HP Sucks(Long post)

*IAmTodd* · 11-14-2002, 08:14 PM

Ok, so I have an HP Computer and have had only one problem with it. But my aunt on the other hand has come into bad luck. Last week she accquired a virus on her computer through her e-mail. And me, being the nice nephew i am(and i'm pretty good w/computers) said i would reinstall windows for her. Well, I brought it home and formatted the hard drive. I stick in the Recovery CD and start the computer. It loads the program, then and error comes up saying that you can only use this on Hewlett-Packard computers, if you are recieving this message on and HP computer please call support.

Ok, so i call support, they say i have 2 options, pay $30 for a 1week warranty or email them through thier website. Me, being cheap, email them, all they do is send me trouble shooting crap, then tonite they send me one saying that this is far too complicated to do over email and i would have to call them.

So this has left me w/no OS on the computer and no way to put one on it. Has anyone had this problem? How do u solve it?

Thanks for letting me vent guys!
TODD

rgiles · 11-14-2002, 08:32 PM

Those recovery CD's bite don't they? Just one question, why didn't you recommend getting her some Anti-virus software instead?

Sorry Don't know how to fix it but I agree, HP support isn't very good.

*Raceit* · 11-14-2002, 08:39 PM

I don't have any experience with those recovery cd's. But maybe something to try would be to try a couple of things.

One thing is to use fdisk to remove all partition and completly have a blank hard drive, see if it will go with that. Then if that doesn't work simply creat a a primary partition and try that.

Also what is the info the this pc? model number, etc.

Hope that helps.

ChuckyD · 11-14-2002, 08:41 PM

Get a copy of an OS from sonewhere and use that for the install

*Jason_25* · 11-14-2002, 08:44 PM

Doing what ChuckyD said is the best route. Get far far away from all that proprietary HP crap.

If you don't wanna do that, try an fdisk /mbr and then do the recovery disk.

*Hartman* · 11-14-2002, 08:45 PM

I have an HP, and when I reformatted my HD and installed Win2k, my recovery disc did not work because I had removed all the HP hardware that came with the computer.

DeagleDave · 11-14-2002, 08:49 PM

well first mistake was getting an HP computer...way over priced. 2nd step open the closest window to the computer and gently pick it up and pitch it out the window! my grandfather bought an HP that thing is one problem after enougher and always me having to fix the POS. but if she needs it...do what chuckyd said.

*IAmTodd* · 11-14-2002, 08:51 PM

I used fdisk, adn that really didn't help, i do have a copy of win98 from and old gateway we had, maybe i'll try that, its just a normal win98 cd, that shoud work, rite?

DeagleDave · 11-14-2002, 08:59 PM

should work fine

*IAmTodd* · 11-14-2002, 09:03 PM

well thats installed, i forgot i did that last nite, oops! and i had my friend bring me down a net card so i could hook it up to the dsl, but now i can't find drivers for the stupid card, now, when u start it up, its says first, that the pci slot 5 is doing something(i forget) and then they're 3 files missing for windows, right now i'm about to go out and buy XP and upgrade both computers! grrrrrrrrr
TODD

btw: its a pavilion 4440

DeagleDave · 11-14-2002, 09:07 PM

well man i'd go "find" XP before i went to buy it. make sure it works well on the machines otherwise it's just a big waste of cash. but xp will definately have all the drivers you need

*squd92expsp* · 11-15-2002, 10:27 AM

Ummm..... Pavilion 4440 you say?

Unless you have upgraded just about everything in it, it won't be able to run xp. (333Mhz, 64MB RAM, 4.3GB HDD). My opinion, rather than fixing a 4+ year old computer, it's time to get a new one.

Also, xp doesn't have all the drivers that HP uses. We reformated my friends HP laptop without the recovery cd, and were never able to find working drivers to run his nic card.

*IAmTodd* · 11-15-2002, 06:07 PM

nothing has been upgraded, and she just lost her job, so no new one in the future. i'm gonna get a copy of 98 SE from a friend and see how that works.

