I need to get my WinXP install disk from HP. Phone # in the US?

HomeAppraiser

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Aug 17, 2005
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I googled and searched the HP site to no avail. I guess I'll have to make the dreaded call to India for two hours of on hold and BS.
 

HomeAppraiser

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Aug 17, 2005
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We made the restore DVDs a year ago per HPs set up instructions. I am not sure why Mike can't help me now.

The computer can't see the original hard drive, all it does is click. So now I have to get a new hard drive and some sort of disk from the PC manufacturer to fix this problem. The computer is just over 16 months old and I the original sticker with #'s on the case. I have heard that you can call HP for the original windows disk for your HP computer. I just would like to know were to call and what to tell HP before putting up with 2 hours of tech support. I mean I can already hear "We cannot help you. You need to call a different number" after wasting an afternoon on hold.
 
Dec 4, 2002
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I can't help you because you already have the restore discs...so me getting you another set wouldn't do you much good.
 

HomeAppraiser

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Originally posted by: TG2
You just need an HP XP OEM CD?

OK now were getting somewhere.

So with an OEM CD or DVD and the serial number on my computer case I should be able to get back in business? Happen to know which is the correct phone number?

Oh and it is XP Home if that makes a diff.
 

Viper GTS

Lifer
Oct 13, 1999
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You don't even need to get it from HP, an XP Home OEM CD image is all you need. Burn it, & you're good to go.

Unfortunately all I have available is Pro or I'd do it for you, somebody here should be able to help you out.

Viper GTS
 

brtspears2

Diamond Member
Nov 16, 2000
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1-800-HP-INVENT

Then deal with the auto attendant menus. I think you in your case, you will say "Pavillion desktop". Then it will transfer you to another country. With HP, I find you can get replacement parts if you play it stupid. Just say your DVD restore discs went bad and the system won't boot off them.

You have the restore DVDs, right? So get a new hard drive, replace old one, plug it in, and boot off the DVD and follow the menus? Am I missing something?
 

Viper GTS

Lifer
Oct 13, 1999
38,107
433
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Originally posted by: brtspears2
1-800-HP-INVENT

Then deal with the auto attendant menus. I think you in your case, you will say "Pavillion desktop". Then it will transfer you to another country. With HP, I find you can get replacement parts if you play it stupid. Just say your DVD restore discs went bad and the system won't boot off them.

You have the restore DVDs, right? So get a new hard drive, replace old one, plug it in, and boot off the DVD and follow the menus? Am I missing something?

Fresh install is SO much better than a restored image, it's worth the effort to find an OEM disc if it means avoiding an original HP installation/bastardization.

Viper GTS
 

HomeAppraiser

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Aug 17, 2005
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Originally posted by: Viper GTS
You don't even need to get it from HP, an XP Home OEM CD image is all you need. Burn it, & you're good to go.

Unfortunately all I have available is Pro or I'd do it for you, somebody here should be able to help you out.

Viper GTS


OK I'll ask around. My inlaws only have Pro, which is how we fould out it was the hard drive at fault.


Originally posted by: BigJ
Just download an image of Windows XP Home OEM and use your Code.


OK here come the n00b questions. Download from where? I have a Compaq computer with a working Win XP Home on it. Download from there or the web? What is "an image of Windows XP Home"?
 

BigJ

Lifer
Nov 18, 2001
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Originally posted by: HomeAppraiser
Originally posted by: Viper GTS
You don't even need to get it from HP, an XP Home OEM CD image is all you need. Burn it, & you're good to go.

Unfortunately all I have available is Pro or I'd do it for you, somebody here should be able to help you out.

Viper GTS


OK I'll ask around. My inlaws only have Pro, which is how we fould out it was the hard drive at fault.


Originally posted by: BigJ
Just download an image of Windows XP Home OEM and use your Code.


OK here come the n00b questions. Download from where? I have a Compaq computer with a working Win XP Home on it. Download from there or the web? What is "an image of Windows XP Home"?

I can download it and upload it to you via AIM if you have it.
 

BigJ

Lifer
Nov 18, 2001
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I can't sign into Messenger after creating an account, so if you want the image download AIM, register a SN, and PM me your handle.
 

HomeAppraiser

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Aug 17, 2005
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Thanks BigJ. I think I got it from TG2. I remember messing around with imaging back when I had Norton system works. I never quite understood why, what I was doing or how it worked.
 

Kelemvor

Lifer
May 23, 2002
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For those wondering about the restore disks... Some manufacturers have a hidden partition on the hard drive and all the "Restore Disk" does is run an imaging program to read the iamge off the hard drive to set everything back up. The RDs don't always have the actual software on them. SO if you get a whole new hard drive, many times the restore disks are compeltely useless.

I think I had a co-worker that had an HP with the same problem Might have been a Compaq brand. We had to call someone and they mailed him the actual CDs with Windows and stuf on there for him and then we got him back up and running.
 

HomeAppraiser

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Aug 17, 2005
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Originally posted by: FrankyJunior
For those wondering about the restore disks... Some manufacturers have a hidden partition on the hard drive and all the "Restore Disk" does is run an imaging program to read the iamge off the hard drive to set everything back up. The RDs don't always have the actual software on them. SO if you get a whole new hard drive, many times the restore disks are compeltely useless.

I think I had a co-worker that had an HP with the same problem Might have been a Compaq brand. We had to call someone and they mailed him the actual CDs with Windows and stuf on there for him and then we got him back up and running.


That about sums it up. I have used a restore partition before, D: drive on the HP/Compaqs, and figured the restore disks were just a copy of that.

I still don't understand how an "image" of the hard drive is a substitute for the actual data on that drive.

I'll try the cd from TG2 once I get my new hard drive.