows 8.1. Use 2nd choice "Download Tool Now" here:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
Click to expand...
Hi @Rich M Thanks for joining this thread. I don't think anyone here is confused, or missing anything. Team work is good. We all know about the embedded Key in the bios. In fact there were some replies suggesting how to go into the bios and retrieve the key. I don't know what you mean by "The problem is if you install simply Windows you may be missing some important drivers" I don't think the OP wants W10? I guess we will have to wait and see what they install.:D
 
Status report: PC fixed.
I ended up getting the Windows key from the vbs script command. Bought a 16gb flash and downloaded the Windows media creation tool. Downloaded and installed Windows without problems. However I noticed I didn't need to enter my key after all. Apparently it used the key straight from the motherboard. I'm sure I made this more of a problem than it had to be with my lack of knowledge but if not for TechSpots amazing team of brains, I would probably be spending money on things I already own and waiting til at least the 21st Dec for the fix. Thank you DavidBailey, Holdum323, cycloid torus, and the rest of TS.

P.S. HP didn't have my key because my machine is from 2014, they say. They would only offer me a flash drive with Windows 8.1 and hp apps. That would have ran 54-64$ depending on shipping.
 
Glad you got it fixed. :)

Downloaded and installed Windows without problems.
Click to expand...

Windows 8.1 ?
Windows 10 ?

The main reason I installed Windows 10 Pro was to have a license for it on my Microsoft Account.
After installing it I made a Macrium image of it & restored 8.1 Pro from a Macrium image.
When Microsoft fixes the issue of people losing internet connections with Windows 10 I'll reinstall it from the Macrium image & get all the updates to it I missed.

You might want to install Macrium Reflect Free & start making system images in case you need to restore to a good working version of your OS.
Macrium has a forum where you can get help with it if needed.
 
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Well I have a flash drive now with 8.1 on it so I think I'm safe there now. And I stuck with 8.1 as I tried 10 before and didn't like how it's setup. If I could is go back to Windows 7.
 
You really should get going back to Windows 7out of your head as rips have begun to appear in the seams, typical when an OS gets really aged. Rips like OS corruption, failure to boot, user services lost and various programs not working correctly. Windows 10 has the clear edge in stability now and has proven to be the best OS ever for Microsoft.
 
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