restore laptop to factory defaults - hp 4330s

[msongs]

haven,t used this device in ages so wanted to clean it out for resale. it has no recovery ability, the downloaded utility HP recommends keep telling me I am missing .dll files and other errors. can't make backup discs because the utility is not on the computer and the downloaded utility is not doing the job.

suggestions?

have already spent hours trying to find out how to contact HP with no success.

 

[derekimo]

You can always use product key from the COA sticker and do a superior clean install with an official win 7 ISO matching your version.

Very detailed tutorial to help you with that here,

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html

 

[Ztruker]

Do you get the “Press <F11> for recovery” message when you boot the laptop? If so,

4. Press f11 while the “Press <F11> for recovery” message is displayed on the screen.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions.
a Windows 7 operating system DVD (purchased separately)
To order a Windows 7 operating system DVD, go to Hewlett Packard Technical Support - select a country or region, select your country
or region, and follow the on-screen instructions. You can also or der the DVD by calling technical
support. For contact info rmation, refer to the Worldwide Telephone Numbers booklet included with
the computer.

This is in the HP Notebook Reference Guide.

If not or F11 doesn't work, you can download the .iso file from Digital River that matches what you currently have on the laptop then create a bootable Windows 7 install DVD, preferably using ImgBurn at 4X speed (or the slowest available). then boot the DVD and do a Clean Install.