Can't do scratch install of XP Home on HP Pavilion with key code on sticker

I am having trouble doing a scratch install of XP on a (formerly)
preloaded HP Pavilion that suffered a HD crash, taking with it the HP
Recovery partition. I have tried using XP Home SP2 Integrated install
CDs (Retail or OEM) but both won't respect the XP Home key code
printed on the sticker on the side of the PC. Once again, there is no
HP XP "media" because it was lost inside the crashed HD.

I have previously reinstalled XP on an eMachines with an 'XP Upgrade'
key code using an Integrated XP SP2 Integrated OEM CD. It just doesn't
make sense that I have a valid license, am trying it on the same PC,
but can't get it installed.

Can someone please help me get XP re-installed on this PC? TIA.

"Tee" wrote in message ...
I am having trouble doing a scratch install of XP on a (formerly)
preloaded HP Pavilion that suffered a HD crash, taking with it the HP
Recovery partition. I have tried using XP Home SP2 Integrated install
CDs (Retail or OEM) but both won't respect the XP Home key code
printed on the sticker on the side of the PC. Once again, there is no
HP XP "media" because it was lost inside the crashed HD.

I have previously reinstalled XP on an eMachines with an 'XP Upgrade'
key code using an Integrated XP SP2 Integrated OEM CD. It just doesn't
make sense that I have a valid license, am trying it on the same PC,
but can't get it installed.

Can someone please help me get XP re-installed on this PC? TIA.

Most likely because HP uses a customized OEM OS and their Key is only valid on with that version.
You may be able to buy a set of HP restore disk from www.restoredisk.com

On Mon, 3 Mar 2008 20:18:38 -0700, "Richard in AZ"
wrote:


"Tee" wrote in message ...
I am having trouble doing a scratch install of XP on a (formerly)
preloaded HP Pavilion that suffered a HD crash, taking with it the HP
Recovery partition. I have tried using XP Home SP2 Integrated install
CDs (Retail or OEM) but both won't respect the XP Home key code
printed on the sticker on the side of the PC. Once again, there is no
HP XP "media" because it was lost inside the crashed HD.

I have previously reinstalled XP on an eMachines with an 'XP Upgrade'
key code using an Integrated XP SP2 Integrated OEM CD. It just doesn't
make sense that I have a valid license, am trying it on the same PC,
but can't get it installed.

Can someone please help me get XP re-installed on this PC? TIA.

Most likely because HP uses a customized OEM OS and their Key is only valid on with that version.
You may be able to buy a set of HP restore disk from www.restoredisk.com


I went to that link, it has lots of other links to other sites for
'system disks', 'rescue disks', etc., nothing I recognized as being an
HP restore disk. Do you know which link?

I hope you're mistaken, even though I can't question what you said.
So, every hardware vendor has a customized OS? If that's the case, how
could a brand new, shrink wrapped copy of XP work if the HW needs a
special customized OS? Like I said I was able to totally reinstall an
eMachines and it respected the key code.

Anyway, it just seems wrong that I would have to buy something when I
already own the license and can easily get the Microsoft media to
reinstall.

Thanks.

"Tee" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 3 Mar 2008 20:18:38 -0700, "Richard in AZ"
wrote:


"Tee" wrote in message
. ..
I am having trouble doing a scratch install of XP on a (formerly)
preloaded HP Pavilion that suffered a HD crash, taking with it the HP
Recovery partition. I have tried using XP Home SP2 Integrated install
CDs (Retail or OEM) but both won't respect the XP Home key code
printed on the sticker on the side of the PC. Once again, there is no
HP XP "media" because it was lost inside the crashed HD.

I have previously reinstalled XP on an eMachines with an 'XP Upgrade'
key code using an Integrated XP SP2 Integrated OEM CD. It just doesn't
make sense that I have a valid license, am trying it on the same PC,
but can't get it installed.

Can someone please help me get XP re-installed on this PC? TIA.

Most likely because HP uses a customized OEM OS and their Key is only
valid on with that version.
You may be able to buy a set of HP restore disk from www.restoredisk.com


I went to that link, it has lots of other links to other sites for
'system disks', 'rescue disks', etc., nothing I recognized as being an
HP restore disk. Do you know which link?

I hope you're mistaken, even though I can't question what you said.
So, every hardware vendor has a customized OS? If that's the case, how
could a brand new, shrink wrapped copy of XP work if the HW needs a
special customized OS? Like I said I was able to totally reinstall an
eMachines and it respected the key code.

