Computers & Networking

[EagleStryker]

A few weeks ago my laptop was dropped and I needed to replace the hard drive. Now after purchasing the new hard drive from my local Best Buy and installing it onto my computer I tried to run my recovery disks I made after first using my laptop. I ran into many problems because the second disks would not run and would say " The Bootmgr is missing". A friend of mine loaned me a copy of windows vista business so I could install Home Premium again because I already have a product key. I want to avoid buying anything due to tuition and other bills.

I set up vista, and I try to use the key on the bottom of my computer to no avail. They say that my key is not valid. (Seriously what is up with that?) I am at the point where I want to throw this thing off a cliff. Even my keyboard is acting glitchy (jumping back every few lines and overwriting previous text). I used one of those programs to search for the key in the registry but it's already in use by my friend. HP Support wants to charge me  ungodly amounts to just verify my product key, let alone try and help me. What are my options? What I have at my disposal is:

My Vista Home Premium Key w/ Certificate of Authenticity

My Recovery Disks

Will the recovery disks now work since Vista is back on the computer and I assume the Bootmgr is repaired?

Any advice will be greatly appreciated! 

[Sassums]

Did you have a service plan on the laptop from best buy?

You voided the warranty by opening the computer or laptop.

The recovery disks are not a full version of windows and drivers, which would explain why it isn't working correctly.  A previous version is required to be on the hard drive before using the recovery disks.

[EagleStryker]

Did you have a service plan on the laptop from best buy?

No, I bought the laptop from a Staples. Everything came pre-installed on the computer when I bought it.

You voided the warranty by opening the computer or laptop.

The warrenty from HP was finished. It's been a over a year (hence the whole we're not gonna help you anymore)

The recovery disks are not a full version of windows and drivers, which would explain why it isn't working correctly.  A previous version is required to be on the hard drive before using the recovery disks.

Okay so what are my options. I guess I can use my tax returns. I have the product key so I don't understand why Microsoft can't just remote activate it for me. I installed all the drivers back on from the HP website. I just want this thing back to the way I got it from the box. I can re-install all my programs and everything is safe on a backup hard drive.  What I also can't understand is why my (D) Drive [Recovery] Drive isn't working.

[hockeycanuckjc Trusted Contributor]

Hmm... If you can get to the Windows Desktop, you can restore the recovery partition with a special trick I know providing PQSERVICE is still listed under EISA utilities in the Drive listings in the administrative tools. You can install Windows right now without a product key and it functions for 30 days without a key, after which you have to enter a valid key.

[Sassums]

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hockeycanuckjc wrote:
Hmm... If you can get to the Windows Desktop, you can restore the recovery partition with a special trick I know providing PQSERVICE is still listed under EISA utilities in the Drive listings in the administrative tools. You can install Windows right now without a product key and it functions for 30 days without a key, after which you have to enter a valid key.

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Because the operating system is licensed to the computer, not the user, the product key is listed on the bottom of the lapto.

Also, the recovery partition might not be there anymore, he did state he reinstalled a fresh version of windows from a friend, and if he wasn't paying attention, the computer may have formatted the entire drive, removing the recovery partition.

[hockeycanuckjc Trusted Contributor]

Whats funny if you go into administrative tools in the control panel, the compaq recovery manager is listed as a EISA drive, theres hidden files in there with the know how to rebuild the parition with one command.

[EagleStryker]

Thank you for all the replies.

If I were to take this is geek squad and have them set it back to the factory settings, and make everything like it was when I got it from the box how much would that cost?

[Sassums]

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EagleStryker wrote:

Thank you for all the replies.

If I were to take this is geek squad and have them set it back to the factory settings, and make everything like it was when I got it from the box how much would that cost?

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It's an HP right?

Did you have the recovery disks made?

If so, simply turn the computer off with disk 1 in the drive, turn the computer back on, and follow the on screen instructions.

If you did not have the disks made, or you want geeksquad to do it, It normally would be considered an "Operating System Install" which runs for $129

[EagleStryker]

I do have the recovery disks made. The problem I had with them the first time is that my "D-Drive" Recovery Partition was accidentally formatted when I installed my new Hard Drive and installed XP to make sure XP worked. I tried using the recovery disks afterwards and the first disk got to 48% and it prompted me to insert disk 2. Well disk 2 froze and said "Bootmgr is missing". So I was like crap this sucks.

I have Vista Home Premium temporarily installed and I believe that the Bootmgr is repaired, so would the disks work now, or is the problem with the Disks themselves? Honestly either way, a friend said that HP has a recovery disk which will do exactly what I need for $15 and free shipping. So worse case-scenario I just get that.

[Matthew-GS Retired: Community Advocate]

Hello, EagleStryker:

You may be experiencing a known issue with HP computers after installing a new motherboard or hard drive.  The fix is called a "tattoo process."  Read this for more details:

http://forums.bestbuy.com/bb/board/message?board.id=Warranties&message.id=3268#M3268

Your local Geek Squad may be able to assist you or have them contact me for clarification if that turns out to be your issue.

Message Edited by Matthew-GS on 03-30-2009 10:40 AM