I sent a nasty email to support last night and finally got some answers, they said the new mother board needs tattoed or something like that, but its easier to explain over the phone, so i would have to pay the $30 to use the phone support

so i don't know wat is going to happen w/this stupid computer.

How can the smartest things in the world be so stupid?

TODD

rgiles · 11-15-2002, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by IAmTodd

How can the smartest things in the world be so stupid?

TODD

I don't know, brains are a mystery to me.

JK

ChuckyD · 11-15-2002, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by IAmTodd
they said the new mother board needs tattoed or something like that,

What?!?!?!

I have never heard of that b4...
wait till you get the 98SE cd b4 you call support.

When you get that ask Us first.. we will help you out and walk you through it ...for FREE!

*IAmTodd* · 11-15-2002, 08:36 PM

I would just keep running the version i have now, but it doesn't have any of the drivers I need. So i guess since XP won't work, SE is my only option. here is thier exact reply:

Since you have changed the motherboard the recovery discs will not work
on the PC. To be able to run the recovery discs on the PC you need to
get the new motherboard tattooed. This cannot be done through E-mail.
You will need to contact the HP Customer Care center, as they would be
in a better position to assist you. You may refer to the previous
correspondence to obtain information on contacting the HP Customer Care
Center.

there was some other crap after that, but theres the tatooing part. And to me, this seems like a scam to get me to pay the money to get help i hate screwy companies like this!

TODD

*IAmTodd* · 11-21-2002, 04:53 PM

well, I just got windows 98se installed and everything pretty much works, i just can't find the driver for the sound card, but thats the only trouble, so yay for todd!

thanx for the help guys!
TODD

*ahhjaws* · 11-21-2002, 04:59 PM

It's scary that our computers are way more sophisticated than what they had on the apollo missions.

11-14-2002, 08:14 PM	#1
IAmTodd Explorer Addict Johnstown, PA 1994 Explorer XLT Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 8,769 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	HP Sucks(Long post) Ok, so I have an HP Computer and have had only one problem with it. But my aunt on the other hand has come into bad luck. Last week she accquired a virus on her computer through her e-mail. And me, being the nice nephew i am(and i'm pretty good w/computers) said i would reinstall windows for her. Well, I brought it home and formatted the hard drive. I stick in the Recovery CD and start the computer. It loads the program, then and error comes up saying that you can only use this on Hewlett-Packard computers, if you are recieving this message on and HP computer please call support. Ok, so i call support, they say i have 2 options, pay $30 for a 1week warranty or email them through thier website. Me, being cheap, email them, all they do is send me trouble shooting crap, then tonite they send me one saying that this is far too complicated to do over email and i would have to call them. So this has left me w/no OS on the computer and no way to put one on it. Has anyone had this problem? How do u solve it? Thanks for letting me vent guys! TODD __________________ 1994 Explorer XLT \| M5R1 swap \| 2" Lift \| 32" ProComp Mud Terrains 2006 Saab 9-3 Aero \| 2.8 Full pressure turbo \| 6MT \| 280whp/325wtq

11-14-2002, 08:32 PM	#2
rgiles Wannabe Elite Explorer San Jose '91 XLT, '02 Limited V6 Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 230 Vehicle Specs	Those recovery CD's bite don't they? Just one question, why didn't you recommend getting her some Anti-virus software instead? Sorry Don't know how to fix it but I agree, HP support isn't very good. __________________ '02 Explorer Limited 4.0 V6, Perma-Cool External Transmission Filter '91 Explorer XLT (Stock, original owner, 89k miles) "Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler " -- Einstein

11-14-2002, 08:39 PM	#3
Raceit Elite Explorer Overland Park, KS '91 Explorer 2DR 4WD XL Join Date: Aug 2000 Posts: 1,185 Vehicle Specs	I don't have any experience with those recovery cd's. But maybe something to try would be to try a couple of things. One thing is to use fdisk to remove all partition and completly have a blank hard drive, see if it will go with that. Then if that doesn't work simply creat a a primary partition and try that. Also what is the info the this pc? model number, etc. Hope that helps. __________________ -Steve The Kansas City Area Ford Explorers Club

