REPLACED HARDDRIVE/NO LUCK

[BIRDIES]

By buying a windows 7 starter on amazon I was able to get the computer running again--with the old harddrive-now it's prompting me with a OEM number or key which I tried to find on the outside of my computer. Here are the original info on the computer:

My Device

Compaq Presario CQ5210F Desktop PC

Expired Warranty

Last checked Jun 03, 2018

Refresh warranty status

Serial number:

 

MXX94602SF

Product number:

 

NY540AA

Would it be possible for me to get the OEM from HP?

[TheOldMan]

Several things in this thread.  Now that the model number  has been given, the spec page indicates it does have SATA hard drive but it is 500Gb not 80Gb.

https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c01859813

Another thing is it came with Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit) not Windows starter.  Any OEM product key for Windows 7 will be for Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit) and will not work with Windows 7 starter.  The correct Windows 7 OS is available for that model here:

http://www.computersurgeons.com/p-18095-windows-7-premium-64-bit-94nav6pra1-recovery-kit-gv405av-for...

for a minimal price of $27.  I do not know what you paid for the Windows 7 starter but it should have come with a product key that will activate it.  Getting the Recovery Kit form Computer Surgeons will restore the softeare to the factory condition and the Windows 7 will be atcivated.

In truth, I am confused by the way this topic has progressed.  It started out with questions about IDE and SATA drives and needing to replace the hard drive and now this about reinstalling Windows 7 on the original drive?????

[BIRDIES]

You are right. It's been confusing, even for me.

I started out wanting to replace hard drive because of 'imminent harddrive failure' alert, then I got the wrong one and the wrong size. Not wanting to spend a lot ofmoney on this outdated thing I just put the old drive back in and parked it in the corner. Then I saw the windows 7 starter, decided to give it a try for 10 bucks. It brought the computer back to life but I think the original window 7 is totally gone.

Suppose I manage to find the old OEM key. There is no guarantee it will do anything if the operating system is gone. So right now I'm looking at Window 7 ultimate or something similar for less than $30. Not sure it willl work because even though the computer is running right now it's running on 1/4th of a brain, sort of....

[TheOldMan]

As I said in my previous post the original OEM product key will only work with Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit).  Anything else you will need the product key for that particular OS from whomever it is purchased from.

The 'imminent harddrive failure' alert means the hard drive needs to be replaced.  Anything short of replacing the drive will eventually result in the drive failing and then you are done.

[BIRDIES]

You are right again, that's why I decided to order the repair kit. Hopefully it will be a perfect match because I sent them the serial number. As for the harddrive I am not even sure why it's working right now but it is. With some luck it will last a little while longer.  I don't really need it for anything I just can't stand to see a dead computer laying around.

[BIRDIES]

By the way thank you very much for you help!

[TheOldMan]

You are very welcome.  Glad to help!