Windows 10 and factory resets

[wisdomseyes1]

I am currently on a library computer trying to figure out a way to fix my computer because of windows 10.

I have had windows 8 since it came out and my computer just as long. When the free upgrade came about I really didn't think much of it.

My computer started running a bit slow after the upgrade and I had a lot of memory stored up so I thought it would be faster to Factory reset my computer and reinstall everything rather than go through and delete everything I think I don't use. After doing so, however, my computer wont turn back on. It says that one of my drivers is missing. Factory resetting is not something I haven't done before, I have done it quite a few times now.

I called Microsoft and they said it isn't their problem. I contacted HP and they told me my computer was out of warrenty... so I have to fix this myself. Suggestions?

Also , hi guys.

[meowakin]

    First, I hate to tell you, but Windows 10 has a 30 day period for you to revert back to Windows 7/8, which in some particular cases could ironically cause the issue you were having (specifically using up the last of your free hard drive space).  Second, do you have a windows install/repair CD? That is your best first step, and ideally your computer will have a recovery partition to re-install windows from. Otherwise, you will need to find your Windows activation key and reinstall from scratch.

    Odd place to ask for help, but eh.

[wisdomseyes1]

Aug 17, 2015 14:14:39 GMT meowakin said:

    First, I hate to tell you, but Windows 10 has a 30 day period for you to revert back to Windows 7/8, which in some particular cases could ironically cause the issue you were having (specifically using up the last of your free hard drive space).  Second, do you have a windows install/repair CD? That is your best first step, and ideally your computer will have a recovery partition to re-install windows from. Otherwise, you will need to find your Windows activation key and reinstall from scratch.

    Odd place to ask for help, but eh.

1) I didn't want a windows revert I just wanted to clear my memory. The factory reset was supposed to let me keep 10 (and it's warning was I wouldnt be able to go back to 8 if I did)

2) The problem I am having is exactly that. My computer came preinstalled with windows 8 and the upgrade was remote. There never was any cds for me to use.

3) I like the people here even though I haven't been ere in a long time also the HP forums arent much help since there only suggestion is to reinstall using a disk, and I would rather not pay another.. what 130? to get a windows 10 disc after getting it for free.

--How exactly would I find my windows installation key and reinstall it from scratch. I have tried a video tutorial in which I went to the computers... command promt?... and made a partition EFI to... well I wasnt entirely sure what exactly I was doing I just did what the guy int he video did.

[bolk]

Couldn`t you call the store you bought the computer from about your windows installation key? Or did you order it directly from HP?

[Bot]

Welcome "back"!

Aug 17, 2015 14:14:39 GMT meowakin said:

Odd place to ask for help, but eh.

Geez! What a way to welcome an old timer!

Aug 20, 2015 14:40:59 GMT bolk said:

Couldn`t you call the store you bought the computer from about your windows installation key?

Yeah that's what I would do.

[BattleMetalChris]

Aug 20, 2015 14:40:59 GMT bolk said:

Couldn`t you call the store you bought the computer from about your windows installation key?

This is your best bet. You can then download a copy and use the key to activate it.

Failing that, buy a dirt cheap OEM copy of Windows 7 and update that to 10 (or don't, if the experience has put you off 10).

[carnogaunt]

My response is a bit late, but for the record...

When you upgrade to Windows 10 from an older version of Windows, you do not get a product key. Instead, the installer sends information back to Microsoft about your hardware and uses this hardware "fingerprint" to identify your computer when you need to reactivate Windows after a clean install. You can download the Windows 10 installation media, write it to an optical disk or USB storage device, and just press "skip" whenever it asks for the product key. Within a day or so Windows should activate on its own; if it doesn't, you'll have to call Microsoft and explain what you did and they should activate it for you. I've fixed one Windows 10 installation this way. Everyone I know has had trouble with the upgrade.


Alternatively, you could switch to GNU/Linux and have no more worries about the vendor dropping support.