Anyway, it just seems wrong that I would have to buy something when I
already own the license and can easily get the Microsoft media to
reinstall.

Thanks.

I think he left the s off. Try,
http://www.restoredisks.com/

Tee wrote:
I am having trouble doing a scratch install of XP on a (formerly)
preloaded HP Pavilion that suffered a HD crash, taking with it the HP
Recovery partition. I have tried using XP Home SP2 Integrated install
CDs (Retail or OEM) but both won't respect the XP Home key code
printed on the sticker on the side of the PC. Once again, there is no
HP XP "media" because it was lost inside the crashed HD.

I have previously reinstalled XP on an eMachines with an 'XP Upgrade'
key code using an Integrated XP SP2 Integrated OEM CD. It just doesn't
make sense that I have a valid license, am trying it on the same PC,
but can't get it installed.

Can someone please help me get XP re-installed on this PC? TIA.

If the HDD crash took away your Recovery partition, is it possible that
the drive is shot and you need to purchase/install a new one?

Who does the Retail disk/license belong to? If it belongs to you and if
that particular license is not being used on another PC, then you can
use it. But the key (which is OEM) on your COA sticker on the HP won't
work. You would need to use the key that came with the disk.

You said you tried using an OEM disk, too. This should work provided it
is a *generic* (i.e., not branded) OEM disk. And the key on your COA
sticker should work.

Have you contacted HP for a replacement recovery disk? They should be
able to provide you one for a nominal fee. See:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/d...os=228&lang=en

(or http://tinyurl.com/3d3wh3 )

If not, there's always:

http://www.restoredisks.com (note the plural!)

Tee wrote:
I am having trouble doing a scratch install of XP on a (formerly)
preloaded HP Pavilion that suffered a HD crash, taking with it the HP
Recovery partition. I have tried using XP Home SP2 Integrated install
CDs (Retail or OEM) but both won't respect the XP Home key code
printed on the sticker on the side of the PC.


That's to be expected. Product Keys are bound to the specific type
and language of CD/license (OEM, Volume, retail, full, or Upgrade) with
which they are purchased. For example, a WinXP Home OEM Product Key
won't work for any retail version of WinXP Home, or for any version of
WinXP Pro, and vice versa. An Upgrade License's Product Key cannot be
used with a full version CD, and vice versa. An OEM Product Key will
not work to install a retail product. An Italian Product Key will not
work with an English CD. Bottom line: Product Keys and CD/license types
cannot be mixed & matched.



Once again, there is no
HP XP "media" because it was lost inside the crashed HD.



That's why HP computers prompt you to create your Recovery Disk from
that partition the very first time you turn them on. And the capability
remains available via the Start Menu until removed by the computer owner.


I have previously reinstalled XP on an eMachines with an 'XP Upgrade'
key code using an Integrated XP SP2 Integrated OEM CD. It just doesn't
make sense that I have a valid license, am trying it on the same PC,
but can't get it installed.


That shouldn't have worked. If it did, it must have been a one-time
fluke.Are you absolutely sure that you successfully used an Upgrade
Product Key with an OEM CD?


Can someone please help me get XP re-installed on this PC? TIA.

Contact HP for assistance in obtaining Recovery media.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

"Tee" wrote in message
...
I am having trouble doing a scratch install of XP on a (formerly)
preloaded HP Pavilion that suffered a HD crash, taking with it the
HP
Recovery partition. I have tried using XP Home SP2 Integrated
install
CDs (Retail or OEM) but both won't respect the XP Home key code
printed on the sticker on the side of the PC. Once again, there is
no
HP XP "media" because it was lost inside the crashed HD.

I have previously reinstalled XP on an eMachines with an 'XP
Upgrade'
key code using an Integrated XP SP2 Integrated OEM CD. It just
doesn't
make sense that I have a valid license, am trying it on the same PC,
but can't get it installed.

Can someone please help me get XP re-installed on this PC? TIA.


Probably because you have a product key for the *******ized version of
Windows as distributed by HP. The key on the case is for THAT
version, not whatever you are trying to use. Use the phone number in
the docs supplied with the pre-built HP host to call them to ask for
the recovery CDs (which you didn't bother to create when you received
the host). Cost should somewhere around $20 to $30. Took then just 2
days to deliver the package. Also, remember that a recovery CD is
*not* the same as an install CD.

