HP System Restore hangs, and questions

I'm currently using linux, but I need a copy of windows to use UsbSnoop on a driver. However, I broke my Vista partition while resizing it.

I only have a set of HP restore disks. When I boot them, it seems to freeze after showing the status bar. (No HDD or DVD activity.)

Is it supposed to hang for that long?

And does the restore software let you restore everything to a specific partition, or does it want to overwrite the whole drive?

And, if I get a copy of the Win Vista installation media, will I be able to use the OEM key on the sticker under my laptop?

Thanks.

 

Is it supposed to hang for that long?

If it hangs for more than 20-30 minutes then something is probably wrong.

And does the restore software let you restore everything to a specific partition, or does it want to overwrite the whole drive?

I'm not too sure on that one. The business class machines give you that option, so there's a decent chance that you do as well. Backup your important data first, just in case.

And, if I get a copy of the Win Vista installation media, will I be able to use the OEM key on the sticker under my laptop?

Yes, but keep in mind that you probably will have to install the 32bit version of Vista. My understanding is that OEM licenses are for either 32 or 64. For instance: I have a retail version of Vista...my license is good for one 32 or one 64 (I choose). If it's OEM (like yours), if it's licensed for 32 that's what you get. 64 will cost you another license.

 

Using the restore DVDs will erase the entire hard drive, and bring it back to factory specs, including the useless recovery partition.

 

I had issues when restoring my notebook with the disks (XP) and it hung sometimes during the windows part others with the drivers - sent it back to hp - and thats another long story

 

OEM Vista keys are valid for both 32 and 64 bit editions. You just need the appropriate installation media. The keys will work. If they fail, you can simply call the 24 hour phone activation to get a valid key.

 

Oh, just for the record, I got it to work. I had to download a Win XP Live bootdisk to run CHKDISK. I don't get why these laptops can't come with installation media; mine came bundled with something I could use to upgrade my Vista version.

But you can be quite sure that I'm making an image of the drive in case I have to "restore" it.

 

yea I also had problems with the drivers but after trying in a few times (like 10) it finally worked