Because of some problems I want to do a complete system restore, meaning wiping everything out and start new, I have never done this before and can surely use some help so not to screw things up. I have a HP Media Center PCm7330n, running xp media center 2005, of course this computer did not come with its own restore cd, it has a d partition that holds files that lets you download your own recovery disc, its a one time option which I have done. Now I'm no computer geek, far from it, but I also read that I will need a product key to do a re-install so I read anyway, now when you use to but computers with thier own restore cd's they did have key numbers on the cd or the sleeve, but now that you have to burn your own there is no product key, so how do I get my product key, its kind of amazing to me that HP didnt even explain this anywhere in my manual or anywhere else. Also, dont forget, I have a d partion drive that came with this computer and of course that d just holds the option to burn your own restore cd, now that I have burned the restore cd from d drive partion its useless now, so what do I do after trying to make a restore if it ask's me to I want to keep the d partition or not, I'm asking this cause I read about it an a forum. So before I do this, can somebody please help me to make sure I do this right, are there important do's and dont's to this, if somebody can help me with a step by step info I would really appreciate it. thanks.
the cd key should be included in the manual, or on a sticker located on the computer somewhere. (on the side or back usually) if not, get in contact with HP and ask for a replacement key. i don't think it would let you delete it, but if does give you that option, i would advise against it.
First before you do anything, get a hard disk imaging program to backup you c: drive partition. I recommend true image, that has worked good for me. Make an image of your c: partition and save it on an external drive or on DVD media "if the partition is small"(use verbatim 16+ or sony 16+). The reason this is important is because if something bad happens, at least you can reload the image and your computer will be exactly as it was before you tried anything. (even if you reformatted the hard drive, the backup image will save you). Also try and backup your d: partition(if you have the space), before you delete it. Just in case you ever need it. But however you proceed, backup your c: partition. If you can't backup your hard drive, remove that hard drive, and use a different hard drive to install windows. You might want to check the case of your computer, sometimes when windows is preinstalled, they put a sticker on the computer case with the serial number that was used to install windows on that computer.