Bruce, XP retail upgrade edition and full edition product keys are
interchangeable.

"Bruce Chambers" wrote in message
...
Tee wrote:
I am having trouble doing a scratch install of XP on a (formerly)
preloaded HP Pavilion that suffered a HD crash, taking with it the HP
Recovery partition. I have tried using XP Home SP2 Integrated install
CDs (Retail or OEM) but both won't respect the XP Home key code
printed on the sticker on the side of the PC.


That's to be expected. Product Keys are bound to the specific type
and language of CD/license (OEM, Volume, retail, full, or Upgrade) with
which they are purchased. For example, a WinXP Home OEM Product Key won't
work for any retail version of WinXP Home, or for any version of WinXP
Pro, and vice versa. An Upgrade License's Product Key cannot be used with
a full version CD, and vice versa. An OEM Product Key will not work to
install a retail product. An Italian Product Key will not work with an
English CD. Bottom line: Product Keys and CD/license types cannot be
mixed & matched.



Once again, there is no
HP XP "media" because it was lost inside the crashed HD.



That's why HP computers prompt you to create your Recovery Disk from that
partition the very first time you turn them on. And the capability
remains available via the Start Menu until removed by the computer owner.


I have previously reinstalled XP on an eMachines with an 'XP Upgrade'
key code using an Integrated XP SP2 Integrated OEM CD. It just doesn't
make sense that I have a valid license, am trying it on the same PC,
but can't get it installed.

That shouldn't have worked. If it did, it must have been a one-time
fluke.Are you absolutely sure that you successfully used an Upgrade
Product Key with an OEM CD?


Can someone please help me get XP re-installed on this PC? TIA.

Contact HP for assistance in obtaining Recovery media.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand
Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

On Mon, 3 Mar 2008 23:11:36 -0500, "Daave"
wrote:

Tee wrote:
I am having trouble doing a scratch install of XP on a (formerly)
preloaded HP Pavilion that suffered a HD crash, taking with it the HP
Recovery partition. I have tried using XP Home SP2 Integrated install
CDs (Retail or OEM) but both won't respect the XP Home key code
printed on the sticker on the side of the PC. Once again, there is no
HP XP "media" because it was lost inside the crashed HD.

I have previously reinstalled XP on an eMachines with an 'XP Upgrade'
key code using an Integrated XP SP2 Integrated OEM CD. It just doesn't
make sense that I have a valid license, am trying it on the same PC,
but can't get it installed.

Can someone please help me get XP re-installed on this PC? TIA.

If the HDD crash took away your Recovery partition, is it possible that
the drive is shot and you need to purchase/install a new one?

It's gone, I had to buy a new one just to attempt the install.


Who does the Retail disk/license belong to? If it belongs to you and if
that particular license is not being used on another PC, then you can
use it. But the key (which is OEM) on your COA sticker on the HP won't
work. You would need to use the key that came with the disk.

It belongs to a friend, I'm fixing it for her; as I said, I used the
same CD with an XP Home Upgrade key with an eMachines, so the OEM CD &
Key were interchangeable in that case. To me that means they don't
necessarily need to be matched.


You said you tried using an OEM disk, too. This should work provided it
is a *generic* (i.e., not branded) OEM disk. And the key on your COA
sticker should work.

It didn't, and there's someone else responding that said they
shouldn't. I would side with you, if it were a matter of opinion.


Have you contacted HP for a replacement recovery disk? They should be
able to provide you one for a nominal fee. See:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/d...os=228&lang=en

(or http://tinyurl.com/3d3wh3 )

If not, there's always:

http://www.restoredisks.com (note the plural!)


I started a chat but after almost an hour with 10 minute lags in
responses, I figured out that they didn't even understand the
question. I emailed a detailed question and didn't get an answer yet.

I'm just frustrated that I have a new drive, I have original Microsoft
Integrated CDs (any kind a want) and a key code, and I need to suspend
my life, order CDs, etc. This, in contrast to what the pirates do, and
they would have been finished a half hour after I started this whole
mess. It's clear to me that HP created this obstacle to make more
money after the sale, and other manufacturers did not.

I know you folks are helping, I'm not directing this at you.

On Mon, 03 Mar 2008 21:13:26 -0700, Bruce Chambers
wrote:

Tee wrote:
I am having trouble doing a scratch install of XP on a (formerly)
preloaded HP Pavilion that suffered a HD crash, taking with it the HP
Recovery partition. I have tried using XP Home SP2 Integrated install
CDs (Retail or OEM) but both won't respect the XP Home key code
printed on the sticker on the side of the PC.


