1. You can create recover disc from the HP utilities but it is too late to do so since your PC does not work now.
2. You can go to HP support to get recover disc, with the series # or license #. I would try this, even call them.
3. Yes, you need Windows OS ( a bootable disc) after installing a new HD, but you may get Windows OS (XP, Win7, Win8, etc.) from other sources if you do not have one.
