Resolved Pavilion a1430n re-format question

Aloha,

A friends HP pavilion a1430n desktop is messed up. He has never cleaned it after adding/deleting programs for 6 years. It had 20g left vacant on a 250g HD. It won't do the windows update, or see his CD drive. I deleted all his pictures (family) after he transferred them to a external drive (plus his excel stuff). I loaded the WIC and windows .net framework to no avail.
I tried the system recovery (F10 option on bootup). I thought that would restore it to factory condition but it doesn't. It seems to keep everything but just reloads the basic XP files, so it still won't run right. He has the SP2 on it, I loaded the SP3 pack but then it keeps rebooting and won't load.
I was curious if I reformatted the C drive then did the system recovery option [on D partition] if that would work (using the Ultimate Boot Disk CD).
I would appriciate any suggestions. I'm not a geek, but I do know some stuff.

 

Thanks for the reply. He doesn't have (and neither do I) have a XP disc.
If the format wasn't a option, I was going to suggest to him to get a Win7 disc and a bigger hard drive since XP only has less then a year support left. He photographs all his kids sports games. Don't think he wants to spent the money just yet.
One last question, I can format only the C drive and not touch the D partition with the UBD disc...right?

 

Does your friend have the HP recovery disks that came with computer. If he does start the computer and change the boot order. before exiting that screen put the cd/dvd in the cd/dvd drive then continue the boot process. you should be able to reinstall the operating system.

 

No he doesn't. Wish he did, would make it a whole lot easier.

 

I'm believe you can. Can you get into the Desktop. If so on the all programs menu there should be Recovery Manager on the list you may be able perform a System Recovery from there. There should be an option to reinstall just the operating system and save his setting, files, and folders.

 

Tried that, it's the messed up registry and his allowing every download that pops up to load that messed up his system. That's why I wanted to do a complete brand new install. HP recovery system doesn't do that. Leaves all that junk that causes all the problems. It won't do microsoft security downloads, system restore, etc.

 

Perhaps making recovery disks, or ordering the set for that computer be a good choice?
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/...c=en&product=1843642&tmp_track_link=ot_search

 

Talked to a tech from HP they may not be available. But the search was limited without the S/N. My apologies for my earlier suggestion. I did not know you had already tried that. I should have read your original post again.

 

Thanks everyone for your advise and help. He opted to get a 500g hard drive and load Win 7 home premium since XP is losing support soon. Now he should be good for a couple of more years.
It's now up and running good.

 

You're welcome.