Windows Update doesn't work - lost all prior update history

Hello,
My HP Pavilion DV7 just informed me that after 4 years of use, all windows updates are lost. There is no history. I installed the Windows hotfix and find that the next step (since the hotfix didn't work) is to run the Windows 7 DVD setup.exe. However, my HP Pavilion did not come with any Windows media disks. I called the store and they say that no computers in the last 3 to 4 years come with media any more. They said the media is on one of the partiitions. Can't find it.
Any help would be great.
Thanks,
HPuser58

Hi,
There are two options available.
1. You can order a replacement set of Recovery Discs using the link below - these will reinstall the operating system, all required drivers and nearly all of the original software ( the exception often being trials of MS Office ). They will also re-create all the original partitions, including the Recovery Partition.
Order HP Recovery Discs.
2. Another option you could consider is to create your own Windows 7 installation disc.
Before trying the following, make sure you can still read the 25 Character Product Activation key on your Windows COA label ( 5 blocks of 5 alpha/numeric sets ).
An example of a COA Label can be seen Here.
You can create a Windows 7 installation disc yourself using another PC - just download the correct Disc Image ( this must be the same version that originally came with your notebook - this is listed as Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit ) from the link below and use an application such as ImgBurn ( Note: You may want to de-select the additional software offerings during the installation of ImgBurn ) to burn the ISO correctly to a blank DVD - a guide on using ImgBurn to write an ISO to a disc is Here. The Windows Image source is Digital River.
Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64 bit.
Use the disc to perform the installation, enter the Windows activation key found on the COA Label when requested and when the installation has completed, use the 'Phone Method' detailed in the link below to activate the OS - this method supported by Microsoft and is popular with people who just want a clean installation of Windows 7 without the additional software load normally bundled with OEM installations.
http://www.kodyaz.com/articles/how-to-activate-windows-7-by-phone.aspx
Additional drivers and software you may need can be found Here.
Best regards,
DP-K
****Click the White thumb to say thanks****
****Please mark Accept As Solution if it solves your problem****
****I don't work for HP****
Microsoft MVP - Windows Experience

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[2013-07-09 01:10:05]    File: C:\ProgramData\Adobe\ARM\Reader_11.0.02\ARM.msi
[2013-07-09 01:10:05]    archive file: C:\ProgramData\Adobe\ARM\Reader_11.0.02\AdobeARM.bin
[2013-07-09 01:10:05] ExtractFilesFrom7zArchive...
[2013-07-09 01:10:05] C:\ProgramData\Adobe\ARM\Reader_11.0.02\7626
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[2013-07-09 01:10:05] Archive path: C:\ProgramData\Adobe\ARM\Reader_11.0.02\AdobeARM.bin
[2013-07-09 01:10:05] Files extracted successfully at: C:\ProgramData\Adobe\ARM\Reader_11.0.02\7626
[2013-07-09 01:10:05] SetupArmUpdate returns 1
[2013-07-09 01:10:05] DownloadFiles...
[2013-07-09 01:10:05] File already exist and valid: C:\ProgramData\Adobe\ARM\Reader_11.0.02\AdbeRdrUpd11003.msp
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[2013-07-09 01:10:05] no registered jobs
[2013-07-09 01:10:05] InitInstalls...
[2013-07-09 01:10:05] File to be added to install object: C:\ProgramData\Adobe\ARM\Reader_11.0.02\AdbeRdrUpd11003.msp
[2013-07-09 01:11:18] RelaunchARM...
[2013-07-09 01:11:18] Command line for restart: /ArmUpdateExe:"C:\ProgramData\Adobe\ARM\Reader_11.0.02\7626" /MODE:1 /PRODUCT:Reader /VERSION:11 /LANG:ESP
[2013-07-09 01:11:18] Launcher path: C:\ProgramData\Adobe\ARM\Reader_11.0.02\7626\AdobeARMHelper.exe
[2013-07-09 01:11:18] ShellExecute succeded.
[2013-07-09 01:11:18] Action deleted: Dialog
[2013-07-09 01:11:18] Notify...
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[2013-07-09 01:11:18] Requested to stop listener
[2013-07-09 01:11:18] Confirming request to stop listener
[2013-07-09 01:11:18] Action deleted: Listener
[2013-07-09 01:11:18] Cleanup...
[2013-07-09 01:11:18] ARM returns ERROR_SUCCESS
[2013-07-09 01:11:18] Adobe ARM 1.7.2.0 logging finished.
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So I did another long, involved call to Apple tech support on 9/18. They tell me that I have to turn off wi-fi, turn off 3G, turn off push/fetch and notifications, shut all apps (no multi-tasking) and do everything but switch my phone to airplane mode--and see if the battery holds up for 24 hours in standby. If that didn't work, I should restore from new, but not load any contacts or network or data or anything--just leave it as it would be out of the box new.
As a test, I turned everything off as advised: 3G, wi-fi, push, etc. Now my battery life is back to normal, where I can have the IP4 on stand-by for up to two full days before needing a recharge. Fabulous. BUT IT'S NOT A SMART PHONE if I have to turn off 3G, turn off wireless, and not use email push and so forth.
I'm so frustrated I could scream. I'm quickly coming to the conclusion that there is a significant flaw in the new iPhone. Or perhaps it is just an issue for iPhone 4 users in areas where the signal strength is marginal, or where there are two types of overlapping network coverage (E and 3G in my case). I know that the networks themselves are in good condition--though I'm in a semi-rural area, the state capital is 4 miles away, and I know they have a new tower and good coverage for the politicians and power brokers around town. The phone coverage area I live in has Edge network in the south part of the network area and 3G in the north part, which is the state capital. I'm right in between. Could this be the problem? AT&T says no, it's Apple's fault.
Message was edited by: HighSierra

