Hard Drive Error during system recovery

Paul,
The driver for the HDD is actually built into the HDD. Windows 7 contains a driver to communicate with the drive. If you have a backed up copy of your operating system (created by you on DVD's or CD's when you purchased the machine) then you have all you need to do a complete erasing of the hard disk and restoring it to the way it was when you purchased it (all your added data and programs will be lost).

Performing a system restore:

HP Recovery Manager software allows you to repair or restore the computer to its original factory state. HP Recovery Manager works from recovery discs, a recovery flash drive, or from a dedicated
recovery partition (select models only) on the hard drive. NOTE: A system restore needs to be performed if the computer hard drive has failed or if all attempts to correct any functional computer issues fail. A system restore should be used as a final attempt to correct computer issues.
Note the following when performing a system restore:

You can restore only the system that you have previously backed up. HP recommends that you use Recovery Manager to create either a set of recovery discs or a recovery flash drive as soon as you set up the computer.

Windows has its own built-in repair features, such as System Restore. If you have not already tried these features, try them before using HP Recovery Manager.

HP Recovery Manager restores only software that was preinstalled at the factory. Software not provided with this computer must be downloaded from the manufacturer's Web site or reinstalled
from the disc provided by the manufacturer.

Restoring using the dedicated recovery partition (select models only)

When using the dedicated recovery partition, there is an option to back up pictures, music and other audio, videos and movies, recorded TV shows, documents, spreadsheets and presentations, e-mails,
Internet favorites and settings during this process.

To restore the computer from the recovery partition, follow these steps:

1. Access HP Recovery Manager in either of the following ways:

Select Start > All Programs > HP > HP Recovery Manager > HP Recovery Manager.

- or -

Turn on or restart the computer, and then press esc while the "Press the ESC key for Startup Menu" message is displayed at the bottom of the screen. Then, press f11 while the "F11 (System Recovery)" message is displayed on the screen.

2. Click System Recovery in the HP Recovery Manager window.

3. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Restoring using the restore media

1. If possible, back up all personal files.

2. Insert the first recovery disc into the optical drive on your computer or an optional external optical drive, and then restart the computer.
- or -
Insert the recovery flash drive into a USB port on your computer, and then restart the computer.
NOTE: If the computer does not automatically restart in the HP Recovery Manager, the computer boot order needs to be changed.

3. Press f9 at system bootup.

4. Select the optical drive or the flash drive.

5. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Hope this helps you out.
Al

Try F9 during boot.. I doubt you repartitioned that small partition when you reformatted the main partition of the drive. Then again, the F9 function might not work anymore, even though the partition is still intact.. From Asus Support:
Using the Recovery Partition(on selected models)
1. Press < F9 > during bootup.
2. Press [Enter] to select Windows Setup [EMS Enabled].
3. Select the language you want to recover and click Next.
4. Read the ASUS Preload Wizard messages and click Next.
5. Select a partition option and click Next. Partition options:
Recover Windows to first partition only.
This option deletes only the first partition and allows you to keep other partitions, and to create a new system partition as drive "C".
Recover Windows to entire HD.
This option deletes all partitions from your hard disk drive and creates a new system partition as drive "C".
Recover Windows to entire HD with two partitions.
This option deletes all partitions from your hard drive and creates two new partitions "C" (25%) and "D" (75%).
6. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the recovery process.

Which operating system ?????.....
The HP Recovery Partition that comes pre-installed on most new HPs is like built-in insurance if your system becomes unstable or fails.
If the problem is severe enough, you may not be able to start the HP Desktop Recovery Manager from Windows but you can start it manually by following the steps below.

Disconnect all peripheral devices and power on the computer.
Press the F11 key after the computer first powers on to start the HP Recovery Manager.

Follow the on-screen instructions to back up recoverable files on the hard drive to an external drive or media.
Continue following the instructions to recover the hard drive to its original factory condition.
Click "Finish" when the recovery is complete.
Reconnect devices and reboot the computer.
Reinstall software and update Windows and HP to current settings.


Performing an HP System Recovery (Windows Vista)
HP Pavilion Recovery Partition
Accessing the recovery partition on your HP Pavilion laptop allows you to restore your computer to speed it up, eliminate a virus or repair your Windows operating system.
The Recovery Manager program makes it possible to restore your laptop to its settings as of a previous date or restore your computer to its original factory settings, which will erase all of your installed programs and personal data.
Using the recovery partition allows you to bypass the hassle of keeping track of recovery discs, which could be damaged in storage, rendering them useless when you need them.

