Need help wiping & starting over!

Okay, so I have an HP P7-1225 which was purchased in 2012. After using the malware/virus removal experts on this site (thank you very much!), I have fixed most of my problems. However, for some reason my system has "decided" that there is no audio output device installed, which is false.

The last piece of advice from the malware/virus forum was to backup everything important (files, programs, etc.) and wipe my system and reinstall Windows 7.

I am terrified of doing this myself, but with expert help from here, I am ready.

I could not find any type of system disc that came with this PC, so I believe that there wasn't one provided. I did use the System Recovery feature and created a flash drive of my system. I am hoping this is what I need, since I got the message that it WAS created successfully and that you can only create this once.

I am really in need of step by step help doing a couple of things:

1. Making sure that I really DO have everything I need for the fallout (I found the Microsoft Office disc that I purchased, so I have that and the flash drive (which I believe has my operating system on ?????????????????).

2. Backing up my files and extra programs (even ones that I do not have the discs for?) - will my external hard drive suffice for this?

Thank you to anyone who knows how to do this correctly. I would be very grateful for any and all help!

Waiting patiently . . .

 

Thanks Flavallee, I already tried that route, and more, but (sigh), nothing worked. I will review the troubleshooting section you posted and reply again. Thank you.

 

Tried what you posted under troubleshooting, but unfortunately I still have the same error.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks!

 

Click Start type recovery manager. Click at the top on Recovery Manager to open it. On the left side click Hardware driver reinstallation and click next. Reinstall this way to see if that will help.

Bill

 

Done. Unfortunately it didn't work.

 

Okay, I'm not sure where to go from here, but this is what the screenshot shows when I do the above . . . see attached.

Thanks!

 

Unfortunately (?) no unusual icons there . . . see attached.

No apologies necessary, sorry to intrude on your lunch with your son - go enjoy and reply later!

 

Okay, when you are able to do so, just tell me what to do next and I will. Enjoy your day and thanks again!

 

Anyone?

 

Have you tried installing the driver in Safe Mode?