[DR M]

Yes, these procedures take a long time, sometimes several hours. I would suggest you to prepare the USB drive (create a media creation tool) and have it ready for when you decide to start resetting the PC. 

[Advertisements]

That's noted! I already have the flash drive, but I'm always using my laptop for work during weekdays. I'll do the reset over the weekend. Thank you for your patience.

[rybards]

That's noted! I already have the flash drive, but I'm always using my laptop for work during weekdays. I'll do the reset over the weekend. Thank you for your patience.

[rybards]

Hi DR M,

 

I'm about to start creating a backup tool for my PC using a USB. However, I found that I need my Windows product key for the installation media. I bought my laptop 5 years ago, and the Windows OS was already built-in upon purchase. What should I do if I don't have the copy of the key? Can I get it somewhere online? Thank you.

 

- Ryan

Attached Thumbnails

• 

[rybards]

Oh, I got it now via cmd. ^_^ lol

[DR M]

Since your computer is running with Windows 10, you won't need the key. Actually it is a digital licence, connected with your computer and your Microsoft account.

 

EDIT: You are "just" going to reset the PC. So for sure, you don't need a key for Windows.

[rybards]

Hi DR M,

 

Just one question before I start resetting my PC. After creating the USB media tool. What should I do? I tried resetting my PC, but it says that it still couldn't find the recovery environment. Thank you so much.

[DR M]

Hi, Ryan.

 

The next thing you have to do is setting the boot order, so the next time you restart, the media tool will be loaded (USB device first).

 

Here it is a guide to change the boot order: How to Change Computer BIOS Settings: 11 Steps (with Pictures) (wikihow.com)

 

After that, shut down the computer, insert the media tool and restart. The computer will start from the USB/media tool.

 

In the first window that will appear, you will select Repair.

 

Then Troubleshoot > Reset this PC

[rybards]

Hi again!

 

My BIOS has a different setup than the one on the link you sent. I don't see the boot device priority. 

 

EDIT: I'm researching now how to change the boot order in HP Notebook PCs. I saw UEFI settings earlier, but I'm not quite sure what to do. Then, I tried restarting my PC again to check if the USB boot would work. But nothing happened. I'm gonna try again. 

Edited by rybards, 26 June 2021 - 09:03 AM.

[DR M]

Yes, unfortunately BIOS is not the same in every computer.

 

Does this help more? Grecian Geek Genius: How to start the computer from CD, DVD, USB (change boot options)

 

Can you take a picture of the BIOS so I can see what is the case?

[rybards]

Please see the attached images for the BIOS setup of my laptop.

 

I was able to create a boot order (USB at first boot) then boot my laptop using it. The Windows Repair screen appeared. Then, there was an option to choose the device to boot. I chose my USB, but it failed as you can see in one of the photos below.

Attached Thumbnails

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Edited by rybards, 26 June 2021 - 10:31 AM.

[rybards]

To be honest, I was a bit scared when it didn't work. I thought my laptop was not gonna boot anymore. 

[DR M]

No. Something is not right from the beginning. 

 

Can I see what you get before the first screenshot above? The first BIOS screen.

[rybards]

Do you mean the one with Startup Menu? Nothing comes before it. It was all black. After clicking Esc several times, I saw a small horizontal line blinking at the upper-left corner, then the first screenshot above appeared immediately.

Edited by rybards, 26 June 2021 - 11:21 AM.

[rybards]

This may also help. Please see attached.

Attached Thumbnails

• 

[DR M]

Choose USB CD/DVD ROM Drive as first boot device.