Turn on or restart your HP Pavilion laptop.
Press "F11" when the "Press <F11> for recovery" message appears during the HP Pavilion boot process.
Select "Recovery Manager" from your list of recovery options and press "Enter."
The Recovery Manger program will open on your screen, and you can begin the recovery process.
Access Recovery Manager Within Windows
Click the "Start" icon or "Start" button in the lower left corner of your Windows home screen.
Click "All Programs" and then "Recovery Manager."
Click "Recovery Manager" again to open the Recovery Manager program on your HP Pavilion laptop.
using the hp recovery manager in windows 7

You can access the HP Recovery Manager software using the "F11" command during the boot-up process. The Recovery Manager is a preinstalled utility that can help you resolve issues on your computer system that affect its proper function, such as viruses, system errors or hardware corruption. Restore your computer only as a last resort, since all the files stored on the hard drive will be lost during the process. The restore process can also be helpful in wiping the computer clean before passing it along to another user.

Restart the computer. Press the "F11" key when the "BIOS" messages appear during the start-up process to open the "HP Recovery Manager." This step must be completed before Windows has a chance to load. Click "System Recovery" and click the "Next" button. Click "No" in the Microsoft Restore window that appears and click "Next." Click "Next" in the "System Recovery" window to initiate the restore process. The hard drives will be reformatted and the computer's software returned to the factory settings. Click "Finish" to restart the computer with the original operating condition in place.

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&product=18703&docname=c01895783 - RecoverOS

Usually with HP all you have to do is tap F10 when you get the logo screen during power up and it should start the recovery procedure for you. Just watch the logo screen and it will tell you what key to hit to start the recovery.

HP, in recent years, created a separate, protected partition that housed the original image of your hard drive at the factory.They do not provide recovery discs when you purchase the machine any more. You would need to contact hp and order the CD kit. There will be a small charge for them.

All HP's and Compaqs (as far as I know) come pre-installed with a recovery partition. This replaces the functionality of a recovery CD or DVD, only without the hassle of losing or scratching a recovery CD or DVD. There is one drawback to this method; namely that if the hard drive (or more likely for you) solid state drive gets damaged or erased, you run the risk of also erasing this recovery partition. If this happens, you will need to go to HP's website to order a recovery USB key. Information for ordering a recovery key can be found here. Keep in mind you can only order one recovery key per system, so if you do have to take this route, be sure to create another using the information at the bottom of this post.

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 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.

If prompted to use the Microsoft System Restore program, click No , and then click Next .

When prompted, if you want to backup your personal files and settings, select the Back up your files first (recommended) option, and then click Next . Follow the on-screen instructions.

When prompted to Recover without backing up your files , please STOP before clicking Next . WARNING: This is the final opportunity to change your mind about recovering the PC and deleting all the files and programs. Once you click Next , the restore process cannot be stopped.

If you are satisfied that you want to begin the recover process, click Next . The PC immediately begins formatting the hard drive and destroying all data.

The recovery process may take up to several hours and will return the PC to its original condition. Any custom settings, drivers, software programs and updates, and/or hardware updates are lost and must be reinstalled.


Once this process is complete, you can create a recovery USB drive using the procedures outlined below:

There are three options for recovering these mini notebook PCs to their original operating system image.

• Option 1 - Use the Recovery Manager program on the recovery partition on PC. For Windows 7, turn on the power switch, press Esc key at boot followed by F11 key for the recovery menu. For XP, press F6 key for Roxio BackOnTrack utility.
• Option 2 - Create a personal set of recovery media. For Windows 7 and XP use the HP Recovery Manager to create a recovery image on either a DVD or an 8 GB USB flash drive). For XP, use Roxio BackOn Track to create a recovery image.
• Option 3 - One-time purchase of the Recovery USB recovery key.

The USB Recovery key can be purchased from the HP web site. The USB key is larger than normal thumb drive. HP can ship only one USB recovery key per unit.

I am assuming you are trying to reinstall Vista. Apparently, HP's recovery partition is less than perfect and the recovery disc you created is probably worthless. (and you can NOT make another one, they only let you make one!) You are not the only person to have this issue.

Here are some things you can try:
1) Borrow an OEM version of Vista from someone...anyone. It sounds like you are proficient with PC's and maybe you know someone who works in IT. Use your product key (25 digit key code) and you should be able to reinstall.

2) if you like Vista, buy yourself an OEM version. It will not have all the factory (HP, Dell, Acer, whatever) BS on it. It will positively work because your hardware if fine.

3) Put XP on it. Personally, I think Vista is a mess. Microsoft is working on "OS7" and soon Vista will be like "Millennium".

Sorry it's not an easy fix, but glad your hard drive and memory show no errors.

Hi,

My name is Armymason, have you thought about running a hardware diagnostic test? Do a search on the internet for a free one and check to see if the hard drive is bad.

Thanks,
ArmyMason

I have the same problem - Best Buy does not give back-up discs,..but will allow you to purchase them (not cheap). I was used to them coming with my computers.