How can I reimage my computer using recovery disk from same PC model

[brobill4848]

I have a Compaq Presario CQ57 and my wife has the same PC make & model as me.I made recovery disk from her computer,but won't work in mine.It says it is not compatable with mine.A year ago I deleted my recovery drive using system mechanic professional

 

[DavidE]

Even for the same model there can be differences in the Recovery discs.
The serial number is needed to order the correct Recovery discs according to this article.
Looking for Recovery Discs? Compaq Presario CQ57-229WM Notebook PC | HP® Support
You can contact HP/Compaq support to see if you can order Recovery discs for your Laptop.

You should also consider a Clean Reinstall with a Windows installation disc.
With this approach you don't need the OEM Recovery disc's, and you won't have all the pre-installed bloatware.
Take a look at this tutorial - it has everything needed to reinstall Windows.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html

 

[DavidE]

Have you tried either of these suggestions and did they help?

 

[brobill4848]

Can't get recovery disks so I'll have to try clean reinstall

I can't get recovery disk from Hp due to My Pc is from 09 and they don't have disks that far back.I'll have to do a clean reinstall,but I worry about what drivers to install and which ones I need

 

[DavidE]

You will need to specify a complete product number for your laptop model such as Compaq Presario CQ57-229WM. (229WM is just one example of this)
Start at this page to find drivers:
24/7 Online support for HP's Home and Home Office Products | HP® Support
You can also click on "Automatically find your products and solutions" and see if it lists what is available for your laptop.

The most important driver(s) to have are the network drivers - wired and/or wireless.
If Windows doesn't install network driver(s) during the installation, you can install them after the installation.
Then have Windows check for driver updates.

You can look in Device Manager to see what Network Adapters are installed in the laptop.
You can also use a program such as Speccy or Belarc to get info about the laptop.
Speccy - System Information - Free Download
Belarc Advisor - Free Personal PC Audit