MCE... no discs to install

[diddyb]

Recently picked up an HP (i know...) It came with MCE 2005 but did not include the discs. Instead it had some backup partition which I blitzed when I reinstalled my old XP Pro to remove the HP clutter. I have a valid product code, but no MCE discs to use it with. I'm trying to avoid having HP take my pc and put their back partition back on it with all their crummy software extras that I already got rid of. Any one have this same issue? any suggestions? Thanks

 

[Taz480]

Ya, I did. XP Home Recovery partition. It got hosed when HDD crashed. Luckily I got hold of another OEM copy of XP. Paid for it but only $100, same as retail. Got a cool ISP, . If you wanna use that MCE product key again, you'll need to get another MCE OEM version, not retail. Otherwise, ur screwed. Retail version wont work with OEM key, if thats what you have. HP was stupid for using that partition method. Thats why they dont do it anymore. If you have a retail version product key, then you need another retail version on disc. Did it come with the computer originally from manufacturer? Might say on the COA label, too. My old COA doesn't say OEM, but my new one does but I just know the old one is OEM cuz it came with the computer new on that nice handy lil partition, LOL.

 

[nweaver]

I think you can call HP support and gripe at them, and they will (eventually) send you media for it. I think they may be required to provide it upon request.

quick note on calling them...
1. Be nice to the guy on the other end...he didn't stiff you with the media, and if you can get him on "your side" it's going to make this a hell of a lot easier, and nicer for both
2. No yelling/threatening. If you talk legal crap, they have to give you their legal dept number and hang up.
3. be willing to pay reasonable shipping costs, they may ask you to, and this is much better then finding the latest hacked copy off BT

 

[rbV5]

you'll need to get another MCE OEM version, not retail. Otherwise, ur screwed.

MCE 2005 is available OEM only...there is no retail version.

I do see posts about doing what you are doing, and I wonder if its really worth dumping the OEM software in the first place. It seems the OS is the difference between buying a cheap OEM and building a budget PC, so why not just build a budget rig to begin with? The cost of an additional OS + loss of support just so you don't have some crappy utilities you never use anyway seems...?

 

[Taz480]

Originally posted by: rbV5

you'll need to get another MCE OEM version, not retail. Otherwise, ur screwed.

MCE 2005 is available OEM only...there is no retail version.

Oh, lol. Thank you. It and 2003(and well Vista) are the only ones I haven't got to play around much with. Thanx for the correction. Good to know.

 

[RebateMonger]

INSIST that HP provide you with SOME KIND of CD-based system restore disk. You may have to pay for it. They may or may not provide an MCE OS-only disk. You may be stuck with a "System Restore" disk, that includes unwanted utilities. But you can't do anything about that. Take what they offer. Beware that, if you reload MCE 2005, you may no longer have an MCE-compatible DVD MPEG-2 decoder and may have to buy one (about $20) to watch DVDs.

Not having a CD to restore from is a really bad idea. And, after your HP warranty expires, you will have a MUCH harder time getting a system restore disk from them. Get one NOW!

 

[Taz480]

I just remebered, they were actually in court with a class action suit against them and were instructed to provide these types of discs and media containing the drivers, software and OS but I think there was only a certain time frame they had to. I dont remember all facts and details but you could Google for it. I just remember getting a class action suit email a year or so ago from them cuz I guess I had registered my Pavilion or something. I believe they dont do the partition thing anymore cuz of it. I didnt get on the band wagon because I had already bought a new OEM copy of XP, hated their crap extras and already downloaded all the drivers I needed. But you might be able to Google up a few docs on it.

 

[crizzar]

have your model, serial, and part numbers handy and call (800) 227-8164 between 5 AM and 5 PM Pacific Time, Monday thru Friday.

cost is usually under $20 for the restore CD kit.

Can't get too mad at them, HP buyers have the option of creating their own recovery media set when it's first purchase, just that no one ever does.

 

[crizzar]

Originally posted by: Taz480
I just remebered, they were actually in court with a class action suit against them and were instructed to provide these types of discs and media containing the drivers, software and OS but I think there was only a certain time frame they had to. I dont remember all facts and details but you could Google for it. I just remember getting a class action suit email a year or so ago from them cuz I guess I had registered my Pavilion or something. I believe they dont do the partition thing anymore cuz of it. I didnt get on the band wagon because I had already bought a new OEM copy of XP, hated their crap extras and already downloaded all the drivers I needed. But you might be able to Google up a few docs on it.

The majority of top-tier retail PC manufacturers do restore partitions and do not provide cd's in the box. That part has not changed

 

[Taz480]

Originally posted by: crizzar

Originally posted by: Taz480
I just remebered, they were actually in court with a class action suit against them and were instructed to provide these types of discs and media containing the drivers, software and OS but I think there was only a certain time frame they had to. I dont remember all facts and details but you could Google for it. I just remember getting a class action suit email a year or so ago from them cuz I guess I had registered my Pavilion or something. I believe they dont do the partition thing anymore cuz of it. I didnt get on the band wagon because I had already bought a new OEM copy of XP, hated their crap extras and already downloaded all the drivers I needed. But you might be able to Google up a few docs on it.

The majority of top-tier retail PC manufacturers do restore partitions and do not provide cd's in the box. That part has not changed

Heh, not too smart on their part!! Sure dont make me wanna go out and buy another OEM machine. I'll never buy another machine without some sort of disc(s). That's just dumb. I was too nieve when I bought my Pavilion but not no mo!

 

[diddyb]

interesting.. some good stuff in here