I took the trouble to register just to say...

[z26e5k11e5]

HP sucks. Too bad if you have a PC that is 5 years old or older. You get nothing and like it. I have a fairly high end tower with Windows Media Edition and HP won't send me anything for recovery.  I made my own recovery discs at the prompt back when the thing was new, but they would never help. Only a complete system restore if the OS messed up. 

Well, I guess it's time for the HD to be replaced, but can I get my OEM copy of Windows XP? No way from HP

Do yourself a favor and buy something where you know you won't be throwing out all your files (the ones you could back up). And buy from someone who will give you all you bought. If I bought a new PC, I feel I bought my copy of the OS too. 

BTW, this thing wasn't cheap (the HP, I'm on a trusty Dell now), $1600 in '06. I will never buy HP again. 

[Gangles]

Hp can only hold the licence for the OEM copy of windows for 5 years. Just because you are not satisfied with a service, does not mean that the service is not valid. These rules are set forth by the makers of the operating system. Not the vendor that sells the hardware

[wb2001]

Nice simple tirade. The purpose of the System Restore Disks is to restore the OS to factory specs. Opps, forgot your logic.

See no reason why you can not use the Restore Disks with a new drive. Maybe I missed your point, but did you have one?

The rest of it was lost in translation, as you can not lose what you have backed up, unless you didn't back up?  huh?

Everyone feels they are taking a financial largess with a major purchase. I don't consider $1600 cheap, but try $2350.

These forums are not operated in an ever-present HP over-sight  mode. Your not gaining anything.

[waynemark715]

You may install the same exact operating system by borrowing a Windows XP disk from those you know. Say if its XP Home edition that was on your PC, the disk must be that too. Using your product key on the side of your PC, Windows will activate just fine. How is it you experts fail to tell him this? His product key on the side of his PC is his copy of Windows XP and this procedure I outlined is correct and legal!

[Gator6x4]

I took the trouble to register just to say...

04-11-2011 03:25 PM

HP sucks. Too bad if you have a PC that is 5 years old or older. You get nothing and like it. I have a fairly high end tower with Windows Media Edition and HP won't send me anything for recovery. I made my own recovery discs at the prompt back when the thing was new, but they would never help. Only a complete system restore if the OS messed up.

Well, I guess it's time for the HD to be replaced, but can I get my OEM copy of Windows XP? No way from HP

Do yourself a favor and buy something where you know you won't be throwing out all your files (the ones you could back up). And buy from someone who will give you all you bought. If I bought a new PC, I feel I bought my copy of the OS too.

I think several people have not read what was posted. The poster said; "I have a fairly high end tower with Windows Media Edition". He/She is now wanting HP to supply Windows XP and is upset because they will not do so. My question is, HP sold the computer with Windows Media Edition this is the operating system tied to the computer. I, and countless millions of others have upgraded the operating system on computers, but we had to purchase the upgrade, it was not provided free of charge.

[z26e5k11e5]

"I think several people have not read what was posted. The poster said; "I have a fairly high end tower with Windows Media Edition". He/She is now wanting HP to supply Windows XP and is upset because they will not do so. My question is, HP sold the computer with Windows Media Edition this is the operating system tied to the computer. I, and countless millions of others have upgraded the operating system on computers, but we had to purchase the upgrade, it was not provided free of charge."

My mistake. I meant to say that I wanted the OEM software, "Media Edition." No upgrade. It says it's Windows XP Media Edition. I'm not looking for something for free. I paid for the OS and all I want is to be able to reinstall what I paid for.

When I search my error, system32\hal.dll, I read that I will probably need a disc.

BTW, this is the 2nd time I have called HP hoping to get a copy. The first time I called I believe it was before the 5 year period was up. They wouldn't help me then either. No one told me about the 5 year deal. And why is it that I registered my computer with HP, but they have no info on me. I am the original purchaser and the only user.

Anyway, thanks to the poster above who said that I could legally copy off another's disc. That is if I can find one and if the information needed will still be in the computer once a new hard drive is installed if that's what I end up doing. 

Oh, and I did take the tower to an independent repair who was honest enough to tell me that it wasn't worth the money to deal with the problem having to buy Windows and paying for his time. It would be worth it to me if HP would give me Windows. If I have to buy it, I should buy a new computer instead according to the shop. Can't say I disagree with putting any serious money towards the purchase of a new unit rather than chasing my tail. 

[TheOldMan]

If this statement is true " I made my own recovery discs at the prompt back when the thing was new" then you have the OEM OS.  They quit sending out install disks sometime and/or at the same time WinXP came out.  The Recovery DVD's will install the OS on a new hard drive and assuming that your own personal files are backed up, then it should be fine.  BTW: HP will only send out a Recovery set when requested (same as you have made yourself) but your computer is too old.  You can go here: http://www.computersurgeons.com/Contact.aspx   To get the Recovery DVD's now.  They will be similar to the set made when the computer was new. 

Using either the Recovery DVD's made by you or the Recovery DVD's from Computer Surgeons will return the computer to the way it was when new, even if you change the hard drive.  I do not understand the outrage, as most, if not all, computer companys are doing it that way now.

[z26e5k11e5]

"I do not understand the outrage."

Frustration>HP taking me thru a whole interview rather than simply asking, "How old is your computer." Putting me on hold 3 times> outrage.

Thank you for the link.