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Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

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I have inherited a computer that I do not know the passwords to. I want to use “reset this pc” and “fully clean the drive’ When I get to the stage to start I get this message=”additional free space is needed on the drive where windows is installed-free up some space and try again” Obviously I cannot free up space on any drive if I cannot access the computer. Windows 10 O/S. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

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It’s not easy.

In reply to Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

Nod to priors such as https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Hardware-and-Upgrade-Questions/How-do-I-re-install-Windows-10-on-HP-Stream-14/td-p/6494781

The usual is to clean install the Windows 10 OS because even if you clean up space, these 32GB laptops can’t perform a reset this PC.

Reply To: Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

In reply to It’s not easy.

Thank you for your very quick reply. I have downloaded the Show Key Plus zip. I have unzipped the file. I have installed the application on a usb flash drive. I have inserted the usb into a port on the Stream. It flashes a few times and nothing happens. Suggestion?

Sorry about that.

In reply to Reply To: Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

No tool like showkey is required.

Just clean install Windows 10.

Reply To: Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

In reply to Sorry about that.

Where am I supposed to get a windows 10 O/S to “clean install’?

It’s free to get.

In reply to Reply To: Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

I use a working PC then use Microsoft’s media creation tool. I DO NOT GET THE ISO. I use the tool to make a nice new installer on USB.

There are so many tutorials about making this stick and installing that I’ll stop here.

The tool is over at https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/create-installation-media-for-windows-99a58364-8c02-206f-aa6f-40c3b507420d

Reply To: Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

In reply to It’s free to get.

I really do appreciate your trying to help me with this issue. To update I did download and place the win 10 creation tool on a usb. When inserted into the stream comp. it flashed a few times and did nothing. I have also gone into the bios of the stream and placed the usb/cd/dvd/ drives as 1st in access. However things have changed by actions i tried on the computer to a screen after i access with an administrator P/W (which i previously created and would like to get rid of as it is the 1st screen to open). Now the screen after entering my administrator P/W states I have no operating system and I need to install one. However as i said even with the bios boot order changed and the usb with the windows 10 creation tool in place nothing happens. In case it helps what i copied from the computer before I got to where I am now i did copy the “product number”/the “serial” number/the “UUID” number/the “system board” number. I suspect I may be even worse off than when I started? By the way even though I am 84 I like to dabble in technology to keep my brain active. Patience is a problem, however. In addition to the “creation ” app I also have a windows 10 “upgrade” app.

That’s a common mistake.

In reply to Reply To: Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

Copying the download tool onto the USB would… only do that and not be of much use.

If you run it, you get prompted on what to do next.

Also, when you plug in these install sticks, they do nothing. You have to boot off the USB to get to the install screens.

[rearpaddle]

Reply To: Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

In reply to That’s a common mistake.

Thanks’ for the input. I must not have been clear enough. I downloaded the “Windows10Upgrade9252.exe” and put that on the usb that i inserted into the port of the Stream AFTER I changed the bios boot order on the Stream to make the cd/dvd/usb the 1st in the boot order. Did I need to do something more than just put the exe file on the usb? Excuse me the file i installed on the usb is the “media creation tool22H2 (19,000 KB)

• This reply was modified 4 weeks, 1 day ago by rearpaddle.

Putting the .exe on the USB

In reply to Reply To: Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

Only does that. Remember how to create the media is on the web but the short version is on the PC you downloaded this .exe, that’s where you run it to create the Windows 10 boot stick.

Reply To: Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

In reply to Putting the .exe on the USB

rproffitt, Thank you for your patience and sticking with me. So I believe what you are telling me is that putting the exe file on the usb drive is not what is required. Could you please guide me into the step by step of what it is I must do with the exe file for it to function on the stream? As you know i cannot instruct that computer to do anything -other than input an administrator p/w or limited things within the bios. If a ‘run” is required on an app I believe it has to be done automatically. The boot order is still on cd/dvd/usb as #1. Now that it claims to not have an O/S I no longer see the user logon page.

Remember there are step by steps on the web.

In reply to Reply To: Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

But for now, you run that .exe and follow what it says to make the install media.

It’s one step.

Reply To: Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

In reply to Remember there are step by steps on the web.

Please confirm that doing as you state (which will be done on my working primary laptop) will not cause any problems on that computer?

For me, no problems.

In reply to Reply To: Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

But last week a new PC user spent 150$ at Best Buy because they couldn’t connect to their WiFi.

All skill levels are out there. For me, no problems. For others? Problems.

Sadly you seem to be having issues creating the install media. If you can’t get that done, you are probably going to end up at a repair counter.

Reply To: Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

In reply to For me, no problems.

