Solved Restoring windows to original point, can't find restore point

[pizzalover101]

Because windows 7 is getting really slow, I decided to start fresh with it. Going into system restore, I find the original restore point. As I click on it, it says the file is not found. My "backup recovery" drive is a partitioned C drive. Could I find this file? Or Could I somehow format my harddrive or reset to factory defaults or anything to start fresh?

Compaq Presario CQ61-420US notebbook
Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64 bit
3 GB ram
Amd Athlon II Dual Core M320

 

[C-11]

Back up any important files that you want to keep first.
Use an External drive, flash drive or CD/DVD.

Restore the PC to its original condition using the f11 key if Windows 7 is not accessible
Restore the PC to its original condition with the HP Recovery Manager from within Windows 7

Create a set of operating system recovery discs

You can use HP Recovery Manager to create a personal set of recovery discs. When you select the Recovery disc creation process, the HP Recovery Manager examines the PC and determines how many blank DVD discs will be required. Depending on the model, you will need up to three DVD-R or DVD+R (Non-read/writeable) discs. The creation process can take up to an hour or more. Do not interrupt the creation process.

Recover Windows 7 Operating System Using HP Recovery Compaq Presario CQ61-420US Notebook PC - HP Customer Care (United States - English)

Post back if any questions, plus let us know how it's going.

 

[seavixen32]

Have a look here: Recover Windows 7 Operating System Using HP Recovery Compaq Presario CQ61-420US Notebook PC - HP Customer Care (United States - English)

You should also create a set of recovery discs in case the recovery partition is deleted or corrupted.

If you don't want all HP's bloatware, have a look here:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/219487-clean-reinstall-factory-oem-windows-7-a.html#post1839164

If you do choose either method, make sure you download and save any HP drivers you may want or save the swsetup folder, which should house all your HP drivers.

 

[pizzalover101]

Thank you for replying

Thank you for your reply, however I have a question.
It says you need a product key to use it, what does this exactly mean? Can I use my existing one? Do I need to purchase a new one?
Thanks for your reply again.

 

[seavixen32]

If you use HP Recovery you don't have to worry about your product key as the system will automatically activate.

If you use the OEM tutorial, you use the existing product key that is on the sticker on your computer.

Full details are in the tutorials for you to read and use.

 

[pizzalover101]

Ok thank you, I will try this when I have time, I'll write back how it went. Thank you!

 

[seavixen32]

You're very welcome.

Hope you get the result you want.

 

[pizzalover101]

Thank you!
I used the OEM tutorial and this worked very well and I am very happy with this!

 

[seavixen32]

That's great news.

Thanks for taking the time to let us know.

Please mark the thread as solved.

 

[pizzalover101]

Well everything is good, but I have to reinastall because I installed 32 bit. Twice. Oops.
Anyway, thanks again! Love this forum!

 

[pizzalover101]

Product key invalid

The first time I reinstalled, it was 32 bit by accident and I entered my product key.
The second time, it was 32 bit, didn't enter product key
The third time I got it right, and now it won't accept my product key. In addition, it says that there will be charges for support on microsoft's website. I don't know what to do, please help?

 

[seavixen32]

Which method did you use to install?

Have you now installed the 64-bit version?

Try the automated activation service thus:

Click Start then type slui.exe 4 in the Search field.

Press Enter to open the Activation window, select your region from the drop-down list, and then call the freephone number.

You'll be given instructions via an automated activation wizard.