That's to be expected. Product Keys are bound to the specific type
and language of CD/license (OEM, Volume, retail, full, or Upgrade) with
which they are purchased. For example, a WinXP Home OEM Product Key
won't work for any retail version of WinXP Home, or for any version of
WinXP Pro, and vice versa. An Upgrade License's Product Key cannot be
used with a full version CD, and vice versa. An OEM Product Key will
not work to install a retail product. An Italian Product Key will not
work with an English CD. Bottom line: Product Keys and CD/license types
cannot be mixed & matched.

I'm using XP Home OEM CD & XP Home Retail CD's. This is an XP Home
license, what other flavor exists? Also, I used an XP Home OEM CD with
an Upgrade key and it worked with a new install. The activation worked
after installation.




Once again, there is no
HP XP "media" because it was lost inside the crashed HD.



That's why HP computers prompt you to create your Recovery Disk from
that partition the very first time you turn them on. And the capability
remains available via the Start Menu until removed by the computer owner.

Too late, and it isn't my PC. You probably know most home users, they
would have said 'huh?' to the above remark. That's a moot point right
now.



I have previously reinstalled XP on an eMachines with an 'XP Upgrade'
key code using an Integrated XP SP2 Integrated OEM CD. It just doesn't
make sense that I have a valid license, am trying it on the same PC,
but can't get it installed.


That shouldn't have worked. If it did, it must have been a one-time
fluke.Are you absolutely sure that you successfully used an Upgrade
Product Key with an OEM CD?

Absolutely.



Can someone please help me get XP re-installed on this PC? TIA.

Contact HP for assistance in obtaining Recovery media.

I may have to, but it makes it very frustrating when I know that the
rest of the world doesn't have to jump through these hoops.

On Mon, 3 Mar 2008 22:03:18 -0700, "Colin Barnhorst"
wrote:

Bruce, XP retail upgrade edition and full edition product keys are
interchangeable.

Yup, it did for me.


"Bruce Chambers" wrote in message
...
Tee wrote:
I am having trouble doing a scratch install of XP on a (formerly)
preloaded HP Pavilion that suffered a HD crash, taking with it the HP
Recovery partition. I have tried using XP Home SP2 Integrated install
CDs (Retail or OEM) but both won't respect the XP Home key code
printed on the sticker on the side of the PC.


That's to be expected. Product Keys are bound to the specific type
and language of CD/license (OEM, Volume, retail, full, or Upgrade) with
which they are purchased. For example, a WinXP Home OEM Product Key won't
work for any retail version of WinXP Home, or for any version of WinXP
Pro, and vice versa. An Upgrade License's Product Key cannot be used with
a full version CD, and vice versa. An OEM Product Key will not work to
install a retail product. An Italian Product Key will not work with an
English CD. Bottom line: Product Keys and CD/license types cannot be
mixed & matched.



Once again, there is no
HP XP "media" because it was lost inside the crashed HD.



That's why HP computers prompt you to create your Recovery Disk from that
partition the very first time you turn them on. And the capability
remains available via the Start Menu until removed by the computer owner.


I have previously reinstalled XP on an eMachines with an 'XP Upgrade'
key code using an Integrated XP SP2 Integrated OEM CD. It just doesn't
make sense that I have a valid license, am trying it on the same PC,
but can't get it installed.

That shouldn't have worked. If it did, it must have been a one-time
fluke.Are you absolutely sure that you successfully used an Upgrade
Product Key with an OEM CD?


Can someone please help me get XP re-installed on this PC? TIA.

Contact HP for assistance in obtaining Recovery media.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand
Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

On Mon, 3 Mar 2008 22:19:09 -0600, "VanguardLH" wrote:

"Tee" wrote in message
.. .
I am having trouble doing a scratch install of XP on a (formerly)
preloaded HP Pavilion that suffered a HD crash, taking with it the
HP
Recovery partition. I have tried using XP Home SP2 Integrated
install
CDs (Retail or OEM) but both won't respect the XP Home key code
printed on the sticker on the side of the PC. Once again, there is
no
HP XP "media" because it was lost inside the crashed HD.