I don’t think we are dealing with skill levels here. I believe as a long ago contributor as an advisor on another forum “Computer Hope”–I do have a certain skill level far greater than most people my age. However logic tells me if I take the exe file that is on the flash drive and I start to do something with it on a working computer (as opposed to the Stream) that whatever i do to an exe file it is going to “want to” do something on the computer that the flash drive is connected to. Do you disagree with that assessment? I would certainly not do a run on the computer it is installed in if that can occur. I am sure you can appreciate why given what the exe file is.

It doesn’t appear to be working.

In reply to Reply To: Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

Sorry I misunderstood the original issue.

I do know these 32GB storage laptops all too well. They always fail at some point to update and the only known fix is a clean install.

-> Since you can’t bring yourself to make your own install media, you can order it from many retailers. However it will be out of date and you’ll find yourself back at the beginning looking for the version Microsoft is giving you for free today.

The tool from Microsoft is just that. A tool. I don’t know how else to put this without some hurt feelings.

Reply To: Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

In reply to Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

I understand your concern. It seems like you are trying to reset your Windows 10 PC to its factory settings, but you are encountering an error message that says “additional free space is needed on the drive where Windows is installed – free up some space and try again.” This error message indicates that there is not enough space on the drive where Windows is installed to complete the reset process.

One possible solution is to boot your PC from a Windows 10 installation media (such as a USB drive or DVD), and then use the advanced startup options to access the Command Prompt. From there, you can use diskpart commands to delete all partitions on the drive where Windows is installed, and then create a new partition with enough space to perform the reset.

Please note that this process will erase all data on the drive where Windows is installed, so make sure to backup any important files before proceeding. Also, if you are not comfortable with using the Command Prompt, it may be best to seek the assistance of a professional technician to avoid any potential issues.

I hope this information helps you resolve your issue. Let me know if you have any further questions or concerns.

Reply To: Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

In reply to Reply To: Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

Thanks for your contribution on my issue. I believe as stated by me on an earlier post on this thread that I am now beyond the ” not enough space” issue. The computer now claims I have NO O/S and advises me to install one. As I stated in my almost last post on the topic–as per earlier assistance from another member I do have what i believe is the exe file of the app needed to install a version of windows 10 on the Stream. However even though I have changed the BIOS boot order to place cd/dvd/usb as first when I turn the Stream on it (the usb flash drive) does flash a few times but never presents an opportunity to engage the exe file on the flash drive. What I do find peculiar though is why is the 1st action required given where i think the computer is (erased O/S and none present) am I still being required to input an administrator P/W. Plus another responder stated for me to create a “run” command on the computer that is my working laptop where i created the exe file on that computer–and I am extremely concerned that doing so on a computer i do NOT need it on will cause me to create losses or problems on that computer. Plus I see no reason to execute a run on a computer that is not the one i want to install the new windows 10 O/S on.

Reply To: Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

In reply to Reply To: Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

“> Since you can’t bring yourself to make your own install media” Please correct me if I am wrong–but isn’t that what I have as the EXE file I have already created on the flash drive?

The .exe is what makes the install media.

In reply to Reply To: Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

You run it, answer its questions and the media is then made.

Sorry but this information is all over the web. Think of this like you asking me the water is. I point to the location but won’t dig the well for you.

There may be more steps later such as finding drivers but as you were helping on ComputerHelp’s site I thought you needed just a pointer as to where to start.

-> Moving on. These 32GB Windows laptops always fail to update at some point. Hundreds have tried to fix it without a clean Windows install, almost all fail. I won’t try because I know better than to spend one minute trying.

More? The minimum counter charge is more than these laptops are worth. Here it’s 150 bucks and some will sell you another copy on Windows for a total of 250. If you apply yourself you can get this fixed.

Reply To: Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

In reply to The .exe is what makes the install media.

“If you apply yourself you can get this fixed.’
“You run it, answer its questions and the media is then made.”
I think I have demonstrated that I am trying. I was told to download a specific file (the one I now have on a flash drive/exe) I certainly do agree this Stream is far from a high end computer. It is the challenge that I seek to keep my 84 year old brain active. No one thus far has told me NOT to be concerned about executing a “run” command on the computer that i created the file on. I see no purpose (yet to be told otherwise) that running it on other than the stream will NOT have potential unwanted results on that computer. As I have no ability due to the limited functionality of the Stream to execute a “run” command on it-i see no way to do that. Reminder it appears I have NO O/S on the Stream anymore. Is it possible that I have not the proper file on the flash drive? Should an exe file not be self executable if the port it is in is 1st boot devise?

Should an exe file not be self executable if the port it is in is 1st boot

In reply to Reply To: Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

No.

If you have no trust in this Microsoft issued tool, there’s little more I can do to instill that trust. It’s an oft used tool and plenty on the web about it.

If you fear this app/exe from Microsoft, then it’s best to take it to a repair counter. But the cost there can be more than a new laptop!

