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    Formatting Hard Drive...

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by bobbing_headz, Mar 3, 2008.

  1. bobbing_headz

    bobbing_headz Notebook Enthusiast

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    Just picked up a new HP Compaq C700 today, loaded it up and turns out that it's preloaded with tons of junk. I would like to wipe the hard drive and start from scratch but problem is I don't have a Vista CD (all I have are the system recovery CDs). Any way I could do it without the OS CD?
     
    bobbing_headz, Mar 3, 2008
    #1
  2. Greg

    Greg Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Greg, Mar 3, 2008
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  3. kanehi

    kanehi Notebook Deity

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    Maybe you can download and burn a trial CD from MS and put in the activation code from the bottom of the laptop?
     
    kanehi, Mar 4, 2008
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  4. ttupa

    ttupa Tech Elitist NBR Reviewer

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    Unfortunately, I think those codes are tied to the OEM installation, and thus may not work with a trial download or retail disc.
     
    ttupa, Mar 4, 2008
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  5. flipfire

    flipfire Moderately Boss

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    Go to orevs clean installation guide stickied in the HP section, download the Activation backup and restore (ABR) tool.

    Back-up your licence/key and use ANY vista install disk to do a clean install, and restore your old backup licence.

    easy peasy. Just read orev's guide, everything you need to know is on the first page.
     
    flipfire, Mar 4, 2008
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