Little known facts regarding Recovery or Restore Cds

All reputable recovery sets contain a copy of the Operating System and the Drivers for a particular set of computer models. Some listings state "Will work on any HP or Compaq" This is simply not true. HP computers are individually tattooed with a particular build number. When you place the recovery cd in the cd drive, the computers eprom chip looks for a matching build number on the cd. If it matches the system will start the restore process, if not, It will tell you the cds are incorrect or not for this system.

If a seller states "You don't need a Microsoft Product Key or COA"  BEWARE!!  Under normal circumstances when using a recovery set you are not prompted for the product key, However if you had to replace the hard drive or the recovery set contains a newer version (or build) of your operating system, (Example: XP Home, XP Home SP1, XP Home SP1a, XP Home SP2) there is an extremely good chance it will require the product key and/or activation.

Before buying or bidding on recovery sets ask the seller if the set is actually compatible with your system. Give them the make and model of your PC/laptop.

Most Desktop and older laptop recovery sets come in multi disc sets that are numbered in order of installation. Whereas newer laptop sets for HP/Compaq have separate disc's for the Operating system and the Drivers. The Drivers disc is NOT compatible with every model that the Operating System CD is, I cannot stress this fact enough!

VERY IMPORTANT!!!

Check to see if there is a list of the systems that the DRIVER CD is compatible with, not just the Operating System CD. If not ask the seller to post it or email you a copy. If they can not or will not they probably do not even know whether they will work.

If a seller uses the term "OEM" meaning Original Equipment Manufacturer then you should receive an original set, not a burned copy with a paper label or lightscribed (gold colored).

Using the term OEM and selling a burned copy is fraud. Demand your money back and report them to ebay.