I have previously reinstalled XP on an eMachines with an 'XP
Upgrade'
key code using an Integrated XP SP2 Integrated OEM CD. It just
doesn't
make sense that I have a valid license, am trying it on the same PC,
but can't get it installed.

Can someone please help me get XP re-installed on this PC? TIA.


Probably because you have a product key for the *******ized version of
Windows as distributed by HP. The key on the case is for THAT
version, not whatever you are trying to use. Use the phone number in
the docs supplied with the pre-built HP host to call them to ask for
the recovery CDs (which you didn't bother to create when you received
the host). Cost should somewhere around $20 to $30. Took then just 2
days to deliver the package. Also, remember that a recovery CD is
*not* the same as an install CD.

I didn't bother to create them because I didn't see the PC until I
received it broken. I am now worried that a recovery CD isn't an
install CD, whatever that means. I guess I'll find out what kind of a
mess that produces after I have given HP a piece of my change, eh?
Looks like HP has constructed a special hell for people who buy their
products. Thanks.

"Tee" wrote in message
...

"VanguardLH" wrote:

"Tee" wrote ...

I am having trouble doing a scratch install of XP on a (formerly)
preloaded HP Pavilion that suffered a HD crash, taking with it the
HP Recovery partition. I have tried using XP Home SP2 Integrated
install CDs (Retail or OEM) but both won't respect the XP Home key
code printed on the sticker on the side of the PC. Once again,
there is no HP XP "media" because it was lost inside the crashed
HD.

Probably because you have a product key for the *******ized version
of
Windows as distributed by HP. The key on the case is for THAT
version, not whatever you are trying to use. Use the phone number
in
the docs supplied with the pre-built HP host to call them to ask
for
the recovery CDs (which you didn't bother to create when you
received
the host). Cost should somewhere around $20 to $30. Took then
just 2
days to deliver the package. Also, remember that a recovery CD is
*not* the same as an install CD.

I didn't bother to create them because I didn't see the PC until I
received it broken. I am now worried that a recovery CD isn't an
install CD, whatever that means. I guess I'll find out what kind of
a
mess that produces after I have given HP a piece of my change, eh?
Looks like HP has constructed a special hell for people who buy
their
products. Thanks.

NOTE: The list of newsgroups in this reply matches the original list,
so the comp.sys.hp.hardware that was added by Tee in mid-discussion
was ignored. Do not add newsgroups in the middle of a discussion.
Users in the other newly added newsgroup won't have any of the posts
in the thread to provide historical context.


Well, are you still under the warranty or period for support that you
paid for or was included in the price of the product?

You "received it broken". Hmm, so someone dumped their broken
computer on you? Well, then you knew it was broken and probably would
incur some cost and/or time to get it unbroken. Since you bought or
otherwise "acquired" a broken computer, it's a good bet that a
legitimate license for Windows was NOT included.

A recovery CD is an image. It will wipe out the partition to install
the exact same setup as when HP produced the computer. This [attempts
to] return the computer to its buy-time setup. You lose everything in
the partition where the image gets restored. Some recovery CDs will
also recreate the hidden partition that is tried on bootup to recover
the computer. With a non-OEM install CD, you could elect to perform a
Repair (in-place) install to get the OS running again. However, you
said "crashed HD" which makes it appear that you had to replace the
hard drive, and that means the instance of your old OS install is
gone. An advantage of a recovery CD is that all the drivers and 3rd
party software are already included to get the computer back to its
buy-time state. With an install CD, you'll have to go find all those
drivers yourself, and some of the 3rd party software, like from HP,
may not be available for download (i.e., you get it pre-installed with
the pre-installed OS on the pre-built computer that you bought).

No, not just HP charges for replacement CDs. Microsoft will charge
for replacement CDs. If you have a warranty or service contract that
covers hardware or software, rarely does it include shipping costs.
After all, if they were selling you the OS, the cost would be a lot
higher. You are paying for shipping and handling charges. What, you
thought that everyone should ship you replacement products for free?
Do you ship anything for free?

On Tue, 4 Mar 2008 00:20:10 -0600, "VanguardLH" wrote:

"Tee" wrote in message
.. .

"VanguardLH" wrote:

"Tee" wrote ...

I am having trouble doing a scratch install of XP on a (formerly)
preloaded HP Pavilion that suffered a HD crash, taking with it the
HP Recovery partition. I have tried using XP Home SP2 Integrated
install CDs (Retail or OEM) but both won't respect the XP Home key
code printed on the sticker on the side of the PC. Once again,
there is no HP XP "media" because it was lost inside the crashed
HD.