So what to do besides complain? Troubleshoot?
I just wonder if all of us who have had chronic signal strength and "Searching for network" issues that totally drain the battery might have something in common, despite being all over the world? I'm using wi-fi 95% of the time, and live in a semi-rural area with overlapping networks run by same carrier. Apple folks hinted that maybe in my area the network usage is nearing capacity (resulting in getting kicked off of 3G and down to E as new calls are placed that strain capacity). They also hinted there could be interference from mountains or other objects. But here's the thing--3G phones work fine, and my IP4 works fine when I'm away from home, usually in the capital city on strong 3G network. (When I say "works fine I mean the signal is good and calls go through, I haven't tested battery drain away from home yet).
I have to conclude that the problem is the IP4 itself--something about the hardware or the software (namely, the way it connects to the phone network) is horribly wrong. Other folks who live in urban areas or with strong networks that (likely) aren't over-utilized don't seem to have this issue. After reading through these pages, it also seems the wi-fi may be a major culprit in draining the battery and in varying signal strength (this is from Apple phone support, which said that varying signal strength and the constant pinging off the home wi-fi is creating a "power struggle" and keeping the phone constantly looking for the best connection option). Mind you, 3G iphones on the same home network have no problems whatsoever.
So while I'm not a technical expert, it seems like the problem HAS to lie in the differences in the way the IP4 connects to the cellular and/or wi-fi network. And since the connection/signal strength problem was "resolved" on my replacement phone, but then "broken" again by the software update of iOS 4.2, I'm leaning toward this being a software issue. I've offered to help Apple troubleshoot, and I'm trying to be patient--because the IP4 is a work of art and I've never had an issue with an Apple product before. But all they want me to do is restore, restore, reload, restore, and then drive 1 hour to the nearest Apple store (in Reno, NV) and get a new phone...and start the whole process over again. I don't have time for this, I need my phone back.
I'm this close to trading in my beautiful but flawed IP4 for a 3G. Maybe I should just get a new battery for my original iPhone from 2007?
I understand that Apple can't test for every possible variable of use all over the world, but they don't even seem to acknowledge that they have a problem with the IP4 that will not be resolved by replacing it with a new unit. They want me to believe it's a fluke, or it's just me...but I've been combing these threads and see a lot of people reporting the same issues I am--battery drain and wildly fluctuating signal strength issues, wi-fi problems, and dropped calls. Can't someone get on this? Because otherwise Apple is going to have to admit that their IP4 is not a good solution for people who live in areas of less than perfect signal strength or use wifi or whatever demonic combo I have in my home/work setting.
Or people will have to do what I have done--if you who want the cool IP4 non-phone features, you will have to dumb down your IP4 in order to have it be even moderately useful as *a phone.* For $599 I expected better.
My (temporary) workaround?
To spare the battery:
*Turn off wi-fi (which *****, because now I have to burn minutes when I'm at work using the email, downloads, safari, etc--and it's E network, so it's SLLOOOOOOOW)
*turn off push and fetch, have mail get new messages manually
*turn off data roaming
To keep the signal somewhat stable (making it easier to complete calls and spare battery)
*Turn off 3G (this leaves me on E network--fabulous, I had that with my 3 year old iPhone)
*grip IP4 between two fingers placed at the top of the phone, away from death zone. Tough for us lefty phone users.
*pray the free bumper will a) come soon and b) help. I'm not optimistic.
To keep proximity sensor from going nuts and dropping calls, muting, turning on speaker etc:
*use headset or bluetooth (unless you are also having one of the known bluetooth issues!)
*keep phone pressed to one ear and don't move it a millimeter. Don't shift sides, don't hold phone with your shoulder, just keep it to one ear and talk fast).
I'm about out of patience. I understand that lots of folks have and love their IP4s. I'd love to be one of those people. I'm open to suggestions and have spent many hours on phone with tech support, restoring my phone, reloading data and apps--there has to be a better way.
Sorry for the thread-jacking, but someone from Apple has got to be following these threads--help us!
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