Presario Recovery Disks

[flamethrower]

I would like to know whether I can install Compaq recovery DVD on other machine or differnt brand.

[Tech_Head]

No you cannot.  The discs look for certain info in the BIOS. 

[flamethrower]

 It would be in the best interest of buyer not to buy HP/Compaq products.

[Tech_Head]

It is that way with any OEM that uses recovery media.... This misconception stems from the fact that users think they "own" a copy of Windows.  They do not.  They own a license to use windows.  OEMs subsidize the pricing structure of the licensing, sometimes removing the cost completely, ($399) computers.  This is done by what most people call Bloatware or the "junk" OEMs throw on there... This "junk" is why you got your computer that cheap.  The OS License costs $200 - $300.  The OEM owns the license and allows you to use it in an OEM license agreement. 

[Lisati]

 Now now, children!

Get things back "on topic" please!

Even if it was possible to use a set of recovery disks on a machine of a different make or model, there would probably be some work to do making sure that the appropriate drivers were installed.

[flamethrower]

Lisati,

Thanks for your show of support. I do understand the need for appropriate drivers and that to me is not a challenge. Just wonder whether there would be any legal issues to look at prior to using the recovery disks.

Best,

David

[Lisati]

I'm not a lawyer, so I'd be guessing here when I note that I think there could be legal issues but having a valid license key (e.g. on the sticker fastened to many machines) would be a start in avoiding complications.

The only time I've tried using a recovery DVD software specifically made for one machine on another machine (of a different make and model) it didn't work because it had been set up to look "under the hood" and promptly stopped telling me something to the effect that it was the wrong manufacturer.

[flamethrower]

I've an invoice, product key, serial number and other details. It is just that I do not have a copy of their broucher, agreement or whatever it was.