We just got a Hewlett-Packard pc and when we plugged in our Clickfree device, the usual messages didn't appear, like restore, download, etc

Did you accidentaly disable the HP quick launch software? you can get it here for your notebook model. the HP software framework is usually not needed, but ifthe quicklaunch doesnt cut it, it may help..

I assumed they stopped working suddenly or at least you noticed after it was rebooted. I am not considering that the laptop was re-installed without using the restore function on it.

the first job when you get a new pc is to create recovery discs. not doing so is totally foolish.
you cannot download them, you have to pay HP for a set of recovery discs for your machine if you couldn't be bothered to do it yourself.

Remove ALL media, DVD,CD,USB, unplug, remove battery, plug in , push the on/off button and immediately and repeatedly tap F-11 and restore to a date before this issue or a full recovery OR Boot to Safe Mode with Networking and download MALWAREBYTES at : http://www.filehippo.com/download_malwarebytes_anti_malware/ In the install UNCHECK the TRIAL PRO version, you want the freeware version. Run a FULL Scan, Delete ALL results, reboot. More info at HP Support: http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SupportTaskIndex.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&taskId=110&prodSeriesId=4075896&prodTypeId=321957&supportTaskId=22882

Restore CD's are generally customized to the specific PC. I hate that too, believe me. You can certainly try it, but there is a good chance it will not work, as the drivers/files on the restore CD for one PC are tailored for the hardware in it. Your best bet is to contact Dell directly for a copy, providing them with your PC information. It may only cost $20-30. The alternative would be to take a CD with only the OS (operating system - e.g. WIndows 7, etc., and use it to reformat and reinstall your system. If you do reformat, however, there is a good chance that you will lose all personal files, documents, pictures, etc., on your PC. If you know a computer geek (friend or family), it may be a good idea to seek their assistance. I've helped mine many times. All the best ~ JD

It sounds like your connecting an external storage device (Such as a hard-drive) over USB.

The device you purchased has not been formatted-- that is, the file-system isn't prepared, and when its connected your operating system is trying to "figure out" what the heck it is... eventually coming back with "I dunno..format it?"..

The answer is simple-- say YES.. Format the device. OR, open "My computer" and then plug in your device. You'll eventually see a drive letter appear (such as D: or E: or F:...etc-- just not C:). When it appears, right-click on the drive, and click "Format"... select "Quick Format", then "OK"... Wait a few seconds..and poof..your device will show quickly next time you use it, and you'll be able to store data on it.

go to the Control Panel -> Devices Manager ->expand the list and check if the driver is present or not, if missing reinstall or download it.........

It would appear that your Clickfree C6 is stuck on searching when attempting to backup. If you find that the backup is stuck at this phase, where 0 files are backed up and the status reads "searching for files": you should be able to resolve this issue by applying an update from Clickfree's website.


Pre-requisites:
-Administrator rights
-A computer using Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 (32-bit, or 64-bit is okay)
-The C6 must be detected correctly by the computer (where both CF_Storage and Clickfree_System appear in Computer/My Computer)


Try the following to resolve the Stuck on Searching issue:
1. Ensure that your Clickfree device is plugged into USB
2. Close any open applications that may be running
3. Using a web browser, navigate to the following address: http://www.storage-corp.com/customerservice/C6_Updater_search_issue.exe
• The website will prompt for a username, use: cssupport
• The website will prompt for a password, use: cssupport
4. When prompted, save the file to your desktop
5. Double click on the file named "C6_Updater_search_issue.exe"
6. The update will take place automatically. Do not close the update application until completion.
7. When the update is complete, click on the OK button
8. Disconnect your Clickfree from USB
9. Plug the Clickfree back into USB


Attempt another backup to see if the issue persists.

what happened next?try restarting your laptop then press f8 then restore to its previous settings

This page explains how to solve that issue.

The scanning device could not be initialized and Related Scanning Error...

I am an HP employee.

HDD is failing backup all important data and replace drive, could also try determining the drive manufacturer whether its seagate, western digital etc. and download drive utilities from the manufacturer in an attempt to repair the drive.