i was using a boot disc created when i first got the pc, and the ultimate upgrade cd which was out of the box retail, the original was OEM preinstalled. but problem solved, took it to a local tech shop, kid popped a disc in, got my HDD to boot windows (in a very rough shape) but good enough to run the MOBO drivers disc, and access a LAN to DL all the other needed drivers etc. New MOBO did mess up some of my licenses and authentications. i am unable to use any HP services or for example media smart dvd for blu ray, as that was part of the hp package. had to relicense photoshop, but the pc is running, from amd + foxconn to Intel + asus with old HDD. =)