Hi depressedowl:
Thank you for your query. I will do my best to help!
I regret that after doing a system restore your computer freezes. Have you tried running the" MS Fix it"click here? Have you run the "HP Support Assistant" click here. These tools will aid in finding and resolving issues. I am including link on" Lockups/Performance issues" click here. You stated you had some difficulties doing a recovery from the media you created. Here is a link to a document on "Troubleshooting HP System Recovery Problems (Windows 7)" click here. If you require further assistance would you please let me know.