Computer Repair Forum

lan · Joined: 02 Dec 2008 Posts: 3

I am so upset Evil or Very Mad

I found out that 3 days after the extinction of my 1 year warranty that my hard drive has failed. I ordered a recovery disk from HP for 30 bucks and it did not solve my installation problem. I have since found out that I need a Window Vista installation disk to get the correct info copy to the brand new Western Digital hard drive that I purchased. Computer had operating system already loaded I have no disks. It seems so unfair that I paid a bundle for this computer and it only lasted 3 days over 1yr. and the manufacturer provides me with a Window's certificate but no software to be able to use install on a new hard drive. Is there a simple way to create a Windows Vista installation disk? What can I do that will get a useable installation of Windows Vista on my new hard drive. I should not have to buy a new Windows Vista program with a new certificate just to get my existing computer working because I had a bunk hard drive that I had to replace ,in that computer This feels like robbery. Please enlighten me.

Fonz · Joined: 05 Sep 2007 Posts: 45 Location: Toronto

Whenever I have used a recovery disk from hp, I have been able to fully install windows on HP computers (have tried with both XP and Vista), without the need for any other CDs.

Using the CD, are you able to get to the recovery screen? Are you able to launch a destructive recovery (format and reinstall)? Are you getting errors during installation? What are you not able to do?

No you do not have to buy anther Windows Vista Licence (CD). Where have you been told that you needed another CD? and what was the reason?

Fonz

lan · Joined: 02 Dec 2008 Posts: 3

I have been through an endless circle. I called Microsoft and talked to a rep there and was advised that even if they could validate the certificate that I have, that there is a special agreement between the laptop manufacturer and them that will not allow them to send any replacement software for the certificate that I have, that I would need to contact the computer manufacturer. Sooo, that is what I did. I called hp, more than once and each time they stated that they could not send me an installation disk for my copy of Windows Vista, that they no longer did that not even if I offered to pay for it. They did however inform me that I could purchase a hard drive from hp for over $500 that would be properly programed to get windows installed with the recovery disk that they provide. For that price, I might as well buy another computer. That is the reason I brought the WD hard drive it was much cheaper. I advised them that I use the recovery disk that they sent me with the new hard drive and the files were copied to the hard drive but, once I rebooted all I have is a blank screen with a blanking cursor in the upper left hand conner. I was also informed that because my WD hard drive was new, a WD hard drive and also blank that it will not work with the recovery disk because it is not properly programed by hp to work with the disk, that their hard drives are, so that is why their hard drives work with the recovery disk and my new hard drive does not. When I boot my computer with the recover disk, I press F8 and the screen shows Windows is loading files, then after awhile, screen goes blank and the Microsoft Corp. little green indicator comes on then it stalls forever, I can not even get to the recovery center. I tried the process again and now when I start the computer I get the following error: " NTLDR is missing Press Ctrl+Alt+Del to restart" I press Ctrl, Alt,Del and computer restarts and the same message comes up over and over again on the black screen. Soo, what other choice do I have Question

Fonz · Joined: 05 Sep 2007 Posts: 45 Location: Toronto

Have you tried booting to your recovery (from CD) but having your hard drive disconnected. I suspect something else is wrong > the recovery program should advise you that no HDD is installed.
Have you checked if your RAM is defective?
Is your CD scratched?
Have you tried to clone your old HDD? and then try to recover!

Good luck cause these new HPs with Vista are just horrible machines.

Fonz

mithra · Joined: 06 Sep 2010 Posts: 506

The easiest way to get a hold of an installation CD would be to contact Microsoft or your computers manufacturer (Dell, HP, Toshiba, etc...) directly. In order to ensure that you have a valid copy they may need a picture of the sticker on the case. Usually the CD/DVD costs around $10-15 including shipping, but you may be able to download an .iso file (CD Image) that you can burn yourself and use for installation.
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