11-14-2002, 08:41 PM	#4
ChuckyD Moderator Emeritus Elite Explorer ECX Member Oceanside, NY 03 4Runner SR5 Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 3,866 Vehicle Specs	Get a copy of an OS from sonewhere and use that for the install __________________ ChuckyD's Mugshot and Info.. NEW PICTURE!!!!!!!! 10/02 "We know what we are, but know not what we may be." -- William Shakespeare http://www.myspace.com/therealsicilian9

11-14-2002, 08:44 PM	#5
Jason_25 Elite Explorer ECX Member New Bern, NC '95 Explorer "Expedition" Join Date: Nov 2000 Posts: 5,349 Vehicle Specs	Doing what ChuckyD said is the best route. Get far far away from all that proprietary HP crap. If you don't wanna do that, try an fdisk /mbr and then do the recovery disk. __________________ 1995 Explorer "Expedition" 4.0 4x4 1987 Bronco II XLT 2.9 4x4 1988 Bronco II XLT 2.9 4x2 1997 Explorer XLT 5.0 4x2 My Truck

11-14-2002, 08:45 PM	#6
Hartman Elite Explorer Indianapolis, IN 1996 5.0 Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 8,444 Vehicle Specs	I have an HP, and when I reformatted my HD and installed Win2k, my recovery disc did not work because I had removed all the HP hardware that came with the computer. __________________ 1996 Explorer 5.0 V8 - TT/shackles, 31" BFG A/T - Registry thread 2005 Mustang GT - Sonic Blue

11-14-2002, 08:49 PM	#7
DeagleDave Wannabe Elite Explorer Mount Dora, FL '92 XLT Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 754 Vehicle Specs	well first mistake was getting an HP computer...way over priced. 2nd step open the closest window to the computer and gently pick it up and pitch it out the window! my grandfather bought an HP that thing is one problem after enougher and always me having to fix the POS. but if she needs it...do what chuckyd said. __________________ Dual Flowmaster 40 Series Exhaust, BBK TB, Throttle Cable Mod, Apten Chip, LowGlow Underbody Neons, KKM Intake, Jacobs 8.5mm Wires Double Platinum Motorcraft Plugs JVC El Kameleon CD Deck, 2 Pioneer 2ways, 2 Pioneer 3ways Coming Soon: 98 Cobra Rims & 2/3 drop

11-14-2002, 08:51 PM	#8
IAmTodd Explorer Addict Johnstown, PA 1994 Explorer XLT Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 8,769 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	I used fdisk, adn that really didn't help, i do have a copy of win98 from and old gateway we had, maybe i'll try that, its just a normal win98 cd, that shoud work, rite? __________________ 1994 Explorer XLT \| M5R1 swap \| 2" Lift \| 32" ProComp Mud Terrains 2006 Saab 9-3 Aero \| 2.8 Full pressure turbo \| 6MT \| 280whp/325wtq

11-14-2002, 08:59 PM	#9
DeagleDave Wannabe Elite Explorer Mount Dora, FL '92 XLT Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 754 Vehicle Specs	should work fine __________________ Dual Flowmaster 40 Series Exhaust, BBK TB, Throttle Cable Mod, Apten Chip, LowGlow Underbody Neons, KKM Intake, Jacobs 8.5mm Wires Double Platinum Motorcraft Plugs JVC El Kameleon CD Deck, 2 Pioneer 2ways, 2 Pioneer 3ways Coming Soon: 98 Cobra Rims & 2/3 drop

11-14-2002, 09:03 PM	#10
IAmTodd Explorer Addict Johnstown, PA 1994 Explorer XLT Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 8,769 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	well thats installed, i forgot i did that last nite, oops! and i had my friend bring me down a net card so i could hook it up to the dsl, but now i can't find drivers for the stupid card, now, when u start it up, its says first, that the pci slot 5 is doing something(i forget) and then they're 3 files missing for windows, right now i'm about to go out and buy XP and upgrade both computers! grrrrrrrrr TODD btw: its a pavilion 4440 __________________ 1994 Explorer XLT \| M5R1 swap \| 2" Lift \| 32" ProComp Mud Terrains 2006 Saab 9-3 Aero \| 2.8 Full pressure turbo \| 6MT \| 280whp/325wtq

