Need help with format

[Doodle]

Hi guys, I want to format my PC and restore original files with the HP-Recovery partition. Can anyone help me out with this? (Reason I want to format is I have over 100 Gb of hidden partition and I can't delete it, I've tried programs and toggle the view hidden files but nothing, I wanted to dual boot mandriva but it created partitions that I can't even boot into) So I actually want to and make it just like how I bought it ... my Laptop is HP Pavilion dv6-3120us Entertainment Notebook

(Sorry that this post isn't 100%, got so much things on my mind)

 

[gregrocker]

Back up your files, Make your Factory Recovery Disks so you have a backup method, then run Full Factory Recovery from boot: HP Backup and Recovery Manager

This will restore all of the preinstalled factory bloatware and useless factory utilities which have superior versions built into Win7. It will also restore all of the partitions which come with the computer including System boot partition, Win7 partition, HP Tools partition in addition to the Recovery partition.

A much cleaner method is to find a WIn7 installation DVD for your version to clean reinstall with none of the bloatware/utiliities and only the WIn7 partition and its small boot partition which places the Repair console on the F8 boot tools menu. Here's how: Reinstalling Windows 7

 

[Doodle]

Oh, okay :s, thanks for your reply but I don't have a copy of Windows 7 disc or any of the Factory Recovery discs, haven't got them..

 

[gregrocker]

Again, you need to make the Recovery Disks as explained in the link I posted. Then run Factory Recovery from boot using the steps given.

Or you can google Win7 official downloads at My Digital Life, download and burn to DVD or flash stick, follow the steps I posted above to clean reinstall.

 

[theog]

Backupyour DATA first.
Pressing the f11 key during startup on a computer with an HP factory image will start the system recovery process even if the prompt is not displayed.

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

How to make HP Recovery USB disk:
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

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Hello Doodle.


Here's some interesting info you may find useful, you can do a clean install using only a downloaded ISO without creating bootable media; and be sure to post back with any further questions you may have and to keep us informed.

Clean Install Windows 7 from the Windows 7 Desktop

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

 

[Doodle]

Alright, I'll try what you guys told me