Reply To: Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

In reply to Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

hi you are talking about HP stream win10, you can search this on google.

Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

In reply to Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

Thanks for such an amazing information.

Reply To: Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

In reply to Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

It is not that I don’t trust the app. It is that I am concerned that executing a “run” on any other computer than the Stream (which I really do NOT care about ) may cause something to happen on any computer that I do run it on. If you can assure me that executing a “run’ on a computer other than the Stream will not create a problem on that computer I will certainly do so and hopefully be able to move forward. I want you to know that I most certainly do appreciate your assistance with this issue. Were it not for your guidance and patience I would have given up much earlier–but I hate to give up when facing a challenge.

Then you’ve left with no choice

In reply to Reply To: Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

But to go buy a copy of Windows, let a shop or friend do this for you.

Frankly these 32GB laptops are so cheap you can buy a new one for the money we spend at the local repair shop!

Reply To: Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

In reply to Then you’ve left with no choice

I totally agree with you. I would never buy one of these. Therefore, if I cannot ‘fix” it without spending any money it will go to a recycle depot. It is just that I like to try and fix some things (particularly if I have never done that fix) to see if I can get the “thing” working again. I am currently trying to repair two grandmother clocks—I know nothing about clock repair. I am going to take the exe file on the flash drive and try to “run ” it and keep my fingers crossed.

Reply To: Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

In reply to Then you’ve left with no choice

Ok so I think my concerns are well founded. I put the flash drive in my working laptop. I selected “open”. The security program on the windows 8.1 asked for “permission ” to make changes on this computer (P/W required). Entered P/W and said “yes’. Next thing I get is a window stating “windows 10 setup’ . As I clearly many times stated I am concerned about the exe making changes on the computer it is plugged into–looks like it was about to do that. Cancelled process immediately and received a message that the computer was “cleaning up” before closing the program. In case it is forgotten this is the “media creation tool” download I was recommended to download.

Since you are running it from USB

In reply to Reply To: Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

You will discover you will be denied creation of the media.

Since you fear what the Microsoft issued tool does, you have to find other solutions as noted above.

The laptop is fixable but the process and tools scare you which means again you’ll have to get this fixed by other means.

Reply To: Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

In reply to Since you are running it from USB

“You will discover you will be denied creation of the media.” So if that is true=why would I be recommended to do that by you? It is NOT that I fear what the Microsoft tool does (if it does it on the Stream) However I believe I SHOULD be concerned if the message I get is “commencing setup of windows 10 when it is in a port on a computer I do NOT want to change. I believe everyone would be concerned about that or should be. When I see the headlights of a train coming at me my tendency is to get off the tracks.

Sorry no.

In reply to Reply To: Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

You wrote something I would not do and know would not work correctly.

By introducing new steps into a known procedure to create Windows install media, well, that’s not anything I’ve seen done.

But all this doesn’t matter. Thousands of people create install media by running that app but for you it’s a deep concern. So it’s best to have it done by others.

Remember this procedure is on the Microsoft and hundreds of other web sites. But it’s not enough so find someone to fix the laptop.

Reply To: Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

In reply to Sorry no.

Thank you very much for your attempt at assistance. I think I shall go in a different direction=I will try to find a Linux O/S and see if I can regain use of the stream that way.

The thing is.

In reply to Reply To: Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

Most of us, even with Linux will have to download the .ISO then some app to create the install media.

How are you going to do this since you didn’t make a Windows install stick?

Reply To: Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

In reply to The thing is.

“How are you going to do this since you didn’t make a Windows install stick? “Since you ask=I will download an ISO (once I can determine which one is applicable (32/64 bit for the Stream) -then convert it to an image app on either a usb or a dvd. As you know the Stream does not have a built in dvd-but i do have a usb external dvd I think it should work if i go that way. However given I have no O/S at the moment on the stream, I could end up with the same issue of the win 10 exe when I insert the flash into the Stream= that it does nothing. Time will tell. Long ago I was successful of installing a linux on a computer via that same process. However I did try to do the same thing on another computer recently with a debian O/S. and never achieved it. Linux and derivatives are not very user friendly and one nearly needs to be a programmer (which I certainly am not) in order to use them.

So why didn’t you try that with a Windows ISO?

In reply to Reply To: Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

Go get the ISO of which Windows you want and use that to create the install stick.

I never suggest this because folk have repeatedly copied the .ISO file to the USB stick and then asked why it doesn’t boot but you appear to know how to get the ISO image onto USB so maybe that’s your path?

theshadowapk

In reply to Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

To perform a total clear and reset on an HP Stream running Windows 10, you can follow these steps:

1. Backup Your Data: Before proceeding with a reset, it’s important to back up any important files or data that you want to keep. You can copy them to an external storage device or upload them to cloud storage.

