[evilduks]

I'm not sure about their computer, but HP has a recovery partition with all the recovery files in it.  It has all the same options as the recovery disks.

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Better to back up your files and then use the recovery partition, your parents computer if not the exact same model and spec will be using different chipset drivers etc and will therefore not be compatible.

 

Let us know how using the recovery partition works out and once done be sure to create a back up image of your HDD, Microsoft will not provide support or allow you to download an ISO from them but will instead tell you that you need to contact the manufacturer of your computer and ask them for recovery media, this typically costs between $30 and $50.

[phillpower2]

Better to back up your files and then use the recovery partition, your parents computer if not the exact same model and spec will be using different chipset drivers etc and will therefore not be compatible.

 

Let us know how using the recovery partition works out and once done be sure to create a back up image of your HDD, Microsoft will not provide support or allow you to download an ISO from them but will instead tell you that you need to contact the manufacturer of your computer and ask them for recovery media, this typically costs between $30 and $50.

[evilduks]

Just ran the repair to restore it to factory condition and it still froze. Should I go to just base windows?

Would a messed up fan be a culprit in this?

Edited by evilduks, 23 January 2016 - 10:27 PM.

[phillpower2]

Just ran the repair to restore it to factory condition and it still froze. Should I go to just base windows?

 

 

Two possible causes. 1: There is no Recovery Partition or it is damaged. 2: The HDD is bad.

 

Reinstalling Windows would be a lost cause if the HDD is bad but it would be worth trying a full format of the HDD and then installing Windows 7 on its own partition, there are certain provisos for this though.

 

Are you still able to boot into Windows in Safe Mode with Networking.

 

Do you have the Windows 7 product key for the present installation.

 

Do you have access to Windows 7 media, it must be the same version (or above) as to what is on the computer if you intend using the same product key. 

 

Would a messed up fan be a culprit in this? 

 

 

Not sure why you ask so can only explain the basics here, if you start the notebook and you hear the cooling fan working then unless the inside of the notebook is filled with dust then no the cooling fan cannot be responsible.

 

Also worth mentioning, booting into Safe Mode has a marginal affect on the job that a notebooks cooling fan needs to do in normal use, a noisy fan or one that you cannot hear at all would definitely cause problems though.

[evilduks]

I asked about the fan since I've been getting messages saying the fan was failing and I haven't had time to replace it yet. Ive not turned it on without a cooling fan underneath it though.

Is there a way to determine if it's a bad recovery partition or a bad hd?

[phillpower2]

My apologies, I somehow missed your last reply 

 

Can you answer the questions for us that I asked in my reply #34;

 

 

Are you still able to boot into Windows in Safe Mode with Networking.

 

Do you have the Windows 7 product key for the present installation.

 

Do you have access to Windows 7 media, it must be the same version (or above) as to what is on the computer if you intend using the same product key. 

 

 

You need to replace the internal cooling fan asap else you risk frying the CPU, this regardless of using an external cooling pad as that will have very little to no affect on keeping the CPU and GPU cool.

 

Testing the HDD will determine if it is the HDD or the media on the recovery partition that is bad, see canned text below;

 

If possible select the tool that is appropriate for the brand of your hard drive http://www.tacktech....ay.cfm?ttid=287 if unsure use Seatools for Dos as it works well with many other brands;

Depending on the program it will create a bootable floppy or a bootable DVD/CD.

If the downloaded file is the .iso type use ImgBurn: http://www.imgburn.com/ to burn the .iso file to a DVD/CD disk depending on your OS (select "Write image file to disc" option) and make the disk bootable.

 

RE ImgBurn: please use the custom install and uncheck the attached foistware such as "Install Entrusted Toolbar etc

 

 

Let us know how it goes.

 

[evilduks]

It will not boot into safe mode since the recovery install. It begins to load and says "Setup is preparing your computer for first use". A pop up says that it can't continue installation in safe mode and to restart. The computer then restarts and freezes at "Starting Windows"

Edited by evilduks, 29 January 2016 - 05:26 PM.

[phillpower2]

Do you have the Windows 7 product key for the present installation.

 

Do you have access to Windows 7 media, it must be the same version (or above) as to what is on the computer if you intend using the same product key. 

 

 

[evilduks]

I have the product key, but do not have Windows 7 media.  I'm going to see if the college I just graduated from has a disk I could borrow.  If not, I know a guy in my hometown with a computer company who is likely to have a disk.

[phillpower2]

Acknowledged 

 

Have you tested the HDD itself yet.

[evilduks]

How can I test the hard drive when I can't access Windows?

[phillpower2]

From my reply #36

 

Testing the HDD will determine if it is the HDD or the media on the recovery partition that is bad, see canned text below;

 

 

 

If possible select the tool that is appropriate for the brand of your hard drive http://www.tacktech....ay.cfm?ttid=287 if unsure use Seatools for Dos as it works well with many other brands;

 

Depending on the program it will create a bootable floppy or a bootable DVD/CD.

 

If the downloaded file is the .iso type use ImgBurn: http://www.imgburn.com/ to burn the .iso file to a DVD/CD disk depending on your OS (select "Write image file to disc" option) and make the disk bootable.

 

 

RE ImgBurn: please use the custom install and uncheck the attached foistware such as "Install Entrusted Toolbar etc

 

[phillpower2]

Any luck with testing the HDD evilduks.