Error message "The Computer Restarted unexpectedly or encountered an unexpected error" after System Startup on Windows 7 Recovery

Anonymous
2011-03-03T22:12:20+00:00

Recently, I needed to restore my laptop to factory settings.  I have an HP Pavilion Model Number G-60.  I purchased a set of recovery disks from HP and when they arrived, I booted the system with Disc 1 in the CD/RW drive.  The installation asked for all 3 discs and after it ejected the 3rd disc, the system rebooted and then restarted.  I got the message, "Setup is preparing your computer for first use"....then the Error message "The Computer Restarted unexpectedly or encountered an unexpected error.  Windows installation cannot proceed.  To install Windows, click OK to restart the computer and then restart the installation".  Doing this only keeps repeating the error message.  I looked at some of the messages already on the forum and tried the solution by Syed Karim but that did not work.  Can you think of anything else that I can try to get this working?   Honestly, I am very frustrated with this.  I didn't buy this laptop so that I can have these problems with a Windows 7 installation that would make my laptop useless.  I would appreciate any help you can give me.  Thanks,  Dave

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Windows update

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2011-04-12T18:53:35+00:00

1)      On the same error screen press SHIFT+F10 and it will open up a black Window. (a command prompt window)

2)       In  the black windows type the word "regedit"(without the inverted commas and hit enter. That will open the registry editor.

        In the Registry Editor..

                Browse to....

        HKLocal machine/SYSTEM/SETUP/STATUS/ChildCompletion, and after highliting childcompletion,on the right hand side check for setup.exe. if the value is 1 change it to 3.(by double clicking on setup.exe and changing the value shown in the box).

Then close the registry editor and then also close the black window.

      Then click on OK for the error and the computer will restart and the installation may complete.  just try it and let me know if it worked.

Was this answer helpful?

2 people found this answer helpful.
0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2011-03-03T23:03:31+00:00

Seeing as how you are trying to restore your system from OEM disks that were supplied by HP, you need to contact HP about the problem, it could be hardware related.

Also, OEM versions of Windows 7 are to have all support supplied be the computer manufacturer, not Microsoft.

Was this answer helpful?

0 comments

704 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2015-11-24T15:05:03+00:00

    Even like 5 1/2 years ago... your post still helps :)

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Greg Carmack 24,780 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2015-11-22T21:32:21+00:00

    Factory Recovery is the worst possible install, especially HP which have the worst load of bloatware in the industry including a dozen duplicate utilities that interfere with better versions built into Windows.  No tech enthusiast would even consider running the Factory install which throttles Windows by 30-50% so you never even really experience the OS. 

    You can trade the worst install possible for the very best install by doing a Clean Reinstall Windows 7 which has been used by over 1.8 million consumers without a single complaint. Be sure during the booted install to delete all partitions as illustrated in the WIki to get it cleanest.  Then after install save a Windows 7 System Image backup to use in place of reinstall in 20 minutes.

    If you are sure you want HP System Recovery and it fails for any reason when run from it's hotkey, if Windows will still start you can Boot Recovery Partition using EasyBCD, and if not bootable you can try the hotkey, if it will not boot into Recovery then try the Recovery Media.  If it fails try wiping the hard drive first from the booted Windows installation media or System Repair disc by running Diskpart Clean Command .

    These instructions will also work for other brands although you'll need to google your make/model + Factory Recovery to find how to access it from boot or make backup Factory Recovery Media.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2015-11-22T18:52:33+00:00

    1)      On the same error screen press SHIFT+F10 and it will open up a black Window. (a command prompt window)

    2)       In  the black windows type the word "regedit"(without the inverted commas and hit enter. That will open the registry editor.

            In the Registry Editor..

                    Browse to....

            HKLocal machine/SYSTEM/SETUP/STATUS/ChildCompletion, and after highliting childcompletion,on the right hand side check for setup.exe. if the value is 1 change it to 3.(by double clicking on setup.exe and changing the value shown in the box).

    Then close the registry editor and then also close the black window.

          Then click on OK for the error and the computer will restart and the installation may complete.  just try it and let me know if it worked.

    Will not work still goes back to same message.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments