[DonnaB]

Majority of those programs came with the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) OS installed at the factory as part of the package. You'll have to reinstall MSE, Update Checker, Veetle and Malwarebytes Antimalware which isn't so bad.

Go ahead and begin the process. I'll be here if you have questions or concerns.

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If you haven't started yet, read here about how to create another recovery DVD. How to create recovery DVD more than once

Read through that and look at the info form the link in the first post of the thread: Create recovery DVD's more than once

[Ztruker]

If you haven't started yet, read here about how to create another recovery DVD. How to create recovery DVD more than once

Read through that and look at the info form the link in the first post of the thread: Create recovery DVD's more than once

[vistasucks]

well....just hit the reset button...fingers crossed.( is there a fingers crossed smiley...if not...why not )

[DonnaB]

Excellent Ztruker!

@ vistasucks.

Hold off on that recovery as I had mentioned above. Ztruker and I have our wheels turning and we might have a better option than factory recovery.

Back soon.........

PS: You're in the UK aren't you? Shouldn't you be in bed?

[vistasucks]

nah...bed is for wimps

too late on the recovery...already done..just reinstalling some things now...and only 103 windows updates to instal

[DonnaB]

That's ok. What we have in mind will still work. Better since the system will be in tip top shape.

See this link: Creating and Using a System Repair Disc (Windows 7)

I'm hoping that if you are able to create the disc you'll at least have a repair disc for future use.

Once complete, try to access the HP Recovery manager to see if you can create the disc's. Don't think you'll be able to, but it's worth a try. I know on an ASUS it can be done.

[Ztruker]

HP places a file in the Recovery partition to prevent making another recover disc set, even after doing a restore to factory. That's what that link I gave will help with (I think).

Worth looking at once you have everything updated again.

You should look into getting an external hard drive and doing image backups. Makes recovering from these kinds of problems a 20 minute process.

[vistasucks]

i'll look at the link tomorrow and have got my eye on a 1TB gadget on ebay...many many thanks to both you and donnab for all the assistance, couldnt have done it without you

[DonnaB]

thanks to both you and donnab for all the assistance

Anytime! It was a pleasure to help.

As for Ztruker's links:

In the 2nd link, I can't find the following as mentioned in post #5 by peppa:

Just a small info:
One hpcd.sys was located in the root of HP_RECOVERY partition and second in C:\Windows\SMINST\.
It's necessary to rename/delete them both!

I even have Show hidden files and folders enabled. Search comes up with nothing. And my HP_Recovery partition is totally inaccessible!

I had hoped to experiment for future reference!

Edited by DonnaB, 20 October 2012 - 07:23 PM.

[vistasucks]

update...i have just successfully installed 106 updates.....problem solved
as for the other stuff, i'll look into it when my brain cools down
huge thanks to everyone once more...youre the best

[DonnaB]

Perfecto! Now do you see what I mean by tedious process???

Let us know if you'd like to reinstall MSE. Whatever AV is installed will likely need a removal tool to completely uninstall it to prevent conflict.

Also, be very careful to watch for pre-checked foistware when you go to install/re-install any other programs so you don't end up with any unwanted toolbars, browsers, scanners, etc.

Ninite is a great site to download software from. When you choose a piece of software all you get is the installer. No unwanted foistware at all.

Have a great night!

Donna

[vistasucks]

norton anti virus seemed to reappear when the reset was done..i uninstalled it from control panel and reinstalled MSE but if i need to re bin norton then your help is appreciated...thanks for the ninite pointer...its always handy to have a clean site to download stuff from

[DonnaB]

Ahhhh! Norton. Yes. You will need a special removal tool to ensure all residual files are removed to prevent conflict.

Please download and run the Norton Removal Tool 20.0.0.21.

Here are the links for those other programs you had installed just in case you need them:

Update Checker v1.039

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free

It's alway's a good idea to have a 2nd browser installed as well. You never know when you might have issues with IE. The Ninite site offers Chrome or Firefox in their list of software. I'd advise you to install one or the other, whichever fits your fancy.

Once you get Update Checker reinstalled run it to see if any of the installed software needs updating. I'm sure Java, Adobe Reader/Flash products and a few others were installed and more than likely not up to date.

[vistasucks]

ahaaa...i'm waaaaay ahead of ya
everything you just suggested has already been done, except norton ,.. (im almost getting good at this now ).

[DonnaB]

ahaaa...i'm waaaaay ahead of ya
everything you just suggested has already been done, except norton ,.. (im almost getting good at this now ).

Oooo! Did I pick up on your tone of confidence? The unknown is always a fear till you leap in with eyes wide open, then looking back you realize you worried for nothing! You are to be commended! You did a great job and you did it all on your own. All we did was be there to guide and encourage you.

We're always here if needed!

Happy and safe surfing vistasucks!

Oh! By the way. I love my Vista! What would life be without a challenge?

Edit:
PS: I wanted to mention that the instructions concerning the updates was provided by a dear friend of mine, niemiro. He deserves the credit for that, not I.

Edited by DonnaB, 21 October 2012 - 12:44 PM.