Virus destroyed my H.P. .. how high can I go?

[Charlie_F]

I picked up a virus from hell and can’t do a thing now. Window after window blocks me from even opening the PC. I need to install a new OS, but I’m not sure if I can even do that. I know I’ll need a new number to enter so it will be a full install. It now has 8.1 os.. how can I tell which OS to buy that will run okay in it. Pavilion 15-NOIOUS . I can’t remember the ram..etc, and there’s no way for me to see anything. Also.. will putting in a new OS remove the virus ?

[Rustys]

Why not preform a factory restore onto the system?
There should be a hidden partition on the drive that carried that information.

See of this helps
Using The Recovery Partition To Recover A Minimized Image; Using Recovery Media To Recover; Changing The Computer Boot Order - HP Pavilion 15 Maintenance And Service Manual [Page 130] | ManualsLib

[Charlie_F]

Why not preform a factory restore onto the system?
There should be a hidden partition on the drive that carried that information.

See of this helps
Using The Recovery Partition To Recover A Minimized Image; Using Recovery Media To Recover; Changing The Computer Boot Order - HP Pavilion 15 Maintenance And Service Manual [Page 130] | ManualsLib

Thanks Rustys, The virus seems to be Russian, and it pops windows over anything I try to open. It allowed me in once, but it said that my activation key is gone. I was able to do the recovery.. as soon as it connected to the Internet I got the message that my Windows was not legal anymore because it would not activate. Looks like I might need to buy a whole new system for it. I was hoping to not have to do that :-(. The system came installed and I have no copy of that activation code. It’s a few years old and H.P. won’t help. Thanks for trying, I’ve never been here before but I know where this place is now and chances are that I’ll be back. Your quick reply gave me hope… thanks again.

[jmarket]

If you have restored the original operating system, and Windows will not automatically activate, and HP will not assist then you will need to purchase a key from Microsoft.

This issue demonstrates the value of system images/backup.

As there is no more we can assist with this issue, and rules of PCHF include

1. We will not assist with recovery of or figuring out of system passwords, for any reason.

Will close this thread and if @Charlie F. requires assistance in the future with this issue please pm a staff member who can re open it for you.

[jmarket]

I have reopened the thread per your message to gus.

What version of Windows originally came on the laptop?

[Charlie_F]

Okay Gus. I’ve read your post and I agree… there should have been a back up set that came with the computer.. but it wasn’t installed when it was new. It had the Recovery image as a partition. I’ve used it but it did not include the activation code which was erased by the virus. Now I can’t even get there as the virus takes control before I can enter a single keystroke. Thanks for replying .

I have reopened the thread per your message to gus.

What version of Windows originally came on the laptop?

It came with 8.1 I figure if I have to replace it, I might as well go as new as I can. Was hoping someone might know how high that is. It’s okay… I’ll find out somewhere. I had to try here when I found this site, you folks tried. Thank You for that :-). I don’t even know if I can get in with “safe” mode because nothing seems to allow any F keys. It’s a vicious virus.. it just puts open windows after another until it has at least 200 on at a time. None allow me to close them.

[jmarket]

Have you tried using a DVD of Windows 10? You can upgrade to Windows 10 and it should auto activate with the key on the board. A virus can’t erase a hardware key. It’s read only. It might be running on boot, but it can’t erase an activation key. It’s embedded on the board.

[Rustys]

I’ve used it but it did not include the activation code which was erased by the virus.

No it did not.
From the Microsoft site [COLOR=rgb(243, 121, 52)]windows 8 product key activation
With Windows 8/8.1 The Product Key on preinstalled Operating Systems (HP, Acer, etc) is embedded in the BIOS in the Motherboard, so that the lost and/or worn C.O.A. Sticker problem is no more.

Yes you should be able to install Windows 10 would do like @[COLOR=rgb(250, 197, 28)]jmarket suggested and preform a clean install. Would also suggest that you go to the HP site and download the drives for the hardware in the system in case they are needed.[/COLOR][/COLOR]

[jmarket]

I was able to do the recovery..

If you have done the recovery then it should automatically activate the original OS, your key is not lost.

[veeg]

Any updates for us?

[veeg]

Any updates for us? After 48 hrs this thread will be closed.