Authentication / activation Keys

[rstew101]

Hi I have a HP Touchsmart 310-1025a Desktop PC that is about 18 months old.  We were hit with some nasty viruses and the only solution was to wipe everything, start again and reinstall Windows 7.  The only trouble is that when we purchased the touchsmart it DID NOT COME WITH ANY DISCS to be able to reinstall operating system or things like Microsoft Office should this ever  happen - everything was already on the PC with the authentication code on the bottom of the PC. The people here who analysed the problem and fixed it installed both Windows 7 and Microsoft Office - however now it is saying that both need to have keys put in or they will cease to work in a couple of days.  I have tried entering the authentication code found on the label on the bottom of my PC - but this does not work.  I am assuming it does not work because the versions of Windows 7 or office put onto the computer now are not the same as the originals on it and therefore the key does not enable them !?!  Maybe?  How do I go about installing the original version of windows 7 and office that came with my PC so that my key code works?  Am I able to somehow get discs from HP to do this?  As these software items came activated with the PC when I purchased it, I assume the cost of these programs are in the purchase price and I don't fancy paying for the products for a second time to buy another key.    

[CherylG]

You can order Recovery Disks for around $20.Phone HP>> Contact HP

[rstew101]

Will recovery disks restore Windows 7 and Office to originals if there are different versions to the original installed, or will i still be in the same boat and my activation Key will still not work, because it won't active the new versions on the PC.  I didn't think a recovery disk would install a whole opporating systemm (or Office), just restore settings and information to what they originally were?

[CherylG]

Recovery Disks will wipe out what is on there now and install an activated copy of Windows 7, just like the machine came from the factory. I am not sure about Office, it is usually a 60 day trial unless you paid extra for the full version?