how do i format my harddrive and reinstall windows 7

[kueldood]

the laptop didn't come with a disk for 7 so i don't know what to do.
i also dont know how to format my hardrive,
please help,
thanks

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Hello kueldood.


Here's some interesting info you may find useful, and be sure to post back with any further questions you may have and to keep us informed.

After you have copied out or made back-ups of the data you need to save to external media; if you can find an exact Windows version that the PC shipped with you can do a clean install using the activation key on the COA sticker attached to the PC though it may require a robo-call to MS to sort the OEM batch-key.

How to Activate Windows 7 by Phone


If you can't find an exact same version, you could use the info in this tutorial to create an "all versions" installer of any version Windows installer, to install using the same method I posted above.

Windows 7 Universal Installation Disc - Create


After you have made backups of everything you care to save, the best method is to do a complete wipe (secure erase) of the entire Hard Disk Drive first, it over-writes everything, all the old Windows code including all the old drivers/programs, giving you the best possible space to install Windows to.

SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

 

[gregrocker]

Do you have a problem with your current factory Win7 install which we might be able to help you with?

Here are tips for clean reinstalling factory OEM: http://www.sevenforums.com/installation-setup/125874-re-install-windows-7-a.html#post1086729

 

[theog]

How to make HP Recovery disks.
Recover Windows Vista Operating System Using HP Recovery - HP Customer Care (United States - English)

USB Stick:
Creating a Recovery Disk on a USB Flash Disk HP Pavilion dv6700z CTO Entertainment Notebook PC - HP Customer Care (United States - English)

or

You can Order HP Recovery Disks from here:
Compaq Mini CQ10-500 PC series -  HP Notebook PCs - Order Recovery Discs for Windows 7, Vista, or XP - c00810334 - HP Business Support Center