2. Open Settings: Click on the “Start” button, which is typically located in the bottom left corner of the screen, and then click on the “Settings” (gear icon) to open the Settings app.

3. Access Update & Security: In the Settings app, select “Update & Security” from the available options.

4. Choose Recovery: In the left sidebar of the Update & Security window, select the “Recovery” option.

5. Reset This PC: Under the “Reset this PC” section, click on the “Get started” button.

6. Choose Reset Option: You’ll be presented with two options:
– Keep my files: This option will remove apps and settings but keep your personal files intact.
– Remove everything: This option will remove all apps, settings, and personal files.

Select the option that suits your needs. If you want a complete reset, choose “Remove everything.”

7. Choose Cloud Download or Local Reinstall: You’ll have the option to either download Windows from the cloud or use the local reinstallation files on your device. Select the desired option based on your preference and internet connection stability.

8. Start the Reset Process: Follow the on-screen instructions to initiate the reset process. The process may take some time, and your computer will restart multiple times.

9. Set Up Windows: Once the reset is complete, you’ll be guided through the initial setup process of Windows, where you’ll need to configure settings, create a user account, and personalize your system.

It’s important to note that resetting your HP Stream will remove all installed applications and settings, so make sure to reinstall any necessary software and configure your settings after the reset is complete.

Most of this won’t work.

In reply to theshadowapk

You missed where the laptop doesn’t have an OS any longer.

Reply To: Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

In reply to theshadowapk

Thank you for your reply. Unfortunately it is ALL totally irrelevant . That is because you obviously missed the fact that initially I have NO access to anything on the computer due to P/W being unknown. Additionally though i did initially i no longer have ANY O/S.

Reply To: Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

In reply to Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

To perform a total reset on an HP Stream laptop running Windows 10, you can follow these steps:

Note: Performing a total reset will remove all personal files, installed apps, and settings from your laptop. anesthesia for hair transplant Make sure to back up any important data before proceeding.

Go to the Start menu and click on the Power icon.

Press and hold the Shift key on your keyboard, then click on Restart. This will initiate the restart process.

After restarting, you will see the “Choose an option” screen. Select Troubleshoot.

On the Troubleshoot screen, select Reset this PC.

Next, you will be presented with two options:
a. Keep my files: This option will remove apps and settings but keep your personal files intact.
b. Remove everything: This option will remove all personal files, apps, and settings.

Choose the desired option based on your preference. If you want to perform a total reset, select Remove everything.

On the next screen, you will have two more options:
a. Just remove my files: This option will quickly remove your files but won’t securely erase them. It’s suitable if you plan to continue using the laptop or pass it on to someone you trust.
b. Fully clean the drive: This option will securely erase all files, making it difficult to recover them. It’s recommended if you’re giving away or selling the laptop.

Select the appropriate option based on your requirements.

A warning message will appear, informing you that your personal files will be removed. Read the information carefully, and if you’re ready to proceed, click on Reset.

The reset process will begin. It may take some time, so be patient and avoid interrupting the process.

Once the reset is complete, your HP Stream laptop will restart, and you will be presented with the initial Windows 10 setup screen. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your laptop anew.

That’s it! Your HP Stream laptop will be reset to its original state, just like when it was first purchased. Remember to reinstall any necessary apps and restore your personal files from the backup if needed.

To perform a complete clear and reset of an HP Stream running Windows 10

In reply to Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

Power on your HP Stream and wait for it to boot up completely.
Click on the “Start” button (Windows logo) located at the bottom-left corner of the screen.
In the Start menu, click on the “Settings” (gear icon) to open the Windows Settings app.
In the Settings window, select “Update & Security.”
From the left sidebar, choose “Recovery.”
Under the “Reset this PC” section, click on the “Get started” button.

Please try again.

In reply to To perform a complete clear and reset of an HP Stream running Windows 10

The machine has no working OS as per above. Try again.

Reply To: Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

In reply to Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

I have a similar issue with one of my laptops, but I am not interested in wiping it entirely. I have some very important documents there, but it would seem that recovering the password is not an option. Is there any way to access those files without knowing the windows password?

Like, If I were to insert this drive to another laptop, and possibly access those manually? Or will they be encrypted?

Windows Password does not mean it is ENCRYPTED.

In reply to Reply To: Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

For decades I’ve booted up from a Linux CD/DVD/USB and copied out the user’s files. Only if the PC is dead do I need to move the drive to some USB case or another PC.

Reply To: Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

Why are you being permitted to post clearly advertising product on this forum?

The spam post has been removed.

In reply to Reply To: Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

Moderators clean such off when found or reported.

Read OP’s information.

In reply to Reply To: Total clear and reset an HP stream win10

Sorry but you wrote all this and it doesn’t apply.

Tell them the other ways to fix this.

[Author]

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