i have a HP LS1200 MCE system which went bang due to my kids and putting/spilling a drink on it

as my system is dead and out of warrenty i was wondering could i use a method like to use my recovery disk on another machine as i like MCE2005 ?

i know the hardware would be different but is it possible as i own the software could i bastardise it to use on another machine ?

if it is possible could someone explain in plain laymens terms how im not too clued up on this sort of thing

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on my recovery disc i have 3 folders i368, RELOAD, SMIMG

i386 = 742mb

RELOAD = 807mb

SMIMG = 497mb

i can see all files inside the folders too am hopeing i can still use it on another system so its not a complete loss

when i put it into my system it says "your system is supported" or something on those lines.

can anyone help ?

Hi M8.

To ans your question no i don't think u can install it back on another pc.

It is an image of ure hdd and not an install of windows.

It will fail i think under the significant change of hardware rule.

When u bought the original computer did they supply u with a Licence Key for MCE?

U may be able to download a copy and use ure ligit key to install it again.

Pls note this is not an illegal activity.

You pay for the licence and not the actual software.

If not the only suggestion i have is to get an OEM copy of windows from somewhere.

OEM copies r much cheaper than Retail.

Smaller retailers may sell u one over the counter.

Larger retailers will be willing to sell u one but only if u buy a piece of hardware as well.

Have a look at prices at Watford/Electronics.

yes, i got a key on the back of my system and i've also done that trick about getting the key of the dvdr also

was just hopeing it could be done without faffing around getting another oem disk

goddam HP,M$ and 1yr warrenties lol