Hello
Thank you for posting in the HP Support Community.
I am sorry for the issues you experienced with this computer.
I used to have the very same computer - as a frequest contributor HP gave one to me for testing and review purposes.
This is considered a cloudbook/netbook.
For just around 200 $ you get this small portable PC + long lasting battery + Windows license + additional software It's really worth the money but it can't have all the perks of a PC which costs 2000 USD. I think it is some sort of software issue, though.
However, I do feel for you and I do understand your issues.
Please, test your device to rule out any possible hardware problems
Use the BIOS/UEFI hardware diagnostics (F2) and perform quick/fast or run-in test. If these are not available, test your Storage and Memory. Let me know the test results. - here is a short video with instructions >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JXUp43ahHA
If the hardware tests pass successfully, the permanent (or long lasting) solution is to reinstall Windows and to perform clean "vanilla" Windows installation.
Currently, your PC has a recovery partition which can be used to reinstall Windows or for recovery purposes but it takes a lot of time. And is probably corrupted. By reinstalling Windows 10, you can delete this and even gain some additional 8-10 GB space extra.
This is the fastest, cheapest (free) and easiest solution - not difficult - here are instructions >>
Windows reinstallation / clean installation :
- You can directly download Windows 10 ISO from MS site or download >> Media creation tool from Microsoft site, create installation USB and proceed with clean installation/reinstallation.
Download:
>> https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10ISO
Make sure you select the proper version (64 bit / Home)
Media Creation tool will always provide you with the latest Windows version/build - now 1809 .
- When download completes, you will need to write the ISO image and boot from a bootable media. You will need a blank USB pendrive (min 8 GB capacity). Use the media creation tool
When ready with the USB drive:
Please, shutdown the computer using the power button.
Insert the Windows USB thumdrive prepared previously
Power on the PC.
As soon as you press the power-on button, start hitting the Esc button repeatedly (like tap-tap-tap).
This should open a HP Startup Menu >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSN0qzXayUY
Then, choose F9 to open Boot options. Select the USB thumb drive as a boot option.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 10. Perform clean installation/custom installation (not repair).
Delete all existing partitions and install Windows on Disc 0 Unallocated space
- After successful Windows installation, DO NOT connect to a wi-fi network and DO NOT setup Microsoft connected account (with an em@il address@ ) . Instead use a local account.
- Eventually, connect to a Wi-Fi network *and* update Windows immediately - this will update Windows but it will also install drivers for this device to enable/active the hardware
- Make sure Windows is Activated by going to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Activation
- You may wish to stop some of the Windows Telemetry by using free tools such as Spybot AntiBeacon or DWS Lite
Hope this works for you. Let me know how it goes and if this helped.