Boot menu stuck on command prompt

Question

I want to factory reset my HP Pavillion laptop that has Windows 8 on it. I've forgotten the password, and have gone through all the necessary steps to reset the password, but have also lost the password to my Microsoft account. I have also lost the password to my AOL account which my Microsoft account uses. Meaning I can't reset any of the passwords :(. Instead of logging on, I would like to factory reset my laptop from the f11 boot menu. I have opened the boot menu before and tried to open command prompt. I did not realise that you need a password to do this. There is no other way to exit the boot menu command prompt login screen other than restarting the laptop. Now whenever I open the boot menu it automatically goes to the command prompt login menu meaning I cannot access any of the other boot menu functions, such as factory reset. I have attached a photo of what my screen looks like whenever I open the boot menu. Hope you can help me :)

Answer 1

Is this what you did?

Follow these HP steps to do a Recovery to Factory Settings (new condition).

http://support.hp.com/gb-en/document/c03489643

Scroll down towards the lower part of the link for information on reset outside of Windows.

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"HP PCs - Creating a Recovery Image on Discs or Saving a Recovery Image to a USB Flash Drive (Windows 8)"

http://support.hp.com/au-en/document/c03481733#AbT1

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HP PCs - Secure Boot (Windows 8)

HP PCs and Tablets - About UEFI and the Startup Menu

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OR:

You can download and create your own Windows 8.1 Installation Media to reinstall the Operating System with..

"Create installation media for Windows 8.1"

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media

"Download Windows 8.1"

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows8

A similar Tutorial which may also assist you

"Create Installation Media for Windows 8.1"

http://winsupersite.com/windows-8/create-installation-media-windows-81

In the first screen of this very simple wizard, you need to choose the following:

Language. English – en-us if you're in the United States.

Edition. Windows 8.1 (Core), Windows 8.1 N, Windows 8.1 Pro, Windows 8.1 Pro N, or Windows 8.1 Single Language.

Architecture. 64-bit (x64 ) or 32-bit (x86).

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"How to Create a Bootable USB or DVD with a Windows 8 or 8.1 ISO"

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2227-create-bootable-usb-dvd-windows-8-iso.html

   Warning This will not work to install Windows 8 or 8.1 for UEFI. For that, see this tutorial below instead.

UEFI Bootable USB Flash Drive - Create in Windows

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How to clean install:

"How to Do a Clean Install of Windows 8 or Windows 8.1"

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2299-clean-install-windows-8-a.html

Make sure that you read Section 4 about using generic keys

If you have a retail Windows 8 product key and want to clean install Windows 8.1 or Windows 8.1 Update*, then you would need to enter a generic key below to install unactivated with, and change the product key later on in* step 22 below to activate with your Windows 8 key.

If you have a retail Windows 8.1 product key and want to clean install Windows 8.1 or Windows 8.1 Update*, then you are good.*

If you have an OEM Windows 8 product key and want to clean install Windows 8.1 or Windows 8.1 Update*, then you would need to enter a generic key below to install unactivated with, and change the product key later on in* step 22 below to activate with your OEM Windows 8 COA product key.

If you want to clean installWindows 8 Enterprise*,* Windows 8.1 Enterprise*, or* Windows 8.1 Update Enterprise*, then you would need to change the product key later on in* step 22 below to activate since Enterprise editions do not ask to enter a key at this step.

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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.

When you reinstall it will pick up the Product Key and activate the system automatically.

If it does not, follow these steps:

"How to Activate Windows 8 and 8.1 by Phone"

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/24636-activate-windows-8-phone.html

"Get help with activation errors"

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/activation-errors

"How to activate a Microsoft product by using Microsoft Product Activation Center"

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950929/en-us

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If you do wish to/need to keep a record of it:

"Windows 10 Embedded Product Key Tool"

https://neosmart.net/blog/2014/windows-10-embedded-product-key-tool/

"We’re proud to introduce the immediate release of our newest utility for Windows users: the NeoSmart Technologies Embedded Product Key Tool. Designed for users of Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10, our embedded product key tool will retrieve and display the Windows setup product key embedded in the BIOS or EFI, allowing you to store it for safe-keeping or use it to reinstall Windows with an official Windows setup image."

You can also use:

"Belarc Advisor - Free Personal PC Audit (Version 8.5c)"

http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

Or:

"Product KeyFinder"

https://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/

Answer 2

Sorry, but I'm not sure what you mean. I pressed f11 on startup which should open the blue boot menu. Instead it shows one section, the command prompt login menu.

Answer 3

You have to read the HP information I gave you.

Follow these HP steps to do a Recovery to Factory Settings (new condition).

**http://support.hp.com/gb-en/document/c03489643**

Scroll down towards the lower part of the link for information on reset outside of Windows.

Answer 4

I have read it, but it requires you to be logged in to the laptop to complete the steps. I cannot login.

Answer 5

Make your own installation media.

I have also given you that information.

It starts at OR