Question : "HP TouchSmart PC" - How to invoke the recovery partition?

I need to reinstall the op sys.
Also where are the drivers if I need to do a bear metal install?

Answer : "HP TouchSmart PC" - How to invoke the recovery partition?

what version TouchSmart do you have?

[note I have added a few tips at the end]
Here are 2 options
1)  use the recovery partition
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XITh9CF-JBs

Short short
a) check to see if you have a recovery partion ( my computer)
b) use recovery manager in the current OS
c) restart and hit F11  (hit is several times after you restart)
Connect a mouse before doing this as touch will not be enabled)

2) create recovery discs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxRXsX1ZYKM

short short if you still have the original OS then create the recovery discs.  
Note this is a good idea when ever you get a new system because although the recovery partition is great sometimes it just does not work when you need it.

Tips:
- before you try to recover your PC or Laptop to the factor default. you might want to save your exisitng files.
-- you can connect a portable drive - 1st choice
-- if your system is not working you could pull your drive and then connect it up using a USB drive connector / adaptor

http://www.newertech.com/products/usb2_adaptv2.php
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=USB+Drive+Adapter&ih=1_9_4_3_0_0_0_0_0_1.64_99&fsc=-1
I use the coolmax one

Or get a drive enclosure.  

I hope this helps

Kevin