The Mother Board

OK, thanks for trying this, it looked like a decent one to me compared to some oif the other "offerings"

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We hate rut, but we fear change.
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System error, strike any user to continue...

Finally got the iso downloaded/burned/installed. Still won't activate. I get "The activation key provided is for another version......" message. Wasted time and money this time. Definitely, going to try for a refund. MIGHT try phone activation, but this late in service life, probably not worth the hassle.

Might take Mr T's advice and try SUSE.

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I have a photographic memory, only problem is, I ran out of film.

What version of Vista does it say on the label.. And check the Compaq website to make sure it is 32 or 64bit!

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I have been programming on computers since the ZX81.
I am an apprentice trained Electronics Engineer with qualifications to back it up.
I have been repairing computers since 1996.
Yet to some people I still know nothing...

I downloaded the 32 bit version. Still think it's a retail version instead of OEM.I did post again on H-P forums, and got a link to buy the "correct" version. Not sure it's worth it at this point.

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I have a photographic memory, only problem is, I ran out of film.

The recovery pack you got may not have been a 'generic' version (no embedded COA probable list to compare to). If the COA on the sticker of your unit is different from what was provided, then that error message. If the recovery pack had a COA tag, then use that data string.. not what was on your unit. If still having registration problems, contact the MS help desk. They are forgiving in most instances.
There were six versions of Win Vista.. from 'basic' to 'ultimate'. The COA tag info reflects the version category.

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F@H.. to solve mankind's maladies.. in our lifetimes!

I posted to the hp forum, and received a reply with a link to another restore site. This one actually has the restore kit for my specific machine. Ordered, and will let you know. If it
works, I'll try SUSE

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I have a photographic memory, only problem is, I ran out of film.

Recovery disks arrived, restoring now. I'll edit this post when finished.....

*Update*
Restore completed with no issues, and automatically activated. Laptop is as new, including bloatware.

Recovery media purchased from Computer Surgeons. Only for H-P/Compaq.

Now I can play with Linux....

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I have a photographic memory, only problem is, I ran out of film.