Probably because you have a product key for the *******ized version
of
Windows as distributed by HP. The key on the case is for THAT
version, not whatever you are trying to use. Use the phone number
in
the docs supplied with the pre-built HP host to call them to ask
for
the recovery CDs (which you didn't bother to create when you
received
the host). Cost should somewhere around $20 to $30. Took then
just 2
days to deliver the package. Also, remember that a recovery CD is
*not* the same as an install CD.

I didn't bother to create them because I didn't see the PC until I
received it broken. I am now worried that a recovery CD isn't an
install CD, whatever that means. I guess I'll find out what kind of
a
mess that produces after I have given HP a piece of my change, eh?
Looks like HP has constructed a special hell for people who buy
their
products. Thanks.

NOTE: The list of newsgroups in this reply matches the original list,
so the comp.sys.hp.hardware that was added by Tee in mid-discussion
was ignored. Do not add newsgroups in the middle of a discussion.
Users in the other newly added newsgroup won't have any of the posts
in the thread to provide historical context.

Good catch, I didn't think it would be a problem, I was just doing
some Google Groups searches after my original post and saw that group
was there so I added it. Since the threads have remained in each of
the reponses to which I added the new group, I don't think the
'missing post' criticism is valid. Since I'm replying to you here,
I'll leave the original groups, as you desire.


Well, are you still under the warranty or period for support that you
paid for or was included in the price of the product?

No, does that mean that the SW license is no longer valid as well? I
need to keep buying it every time a piece of HW fails?


You "received it broken". Hmm, so someone dumped their broken
computer on you? Well, then you knew it was broken and probably would
incur some cost and/or time to get it unbroken. Since you bought or
otherwise "acquired" a broken computer, it's a good bet that a
legitimate license for Windows was NOT included.

A broken HD is not equivalent to a SW license. Nice try at a new
business model, but no go. Who in their right minds would equate a
crashed HD to additional SW costs? Your claim that this PC doesn't
have a legitimate license is baseless.


A recovery CD is an image. It will wipe out the partition to install
the exact same setup as when HP produced the computer. This [attempts
to] return the computer to its buy-time setup. You lose everything in
the partition where the image gets restored. Some recovery CDs will
also recreate the hidden partition that is tried on bootup to recover
the computer. With a non-OEM install CD, you could elect to perform a
Repair (in-place) install to get the OS running again. However, you
said "crashed HD" which makes it appear that you had to replace the
hard drive, and that means the instance of your old OS install is
gone. An advantage of a recovery CD is that all the drivers and 3rd
party software are already included to get the computer back to its
buy-time state. With an install CD, you'll have to go find all those
drivers yourself, and some of the 3rd party software, like from HP,
may not be available for download (i.e., you get it pre-installed with
the pre-installed OS on the pre-built computer that you bought).

That's a fair trade-off, if you know you are making it. I assumed that
would be the case, and getting rid of the bloatware 3rd party stuff
sounds like a win. I think it's pretty commonplace to visit the
vendor's site to get specific drivers, so that's not a big deal.


No, not just HP charges for replacement CDs. Microsoft will charge
for replacement CDs. If you have a warranty or service contract that
covers hardware or software, rarely does it include shipping costs.
After all, if they were selling you the OS, the cost would be a lot
higher. You are paying for shipping and handling charges. What, you
thought that everyone should ship you replacement products for free?
Do you ship anything for free?

You're missing the point, I didn't suggest that anyone should send me
anything for free. I was saying that I should expect to be able to
install XP using Microsoft's own media, and using a key code that came
with the PC. Like other manufacturers do.

By the tone of your reply, you're clearly trying to bait me into a
fight. I'm going to focus my efforts on fixing the problem at hand, so
feel free to swing wildly. I won't respond. I just wonder why people
who aren't willing to help will waste so much more time & energy
lashing out at people they don't know.

Tee wrote:


I'm just frustrated that I have a new drive, I have original Microsoft
Integrated CDs (any kind a want) and a key code,

First of all what EXACTLY do you mean by "original Microsoft Integrated
CDs" and secondly WHAT key are you trying to install it with? It MUST be
the same _sort_ of key as the media, ie OEM or Retail full or Retail
upgrade.
You /may/ have been able to INSTALL an upgrade version using an OEM key
but you certainly would NOT have nbeen able to activate it.