Getting Serial Number Not Found message at boot. When I go into the BIOS, no serial number is shown

[garymingee]

Serial Number Not Found message at boot and windows will not activate after a factory reset of machine.

[erico]

Please identify your notebook with its complete product name and number.

Remove the battery and look in the compartment where the battery was installed. You should see a printed part number and a product name. Please post one or both of them (with all alphanumeric characters here)

[garymingee]

Serial Number[Personal Information Removed]

Product NB163UA#ABA

[erico]

Thanks.

What had you done that made a factory image recovery a necessity?

Had you done a BIOS update before this?

Had you experienced a malware/adware or virus issue?

Write down the Windows License key from the Microsoft Windows OEM sticker on the bottom of your notebook. Try the activation process again but this time select the I will activate by telephone. It takes a little time to do, but the result should be success.

I have made an internal HP contact regarding the serial number in BIOS issue and will get back to you on that.

Please answer each question that I asked you n you next post. 

[garymingee]

windows would no longer start because of an invalid product ID even though it had be installed for several years.  Did a factory reinstall to attempt to fix.  Did not Fix

F1 System Information   Shows the following

InsydeH@) version: F.11

Serial Number:  (empty- nothing is shown)

UUID Number is 00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000

Product Configuration ID:  00000000000000000

Factory installed OS:  non-vista

Came with Vista Home and that is what I reinstalled via restore manager.

[garymingee]

did not do a bios update.

Windows key on bottom of machine is worn and I'm unable to get the full ID

[erico]

I do not know how to resolve this without a serial number or Windows license key.  I will have to ask HP about this. Since this is the weekend please give it a few days, but don't give up. 

[Bryan_N]

Garymingee, please check your private messages

[garymingee]

Your an HP employee like I'm the President of the United States.  

[Bryan_N]

an odd reply. The icon next to my name signifies that I am an HP employee.