11-14-2002, 09:07 PM	#11
DeagleDave Wannabe Elite Explorer Mount Dora, FL '92 XLT Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 754 Vehicle Specs	well man i'd go "find" XP before i went to buy it. make sure it works well on the machines otherwise it's just a big waste of cash. but xp will definately have all the drivers you need __________________ Dual Flowmaster 40 Series Exhaust, BBK TB, Throttle Cable Mod, Apten Chip, LowGlow Underbody Neons, KKM Intake, Jacobs 8.5mm Wires Double Platinum Motorcraft Plugs JVC El Kameleon CD Deck, 2 Pioneer 2ways, 2 Pioneer 3ways Coming Soon: 98 Cobra Rims & 2/3 drop

11-15-2002, 10:27 AM	#12
squd92expsp Elite Explorer Philly area, PA '92 X Sport, '06 Ranger Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 67 Vehicle Specs	Ummm..... Pavilion 4440 you say? Unless you have upgraded just about everything in it, it won't be able to run xp. (333Mhz, 64MB RAM, 4.3GB HDD). My opinion, rather than fixing a 4+ year old computer, it's time to get a new one. Also, xp doesn't have all the drivers that HP uses. We reformated my friends HP laptop without the recovery cd, and were never able to find working drivers to run his nic card.

11-15-2002, 06:07 PM	#13
IAmTodd Explorer Addict Johnstown, PA 1994 Explorer XLT Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 8,769 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	nothing has been upgraded, and she just lost her job, so no new one in the future. i'm gonna get a copy of 98 SE from a friend and see how that works. I sent a nasty email to support last night and finally got some answers, they said the new mother board needs tattoed or something like that, but its easier to explain over the phone, so i would have to pay the $30 to use the phone support so i don't know wat is going to happen w/this stupid computer. How can the smartest things in the world be so stupid? TODD __________________ 1994 Explorer XLT \| M5R1 swap \| 2" Lift \| 32" ProComp Mud Terrains 2006 Saab 9-3 Aero \| 2.8 Full pressure turbo \| 6MT \| 280whp/325wtq

11-15-2002, 08:36 PM	#16
IAmTodd Explorer Addict Johnstown, PA 1994 Explorer XLT Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 8,769 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	I would just keep running the version i have now, but it doesn't have any of the drivers I need. So i guess since XP won't work, SE is my only option. here is thier exact reply: Since you have changed the motherboard the recovery discs will not work on the PC. To be able to run the recovery discs on the PC you need to get the new motherboard tattooed. This cannot be done through E-mail. You will need to contact the HP Customer Care center, as they would be in a better position to assist you. You may refer to the previous correspondence to obtain information on contacting the HP Customer Care Center. there was some other crap after that, but theres the tatooing part. And to me, this seems like a scam to get me to pay the money to get help i hate screwy companies like this! TODD __________________ 1994 Explorer XLT \| M5R1 swap \| 2" Lift \| 32" ProComp Mud Terrains 2006 Saab 9-3 Aero \| 2.8 Full pressure turbo \| 6MT \| 280whp/325wtq

11-21-2002, 04:53 PM	#17
IAmTodd Explorer Addict Johnstown, PA 1994 Explorer XLT Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 8,769 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	well, I just got windows 98se installed and everything pretty much works, i just can't find the driver for the sound card, but thats the only trouble, so yay for todd! thanx for the help guys! TODD __________________ 1994 Explorer XLT \| M5R1 swap \| 2" Lift \| 32" ProComp Mud Terrains 2006 Saab 9-3 Aero \| 2.8 Full pressure turbo \| 6MT \| 280whp/325wtq

11-21-2002, 04:59 PM	#18
ahhjaws Moab Edition Explorer Ft. Collins, CO 1992 Explorer XLT Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 3,296 Vehicle Specs	It's scary that our computers are way more sophisticated than what they had on the apollo missions. __________________ Chris Four Wheelin: An insane, incontrollable human psychological, pathological problem. Facebook Never Forget "I brake for.....Oh sh!t! No brakes!"