Windows Vista Laptop PC is dead in the water; can't access the OS (Vista)

Dear Windows BBS experts:

I'm starting this new thread because the previous thread no longer describes the problem, which has escalated from http://www.windowsbbs.com/windows-v...nternet-cant-enable-windows-firewall-etc.html) to the current one, "Laptop PC is dead in the water; can't access the OS (Vista) ". You can refer to that thread for details, or I'll repost them here if someone want me to do that. I'm not the owner, HeatherM is. I'm posting on her behalf, since she is frequently not available due to her work hours.

The laptop in question is an ]HP Pavilion dv9408nr Notebook PC, three years old . Actually it's kind of large for a notebook. I'd call it a laptop, but that's what HP calls it.

Note: Sorry for the different type faces and sizes in this post. It's because I'm copying and pasting, and I can't find a way to change font sizes (they're not available in the message toolbar for some reason). Edited by Moderator

Here are the options that I can see. Please tell me if I'm wrong or if there's a better way.

1) Take the laptop to BestBuy and have them install Windows 7. This obviously will be an expensive path (~$100+).

2) Purchase Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit Upgrade (Microsoft GFC-00020(OEM64)) for $70 and install it yourself.

[You can get it from: http://www.trustprice.com/668624/microsoft-microsoft-windows-home.html

Microsoft Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit Upgrade OEM for HP - Can be installed as full version on any PC

Product ID: TP668624Product Condition: NewStock Status: YES [63]
Windows 7 Full Installation or Upgrade
* No operating system or Not Vista? No problem, this version can be installed as a full version on ANY PC. *

Product Description
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit Upgrade OEM for HP
Description Windows 7 Home Premium makes it easy to create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. You can even watch, pause, rewind, and record TV. Get the best entertainment experience with Windows 7 Home Premium. Do you use your PC for work, run Windows XP programs, or require enhanced security? Consider Windows 7 Professional.

System Requirements
Min Processor Type 1 GHz
Min RAM Size 1 GB
Min Hard Drive Space 16 GB
Peripheral / Interface Devices DirectX 9.0 compatible graphics card

Free Shipping!
Our Price: $69.99 ]

3) This may help, but there's no guarantee it will do the job:

Overview of Repairing or Reinstalling The Operating System HP Pavilion dv9408nr Notebook PC - HP Customer Care (United States - English)
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/...veCategory&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&product=3439686

Purchase a replacement recovery disc online
HP allows you to purchase one copy of a replacement recovery disc at minimal cost (all you pay for is the cost of the media, shipping, and handling). To place an order, you will need the product number, the serial number, the type of processor, the name of the Windows OS that came installed on the PC, and your credit card information.

Because each recovery disc is designed for a specific series or computer model, in order to find a link to an order form, you must navigate through the HP web site to the Drivers and Download web page for your specific model and operating system. There is no easy way to press a single button to order a recovery disc.

1. Open a web browser and go to hp.com , click Support and Drivers to display the two step form.
2. Select the Download drivers and software (and firmware) task option.
3. Enter the product number or complete model name in the Enter a product name / number field, and then click Go .
4. On the Software & Driver Downloads page, use the drop-down menu to Select your operating system , and then click Next .
5. When the list of downloads displays, click the icon to expand the Recovery Media listing, and then select the appropriate recovery kit set to open the ordering page.
6. When the online ordering form displays, select the appropriate country or region, if prompted, and then click Submit .
7. Since you have navigated to the order form for the specific model, you can now enter the required serial number and additional required information on the order page, then click Next .
Figure 1: Sample of form available on hp.com
8. Follow the on-screen instructions to provide shipping and payment information.

The appropriate recovery discs will be sent as requested.

4) Call HP and ask for some (free) help.

5) Recover Windows Vista Operating System Using HP Recovery HP Pavilion dv9408nr Notebook PC - HP Customer Care (United States - English)
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&product=3439686&docname=c00809678

Restore the PC to its original condition with the HP Recovery Manager if Windows Vista is not accessible
If the PC cannot launch into Windows, it may still be possible to use the HP Recovery Manager on the hard drive to restore the computer to its original operating condition. The Recovery Manager can be launched during the start up process by following the steps below.

1. Press the Power button to start the PC, and then press the f11 key when the standard BIOS prompts are displayed on the black screen.
NOTE: Pressing the f11 key during the startup on a computer with an HP factory image will start the system recovery process even if the prompt is not displayed.
* If the HP Recovery Manager can access the recovery partition on the hard drive, a prompt to backup the user files before beginning the recovery is displayed. Follow any on-screen instructions.
* If the HP Recovery Manager cannot access the hard drive to fix any system errors, you will need to use the personalized recovery disc that you created to recover the hard drive to its original condition.
* If you have not created the personalized recovery disc, or the discs are corrupted, you can order a replacement recovery disc from HP.
2. When the Recovery Manager starts, follow the step-by-step recovery instructions shown above (http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/...oduct=3439686&docname=c00809678#RecoverySteps ).

Thank you for any help.

Frank D

 

All you will need to purchase Recovery Disks from HP is the Serial number and the Product number. Located on the bottom of the laptop just above the COA. They're are not that expensive. I just ordered a set from HP that cost me $12.00 Disks+$2.95 S&H+$1.30 tax. Total $16.25. Im in NY. So for you it should be the same cost.

 

Thanks for the great tips and advice everyone I will try the HP recovery discs first to see what happens. hopefully that will at least get me windows back but not sure it will fix the DPS issue. but we shall see. at this point I am just curious as to how the heck the problem started in the first place. very very odd.

 

What is the out from you. did you fix it. you can use HP and XP recovery CD to recover.

 

euseo HP Recovery Disks. Reinstalls the OS and Factory software to its original state. Just like it was when you first started your computer.

 

I have ordered the discs but have not received them yet. I will post an update when I attempt the recovery. Fingers crossed. Thanks for all the help, I appreciate it.

 

My fingers are crossed.

 

Received recovery discs, installed, and all issues are resolved Happy Dance! Thank you all for your help.

 

Thank you. I see the thread tools but there is no option to mark it as resolved. I will check again at next login.

 

To Heather and all who helped:

Since I'm the one who started the thread, I guess I have the honor of marking it "Resolved" (and have just now done so).

Thank you all once again.

Frank